Points of interest

Musei is a small municipality in southwestern Sardinia, located in the Sulcis area, surrounded by gentle hills, vineyards, and rural landscapes that reflect an agricultural and tranquil Sardinia. Far from mass tourism, the village offers an authentic experience shaped by traditions, a slow pace of life, and a strong connection to the land.

The area preserves important historical evidence, including nuraghi, domus de janas, and remains of Punic and Roman settlements, attesting to millennia of human presence. Village life is closely linked to agriculture, shepherding, and rural activities that have long characterized Sulcis. The historic center, compact and orderly, maintains a familiar atmosphere with simple houses, quiet squares, and a community life marked by religious and popular festivals that keep local traditions alive.

Musei’s agricultural landscape is ideal for lovers of slow and sustainable tourism: walks among fields and vineyards, visits to farms and local wineries, allow travelers to discover a discreet yet charming territory. The gastronomy reflects this rural vocation, with authentic dishes based on local products, cheeses, traditional bread, and typical Sulcis wines.

In this context, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity is particularly important. In Musei, several guardians work to safeguard local traditional legumes: Cocco Antonello, Pireddu Fulvio, and Secci Claudia protect the White-Flowered Chickpea of Musei; Portas Giovanni preserves both the White-Flowered and Purple-Flowered Chickpea of Musei; Franzina Simone Pietro and Pisano Doriano care for the White-Flowered Chickpea, the Purple-Flowered Chickpea, and the Black Lentil of Calasetta. Thanks to their dedication, these precious native legumes continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations, keeping Musei’s agricultural and cultural identity alive.

Lotzorai is a small and charming municipality in central-eastern Sardinia, situated between the crystal-clear waters of Ogliastra and the first foothills of the inland mountains. The territory, flat and fertile, stretches from the mouth of the Rio Pramaera to a low, sandy coastline, characterized by wide beaches and gently sloping seabeds—ideal for families and anyone who enjoys spending time in nature.

Lotzorai’s coastline is among the most accessible in Ogliastra, offering stunning views of the Ogliastra islet and the high limestone cliffs that close the horizon to the south. The beaches, less crowded than those in more well-known locations, maintain a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a simple and genuine seaside experience.

Behind the coast lies an agricultural landscape of vineyards, orchards, and citrus groves, reflecting the village’s rural vocation. The town center, compact and orderly, retains a discreet character, with quiet squares and a strong sense of community. The surrounding area preserves important archaeological traces, including nuraghi and remains of ancient settlements, bearing witness to millennia of human presence.

In this context of strong connection to the land and local traditions, the preservation of animal biodiversity is particularly important. In Lotzorai, Monica Arzu works as a guardian of the Sardinian Donkey, dedicated to protecting this native breed. Thanks to her efforts, a precious genetic and cultural heritage is preserved, helping to maintain the rural and agricultural identity of the territory and pass on an authentic, deeply rooted tradition to future generations.

Laconi is a picturesque inland village in Sardinia, located in the historic region of Sarcidano at the foot of the Gennargentu massif. Nestled in a landscape of hills, forests, and natural springs, it is known for its green and peaceful character—ideal for those wishing to discover a Sardinia far from the sea but rich in charm, history, and spirituality.

At the heart of the village lies Parco Aymerich, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful historic gardens. Covering over twenty hectares, it features centuries-old holm oaks, exotic plants, streams, waterfalls, and paths leading to the ruins of a medieval castle, offering an immersive experience in both nature and historic landscape.

Laconi is deeply connected to Saint Ignatius of Laconi, one of the island’s most venerated saints, born here in the 18th century. The sanctuary and other sites dedicated to him attract numerous pilgrims every year, making Laconi an important center for religious tourism. The historic center retains an authentic atmosphere, with stone houses, quiet streets, and notable churches, while the surrounding territory is rich in ancient archaeological evidence.

Alongside its natural and cultural heritage, Laconi plays an important role in biodiversity conservation. Local guardians work to preserve native animal breeds: Ignazio Cogoni, breeder and custodian of the Sardinian cow and the Sardo-Bruna cow, and Claudia Cogoni, guardian of the Sardinian donkey. Their work helps safeguard a valuable genetic heritage and keeps alive the agro-pastoral traditions that form a fundamental part of the local identity.

