Things to do in Talana
Things to see and do in Talana, a mountain village in Ogliastra, Sardinia: nuraghi, rock-cut tombs, hiking, cured ham, culurgiones and village feasts.
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Talana is a mountain village in Ogliastra, east-central Sardinia. Its houses sit at around 700 metres and look out to sea, about 25 km from Tortolì and Arbatax. Behind it lie woods, gorges and granite plateaus climbing towards the Gennargentu. It's a place for walkers, nuraghe hunters and anyone who enjoys honest food in a village still shaped by shepherding and tradition — and a peaceful break from the Ogliastra coast.
Things to see in Talana
The old village
The centre keeps its old layout: narrow uphill lanes, stairways and tall houses, some built of grey granite. Along the way you'll find old fountains such as Gillaoro and Funtana 'e Idda (the village fountain).
Church of Santa Marta
The parish church, from the early 19th century, is dedicated to the patron saint and holds 16th-century wooden statues.
Country church of Sant'Efisio
On the plain below the village stands the little church of Sant'Efisio, destination of the spring procession.
Nuraghi and domus de janas
In the Nuragic age this land was busy: around seventy settlements have been counted, often on rocky spurs. The nuraghe s'Arcu 'e s'Apiargiu is one of the best preserved, while the Nuragic village of Praidas lies above 1,000 metres on the plateau. Older still are the domus de janas (rock-cut tombs, literally “fairy houses”) of Silla Caccari.
Things to do in Talana
This is hiking country: waymarked trails cross woods such as Funtana 'e Filigi and the valley of Coa 'e Serra, with viewpoints and walls of pink granite. Above the village the plateau rises to Punta Genziana, which locals call Orrunori (about 1,500 m). Experienced visitors can try canyoning among rapids and small waterfalls, always with a guide. In the village you can discover weaving, wrought iron and shepherds' cooking. Scroll down: you'll find hikes and experiences offered by local operators, ready to book.
History
The domus de janas show people here before the Nuragic age, and the many nuraghi point to a densely settled land. In the Middle Ages Talana belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari, in the Ogliastra district; after 1258 it passed to Gallura and Pisa. Under the Aragonese it joined the county, later marquisate, of Quirra, until feudal rights were bought out in 1839.
Food and shopping
Try culurgiones, Ogliastra's ravioli sealed with a wheat-ear pleat, and roast meats with local cheeses. Talana is known for its cured ham, olive oil and Cannonau red wine. For souvenirs, look for local textiles and wrought-iron pieces.
Festivals and traditions
- Sant'Efisio: procession to the country church on the first Sunday of May.
- Santa Marta piccola (the “small” feast): late July.
- Ham fair: late July to early August.
- Santa Marta manna (the “great” feast): early September.
- San Michele: late September.
Nearby
- Urzulei, a few kilometres away, gateway to the Supramonte.
- Villagrande Strisaili and Lake Bau Muggeris, among woods and mountains.
- The Gennargentu, with Punta La Marmora, Sardinia's highest peak.
- Tortolì and Arbatax, with the Red Rocks and the coast's beaches.
Getting there and when to go
The nearest port is Arbatax; the main airports are Olbia and Cagliari, each a little over two hours' drive. From the SS 125 coastal road, a provincial road climbs to Talana from Lotzorai. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking; in summer the village is cool and festive, with the sea about half an hour away.
FAQ
Is Talana by the sea?
No, it's a mountain village, but the beaches of Lotzorai and Tortolì are about 30 minutes by car.
How many days do you need for Talana?
One day covers the village and surroundings; two or three let you add hikes and Nuragic sites.
Is Talana good for families?
Yes, for nature-loving families: easy walks, fresh air and village feasts. Tougher routes are best done with a guide.
