Things to do in Villanova Monteleone

Villanova Monteleone is a village of about 2,000 people at almost 600 metres, in the hills behind Alghero between Logudoro and Planargia. The view stretches over the Coral Riviera, and in a few kilometres you go from cork oak woods to a wild stretch of coast. It is worth visiting for its archaeology, hand-woven rugs and a landscape of mountains, springs and viewpoints. Ideal for hikers, families and anyone who wants to mix sea and inland Sardinia.

What to see in Villanova Monteleone

The village and its churches

The parish church of San Leonardo, in Gothic-Aragonese style and reworked in the 18th century, holds wooden altars; nearby are the Rosario church and the Santa Croce oratory. About 3 km away stands the country sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Interrios.

The ethnographic museum

Housed in the 19th-century Palatu 'e sas Iscolas, the old school building, the museum tells the story of village life, trades and weaving.

Nuraghe Appiu and Puttu Codinu

In the Monte Cuccu park, among cork and holm oaks, the Appiu complex includes a multi-towered nuraghe (Bronze Age stone tower), a hut village, a giants' tomb and a megaron temple. The Puttu Codinu necropolis has Neolithic rock tombs carved with bull horns; the area also holds the giants' tomb of Laccaneddu and dozens of domus de janas (rock-cut tombs).

Monte Minerva

An ancient volcano with a flat, wooded top and rock tombs on its slopes: a great place to walk.

Things to do in Villanova Monteleone

The area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking around Monte Minerva, Monte Cuccu and springs such as Su Cantaru and Su Paradisu; Lake Temo is close by. The scenic Scala Piccada road winds down to Alghero with sweeping views of the bay. Visit a weaving workshop to see a rug take shape on the loom, discover basket weaving or go horse riding in a village linked to the Sardinian Anglo-Arab horse. Find the experiences offered by local operators just below.

Beaches of Villanova Monteleone

The municipality reaches the sea at Poglina, about 16 km from the village, on the high, wild coast between Alghero and Bosa. It is a rocky cove with clear water, overlooked by the ruins of a Spanish tower and close to the little Speranza church: ideal if you like quiet, unspoilt beaches with few facilities.

History

Inhabited since the Neolithic and in Nuragic times, the area belonged in the Middle Ages to the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Torres and then to the Doria family. In 1436 the people of the castle of Monteleone Rocca Doria moved to the hamlet of Villanova, hence the name, “new town of Monteleone”. In 1582 it suffered a violent Barbary raid. It remained a fief until 1839.

Food and shopping

Villanova is famous for rugs and tapestries woven on horizontal looms, with geometric patterns in yellow, black and red. Baskets and carved wood are also made here. On the table: sheep's cheese and lamb, the stars of the summer festival.

Festivals and traditions

On 11 June the village honours its patron, San Leonardo. Early August brings the Sagra della pecora (sheep festival); late August the feast of St John the Baptist, linked to the village's origins, and early September the feast of Nostra Signora di Interrios.

Nearby

• Monteleone Rocca Doria: the hilltop village the founders came from.
• Putifigari: the painted rock tomb of S'Incantu.
• Alghero: about 25 km, with its walls and Catalan old town.
• Bosa: the scenic coast road to the south.

Getting there and when to go

Alghero-Fertilia airport is about 35 minutes by car; the nearest port is Porto Torres. Spring is ideal for walking, summer for combining beach and festivals, autumn for the woods.

FAQ

How many days do I need for Villanova Monteleone?

One day for the village, museum and Nuraghe Appiu; two if you add Monte Minerva and the sea at Poglina.

Does Villanova Monteleone have a beach?

Yes, Poglina, about 16 km from the centre.

Is it good for families?

Yes: cool summers, open-air archaeological sites and festivals appeal to all ages.