Fluminimaggiore is a municipality in southwestern Sardinia, nestled between mountains, green valleys, and a rugged, wild coastline overlooking the Sea of Sardinia. The town stretches along the course of the Mannu River and maintains a strong connection to its mining history, which for over a century shaped both the landscape and the identity of the local community.

The surrounding area is characterized by limestone ridges, holm oak forests, and Mediterranean scrub, crossed by numerous trails ideal for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding. Among the most notable natural sites are the Su Mannau Caves, one of Sardinia’s most important karst complexes, used since ancient times as a Nuragic sanctuary and today appreciated for its extraordinary beauty.

The municipality extends to the coast, where Portixeddu Beach offers a wide stretch of golden sand washed by clear, often windy waters—popular among surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby cliffs and coves provide pristine, lightly frequented environments, perfect for those seeking silence and direct contact with nature. The area also preserves important archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Antas, dedicated to the god Sardus Pater, set in a lush and evocative valley.

In this context of strong connection to the land, the preservation of local agricultural biodiversity is especially important. In Fluminimaggiore, dedicated custodians work to protect traditional varieties: Martino Liscia, guardian of the White Bean of Fluminimaggiore and the White Corn (Maize), and Annalisa Congia, guardian of the White Bean of Fluminimaggiore. Thanks to their efforts, this valuable agricultural heritage continues to be preserved and passed on, helping to maintain the rural and cultural identity of the territory.

Dorgali is a charming town in central-eastern Sardinia, nestled between the mountains of the Supramonte and the clear waters of the Gulf of Orosei. Its territory, one of the largest and most diverse on the island, contains a natural heritage of extraordinary beauty, featuring limestone plateaus, deep canyons, karst caves, forests, and some of the most spectacular coasts in the Mediterranean.

The town maintains a strong cultural identity, visible in its folk traditions, costumes, and local crafts. Woodworking, leatherworking, and carpet-making reflect ancient knowledge passed down through generations. The historic center, with its stone houses, inner courtyards, and notable churches such as Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, tells the story of a community deeply connected to its roots.

From the municipal territory, visitors can reach iconic sites such as the Gorropu Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe, and inland caves, while the coastline reveals stunning spots like Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, and Cala Cartoe, characterized by white cliffs and turquoise waters. The area is ideal for hiking, caving, climbing, and outdoor activities, where nature and adventure coexist in perfect harmony.

In this context of deep connection to the land, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity plays a fundamental role. In Dorgali, key custodians safeguard traditional varieties: Maria Salvatorina Ignazia Patteri preserves numerous fruit varieties, including the Appiu Apple, Miali Apple, Trempa Orrùbia Apple, Pira Bau Pear, and the various Camusina Pears of Bonarcado, Sassari, and Vallermosa; Cristina Lai is the guardian of the Ogliastrina Olive. Thanks to their dedication, this valuable agricultural heritage continues to be protected and passed on, helping to maintain the rural and cultural identity of Dorgali.

Domus de Maria is a municipality in southwestern Sardinia, located just a few kilometers from Pula and set in a territory of extraordinary natural beauty, where the countryside meets one of the island’s most pristine coastal areas. The village retains an authentic, rural character, deeply connected to agro-pastoral traditions and the slow pace of life typical of small Sardinian towns.

The municipal territory extends to the Chia coastline, famous for its bright white sandy beaches, wind-shaped dunes, and sea with intense shades of turquoise and emerald. Iconic beaches such as Su Giudeu, Cala Cipolla, and Porto Campana are set within a highly valuable natural environment, often accompanied by lagoons inhabited by pink flamingos and lush Mediterranean scrub.

Much of the area is part of the Chia Park, a protected natural area offering scenic trails, hiking routes, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, birdwatching, cycling, and water sports. The territory also preserves important historical evidence, from inland nuraghi to Phoenician and Roman traces along the coast, while the town itself maintains a strong community identity with low houses and cozy squares.

In this context of deep connection to the land, the preservation of local agricultural biodiversity plays a crucial role. In Domus de Maria, Paolo Atzeri, Pierluigi Cara, Andrea Cara, and Davide Carta serve as custodians of the Figu Niedda de Chia, a traditional fig variety that is strongly tied to the identity of the area. Thanks to their dedication, this valuable agricultural heritage continues to be preserved and passed on, helping safeguard the rural and cultural identity of the community.

