Things to do in Villagrande Strisaili
Things to do in Villagrande Strisaili, Sardinia: Lake Flumendosa, Sothai waterfall, Nuragic sites, Santa Barbara park and the village of centenarians.
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Villagrande Strisaili is a village in upper Ogliastra, at around 700 metres on the southern slopes of the Gennargentu, bordering the Barbagia region. Its territory, among the largest in Sardinia, holds ancient woods, Lake Alto Flumendosa, waterfalls and dozens of Nuragic sites. It is world-famous for longevity, with one of the highest concentrations of people over 100 relative to births. It is the right place if you love wild nature, archaeology and mountain cooking.
What to see in Villagrande Strisaili
Santa Barbara park
A large woodland with the country church of Santa Barbara and centuries-old oaks. Across the territory there are giants' tombs, seventeen nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers) and ten Nuragic villages.
S'Arcu 'e is Forros
In the hamlet of Villanova Strisaili, near the lake, this site includes a three-lobed nuraghe, huts, two well temples and a megaron temple; the original altar is in Nuoro's archaeological museum, with a copy on site. Nearby are domus de janas (rock-cut tombs) and the menhir Sa Pred'e s'Orcu.
Other archaeological sites
The Troculu complex (two nuraghi, a village and a giants' tomb) and Sa Carcaredda, with four giants' tombs and a rare temple in antis.
Village churches
The parish church of San Gabriele and the smaller church of Santu Giaccu in the centre.
Things to do in Villagrande Strisaili
The area is a paradise for hiking: a forestry trail leads to the Sothai waterfall, a drop of about 70 metres into the Bau Vigo canyon; at Villanova Strisaili you can explore the Pirincanes gorge and the Rio 'e Forru falls. Hike around Lake Alto Flumendosa, look for mouflon and golden eagles, or drive over the Correboi pass, Sardinia's highest road pass. To experience these mountains with people who know them, check the local operators' experiences just below.
History
The area has been inhabited since pre-Nuragic and Nuragic times, as its many monuments show. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari, then passed to Gallura and Pisa, and from 1363 to the Carroz family's County of Quirra, which became a marquisate in 1603. It was freed from feudal rule in 1839.
What to eat and buy
The star product is the local prosciutto (cured ham). Try is gathulis, fried potato and cheese rings, culurgiones, maccarrones pasta, sa thipula fritters, pistocu bread, roast meats and the sweet sa paniscedda. Crafts include woodwork, wrought iron and hand-loomed blankets and rugs.
Festivals and traditions
- Sant'Antonio Abate and San Sebastiano, January: bonfires open the year.
- Palm Sunday: a procession between the village's two churches.
- Santa Barbara, early July: a festival in the park.
- San Gabriele, patron saint, 1 August.
Nearby
- Arzana: Ruinas Nuragic village and the Gennargentu.
- Fonni, beyond the Correboi pass, in the heart of the Barbagia.
- Lanusei: the cathedral and Seleni wood.
- Tortolì-Arbatax: the sea.
Getting there and when to go
The village is on the SS389, which climbs from Tortolì and Lotzorai and continues to Nuoro over the Correboi pass. Arbatax port and Tortolì airport are about 40 minutes away; Olbia about two hours. The Villagrande Trenino Verde station is about 8 km from the village. Spring, summer and early autumn are best for hiking; snow is possible in winter.
FAQ
Why is Villagrande famous for longevity?
Since the Second World War it has recorded over thirty centenarians aged 100+, one of the world's highest rates relative to births.
How do you reach the Sothai waterfall?
On a trail built by the forestry agency; wear hiking boots or go with a guide.
How many days do you need?
At least two for the lake, waterfalls and archaeological sites.
