Villanova Strisaili: Highland, Nuraghi and Nature on the Gennargentu
Accommodation in Villanova Strisaili
Villanova Strisaili is located on a high plateau on the southern slopes of the Gennargentu. At 850 metres above sea level, the town lies at the foot of the Gennargentu. Its highland setting provides the geographical framework for a journey where landscapes, archaeology and regional culture stand closely alongside one another.
Highland landscape and regional context
Villanova Strisaili is part of the Ogliastra Blue Zone. This is considered one of five regions with particularly high proportions of long-lived people among its population. When planning your trip, this classification may be a reason to view the town not only through its landscape, but also through regional ways of life.
The mountains of Bruncu Predabes, Monte Luas, Bruncu Cerina and Monte Orguda are located in the vicinity of Villanova Strisaili. Together with the high plateau and the Gennargentu, they describe the town’s surrounding landscape, without requiring a specific route or hike.
Archaeological traces around Villanova Strisaili
The Sa Carcaredda archaeological site is located near Villanova Strisaili at an altitude of 800 metres and offers views of Perda Liana and the Gennargentu massif. In a holm oak forest, there are six giants’ tombs and a circular Nuragic temple.
The Troculu complex is also located in the vicinity of Villanova Strisaili. It comprises two nuraghi, a village and a well-preserved giants’ tomb. The historic site of Nuraghe Pauli Gosti is also nearby. Other historic sites in the area include Stazione di Arzana, Nuraghe sa Pèntuma and Nuraghe Unturgiadore.
Water, a lake and a religious pilgrimage route
Bau Mela is one of the attractions in the vicinity of Villanova Strisaili. The natural waterfalls of Bau Mela form cool, atmospheric pools that are easily accessible for swimming. Alongside the archaeological sites, this provides a specific natural location with water as another focus for possible day-trip planning.
Lago dell’alto Flumendosa is just a few minutes from Villanova Strisaili. The town is also a stop on the Cammino di San Giorgio vescovo, a religious pilgrimage route that is still under development. This combination of a lake, mountain landscape and religious route may be of interest if you would like to combine cultural impressions with nature-related themes.
Festival in June
San Basilio Magno is celebrated in Villanova Strisaili on the third Sunday in June. Together with Sa Carcaredda, Troculu and the historic sites in the surrounding area, this creates a multifaceted picture of the highland destination.
When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Villanova Strisaili, you can therefore first weigh up your personal priorities: archaeological sites and historic locations, water and the lake, or the religious and cultural side of the town. The facts point to different interests without reducing Villanova Strisaili to just one type of trip.
Further destinations for your trip planning: Santa Maria Navarrese, Tertenia, Elini, Jerzu, Gairo Sant'Elena, Loceri, Marina Di Gairo and Lotzorai.
To the higher-level travel overview: Ogliastra.
