Villagrande Strisaili

Villagrande Strisaili is a mountain village surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Gennargentu range, which shelter it from strong winds. Myrtle and rosemary scent the crisp mountain air in a landscape of centuries-old woods and clear springs that still feels remarkably unspoilt. Set on the slopes of Monte Suana, the village overlooks the Ogliastra plain and offers sweeping views towards the Gulf of Arbatax.

Among deep gorges, Nuragic villages and megalithic sacred sites, the area tells a story stretching back to prehistoric Sardinia. Even today, in the streets of the centre, you may see elderly local women wearing sa hunnedda, the traditional costume. Villagrande Strisaili lies within Sardinia’s Blue Zone and holds a world record associated with male longevity.

The beautiful Santa Barbara Forest preserves important traces of prehistoric settlement among centuries-old holm oaks and streams: seven Giants’ Tombs, another megalithic tomb, 17 nuraghi and ten Nuragic villages. The forest is also home to wildlife including wild boar, mouflon and golden eagles. It is ideal for nature lovers and anyone looking for clean air and a quiet break. Picnic areas, places to eat and guided excursions are available in parts of the forest.

Waterfalls near Villagrande Strisaili

A pleasant walk through dense vegetation leads to the striking Sothai Waterfalls, where water drops for around 70 metres from a high granite wall into the Bau Vigo canyon. The territory of Villagrande Strisaili is also home to the beautiful Baumela Waterfalls.

Nuragic sites in Villagrande Strisaili

At the foot of the Gennargentu lies the area’s most important Nuragic site: S’Arcu ’e is Forrus, near Lake Flumendosa. Surrounded by granite, porphyry and schist, this Nuragic temple complex includes a large sanctuary village and three megaron temples associated with water worship. It was also a major metallurgical centre in Nuragic Sardinia and an important hub for trade with Etruria. A single-tower nuraghe and a Giants’ Tomb stand nearby.

Traditional food in Villagrande Strisaili

Potatoes feature heavily in Villagrande’s traditional cuisine. Local dishes include culurgiones filled with potato and sheep’s or goat’s cheese; gathulis, ring-shaped fritters made with potato and cheese; sa turredda cun curcuriga, a flatbread with pumpkin, potato, onion and lard; su pistoccu, still often baked at home in wood-fired ovens; sa paniscedda, a pastry sweet with honey, raisins and almonds; and, of course, seadas.

The Feast of Santa Barbara, held on the second Sunday of July, is one of the events most deeply felt by the local community. Much of the celebration takes place in the forest dedicated to the saint, where a solemn procession ends after riders in traditional dress, folk groups and the statue of Santa Barbara travel to the small country church on a decorated ox-drawn cart.