Tonara: Discover Forests, Festivals and Mountain Landscapes

Tonara Between Forest and Highland

Tonara has a distinct mountain profile: the built-up area lies at around 860 to 1,030 metres above sea level. At the same time, about 90 percent of the municipal area is covered by dense forests in which chestnut, hazelnut, holm oak, downy oak and holly trees grow. This combination of settlement and wooded landscape gives you two concrete perspectives on the town when planning your trip.

The mountain ridge of Tonara reaches an elevation of around 1,499 to 1,500 metres at Punta Giuanni Fais. From Tonara, routes for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding lead to the higher peaks. If you would like to combine your stay with activity in the mountain landscape, this therefore offers a clear focus outside the historic districts.

Festivals, Craftsmanship and Local Traditions

The Sagra del Torrone takes place every year at Easter, on Easter Monday, and is accompanied by folk performances. The festival also includes the Campanaccio d’oro, a competition among Tonara’s craftsmen to make livestock and herd bells. The festival thus combines culinary tradition and local craftsmanship in a shared event.

During Autunno in Barbagia, the historic districts of Toneri, Teliseri and Arasulè take turns hosting the event. They present local products as well as the town’s traditions. The programme of the 2026 Sagra del Torrone also included the traditional production of torrone and livestock bells at the ovens of sa forredda.

Churches and Mural Art in the Districts

The church of Santa Anastasia was built at the turn of the late 13th and early 14th centuries and features three pointed arches in the Gothic style. The church of Sant’Antonio da Padova preserves murals and other artworks from around 1750, attributed to the school of Pietro and Gregorio Are.

The church of Santa Maria is located in the higher part of the Arasulè district and was restored recently. Tonara’s mural art forms a tour through the districts and conveys the town’s identity as well as the connection between past and present. This gives you a cultural way to experience the town that is not limited to a single building.

Early Traces and Routes Through the Landscape

The Domus de Janas Is Forreddos dates from around 3200 to 3000 BC and consists of three interconnected rooms. Another historical reference point is the Funtana ‘e Latzarinu spring, which dates from the 18th century and once served as a resting place for farmers.

When choosing a hotel for your stay, you can therefore weigh up different interests: Would you like to focus on churches, historic districts, mural art and festivals, or are you more drawn to the routes from Tonara to the higher peaks? Both focuses are connected to specific places in the town.

More Destinations

If you would like to expand your travel plans: Bitti, Lodè, Birori, Cala Liberotto, Sarule, Austis, Oliena, Silanus

For the higher-level travel overview: Nuoro.