Domus de Maria, in southwestern Sardinia, combines rural tradition with unspoiled nature. Its territory includes the iconic beaches of Chia, with white dunes, lagoons with flamingos, and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation and authentic Sardinian experiences.

Castelsardo is one of Sardinia’s most charming villages, perched on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Asinara in the north of the island. Founded in the 13th century by the Genoese Doria family, the town has preserved the allure of a medieval citadel by the sea, where history, spectacular views, and centuries-old traditions blend harmoniously.

The historic center revolves around the Doria Castle, an imposing fortress that still dominates the town and houses the Mediterranean Weaving Museum. From here, a maze of cobbled streets, stairways, and arches leads to panoramic squares, artisan workshops, and ancient stone houses, offering stunning views of the sea and coastline.

Castelsardo is renowned for its artisanal tradition, particularly the ancient craft of palm-fiber basket weaving, passed down through generations and now one of the village’s iconic symbols. The religious heritage is also significant, represented by the Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abate, with its distinctive dome-topped bell tower dominating the town’s skyline.

The surrounding area offers picturesque beaches and coves such as Lu Bagnu, along with scenic trails connecting the village to the coast and inland areas. Castelsardo is also famous for traditional events with deep symbolic value, including the Holy Week rituals, among the most intense and widely attended in Sardinia.

Within this rich historical and cultural context, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity plays a crucial role. In Castelsardo, Mario Tirotto serves as a custodian farmer of the Gioghedda Bean of Castelsardo, a traditional variety deeply connected to the territory. Thanks to his dedication, this valuable agricultural heritage continues to be preserved and promoted, helping to maintain the rural and cultural identity of the village.

Carloforte is a charming village on San Pietro Island, in southwestern Sardinia, about 60 km from Carbonia. With around 6,000 inhabitants, the town is famous for its pastel-colored houses, cobbled streets, and lively atmosphere that blends maritime traditions with Ligurian culture, inherited from the Tabarchino settlers who arrived from Tabarca in the 17th century.

The historic center is a maze of alleys opening onto the harbor, the pulsating heart of town life, where fishermen dock their boats every day and restaurants serve local specialties based on tuna, shellfish, and other seafood. The colorful façades, flowered balconies, and inner courtyards tell the story of a community proud of its Mediterranean roots.

Carloforte boasts a strong gastronomic tradition, with a particular focus on tuna processing and the preparation of traditional sweets such as cucuruzza and Tabarchino cookies. The annual Tuna Festival attracts visitors from across the island and abroad, celebrating the deep bond between the community and the sea.

The surrounding beaches, such as La Bobba and Guidi, offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters, while scenic trails and nature paths allow visitors to explore cliffs plunging into the sea, hidden coves, and the Mediterranean scrub covering the inland hills. Carloforte is therefore a true paradise for sailing, snorkeling, and trekking enthusiasts.

Within this area of great natural and cultural value, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity plays a crucial role. In Carloforte, Erica Di Pasqua works as a custodian farmer of Facussa (Cucumis melo L.), a traditional local melon variety. Thanks to her dedication, this native crop continues to be preserved and promoted, helping to keep the island’s agricultural and cultural identity alive and passing on a unique and valuable rural heritage to future generations.

This picturesque town on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, with just over 2,500 inhabitants, maintains an intimate and authentic atmosphere, with brightly colored houses, cobbled streets, and a slow pace of life closely tied to the sea.

The town’s history is deeply connected to the Tabarchino community, which arrived in the 18th century from the Tunisian island of Tabarca. This heritage is still evident today in the local language, traditions, architecture, and culture. The historic center, with its low houses, red-tiled roofs, pastel or light-colored façades, and Ligurian-influenced details, reflects this Mediterranean legacy.

Calasetta’s territory is enriched by stunning beaches such as Sotto Torre and Le Saline, featuring golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and rocky stretches interspersed with small coves. Dunes and seabeds teeming with marine life make the area ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and diving. The harbor serves as the social heart of the town, hosting gatherings, events, and festivals that strengthen the sense of community.

Alongside its natural and cultural heritage, Calasetta also preserves important agricultural traditions. In particular, the protection of local biodiversity plays a significant role. In Calasetta, Michele Ricci and Marianna Aresti serve as custodians of the Calasetta Black Lentil, a traditional and valuable crop. Thanks to their dedication, this heritage variety continues to be preserved and promoted, helping to keep the agricultural memory and local identity alive.