Natural parks of Sardinia: nature’s masterpieces
More than fabulous beaches and enchanting seas: natural parks are the ideal destination to discover the most authentic and wildest Sardinia.
The white Caribbean beaches caressed by the crystal-clear waves of an exceptional sea are the pride of Sardinia, along with the relics of the Nuragic civilisation, ancient cities and strong traditions handed down over centuries.
But this region of great beauty is also the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of active nature holidays. Sardinia’s territory, still rich in unspoiled charm, is enhanced by protected natural areas that expand to the coast from the hinterland allowing a complete immersion in the wildest and most authentic atmosphere the island has to offer.
There are numerous regional and national parks to choose from, as well as environmentally protected reserves, areas of great naturalistic interest and incredible natural monuments designed by the force of nature that, in this land, is showing its bests.
From North to South, the parks are Sardinia’s priceless treasures, a feature of the island “that you do not expect” but that will charm you and remain imprinted in your eyes and heart.
The natural parks of Sardinia: the most fascinating 5 that should not be missed
Sardinia is the top finest seaside destination, a land shaped by mellow shores, clear turquoise waters and beautiful natural pools but also appreciated for its rich past and culture spanning thousands of years. The island does not disappoint when it comes to its natural heritage either.
The natural parks, loved by hikers and those who practice trekking, are just as breathtaking and are an unmissable stop during a holiday on the island of the Nuraghi.
Let’s discover which are the 5 natural parks of Sardinia to see at least once in a lifetime.
The Regional Natural Park of Molentargius-Saline
The Regional Natural Park of Molentargius-Saline was created to enhance and protect the territory where indigenous waterbirds stop, winter and nest. 1400 hectares of pure poetry that extend in the municipalities of Quartu Sant’Elena, Cagliari, Quartucciu and Selargius. A wetland where saltwater and freshwater basins meet and where pink flamingos nest. The park is open every day and it offers the precious opportunity to see the flamingos, called sa genti arrubia in the local language, which are its symbol as well as other local fauna including herons, Mallards, Kingfishers, treefrogs and weasels. For those who would like to explore this unique environment, there are plenty of pedestrian, cycle and horse-riding paths.
The Sette Fratelli Regional Park
History and nature come together in the magnificent setting of the Sette Fratelli Regional Park. Located in the southeast of the island, it is the largest in Sardinia with its 58,846 hectares of land. It is considered the green lung of the island and its name Sette Fratelli (Seven Brothers) is a nod to the seven peaks that characterize it. A true oasis that offers countless opportunities for trekking. Its many hiking trails guide you through natural wonders and magnificent vistas of rugged reliefs covered in forest scrub, fragrant Mediterranean undergrowth, gorges, canyons, pinnacles, granite rocks, towers and dizzying jumps. The Park also includes 10,000 hectares of the homonymous state forest and 6,000 hectares of wildlife oasis where the Sardinian deer, a precious endemic species, has found its ideal habitat.
Monte Arci Regional Natural Park
The entire ancient history of Sardinia is enclosed in the Monte Arci Park located between Campidano di Oristano and the Marmilla area. One of the largest obsidian deposits of the island can be found here, protected by the bowels of the dormant volcano. The millennial past that has seen obsidian as the protagonist since the sixth millennium BC can be retraced walking among these holm oaks, beech forests, fresh streams and springs, ancient quarries and the museum of Pau. There are numerous guided paths and a vast hiking network that consists of 200 kilometres of strikingly beautiful trails and slopes.
Mount Limbara Regional Park
Mount Limbara Park is one of the eight Sardinian regional parks, a paradise for climbing, mountain biking, free climbing and hiking. Located on the border between the Logudoro and the Gallura areas, the park fascinates its public with the unusual and striking mountainous formations covered by the Mediterranean scrub that have been shaped by the weather over millennia. Among the unmissable trails are the “Via delle acque”, a 30 kilometres walk through the woods designed to offer the best views of the many natural springs, the “Summit” which, in its 12 kilometres, takes you through the exotic garden of Pavari and reaches the highest peak, Punta Balestreri, and the “Animals and Plants” that allows you to see fallow deer and mouflons up close.
Gutturu Mannu
The southwestern area of Sardinia boasts the Gutturu Mannu Park home of the “great gorge”, a majestic canyon shaped by the homonymous stream and woods. Treasured by hiking enthusiasts, the park consists of one of the largest forests in Italy with 35,000 hectares of undisputed naturalistic value and three oases created for the protection of indigenous fauna. Walking through the scent of the Mediterranean scrub, dense holm oaks and cork oaks, visitors will have the opportunity to spot golden eagles, buzzards, peregrine falcons, wild boars and other species typical of the territory such as the deer, the lissotriton and the goshawk.
Would you like to visit the most beautiful natural parks of Sardinia and experience an elegant and charming holiday? Book a stay at Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari
