Best attractions and places to see around Lanusè/Lanusei, a hillside town in Sardinia's Ogliastra region, offers a diverse range of points of interest. The area is characterized by its hilltop setting, providing panoramic views over mountains, valleys, and the Ogliastra coast. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, significant landmarks, and unique natural landscapes. This region serves as a gateway to understanding Sardinia's rich history and geological features.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The Barì Tower is an ancient medieval tower of Spanish construction, located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, on the beach of the same name in the municipality of Bari Sardo, in the province of Nuoro.
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Great view. Beautiful area.
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A uniquely shaped, towering tower, a natural monument, symbol of Ogliastra, and a key morphological feature of central-eastern Sardinia. Perhaps once a gathering place for the Nuragic peoples, it later became, in popular legend, the entrance to the underworld. It protrudes from the earth like a giant finger reaching toward the sky and, especially in this wild area, is a landmark visible from afar for hikers. Perda 'e Liana is an extraordinary rock formation declared a natural monument in 1993. The peculiar "mountain," known in Sardinian as Taccu or Tonneri, rises in the Gairo Sant'Elena area: it is the greatest witness to the erosive effects of weathering that have been affecting the vast limestone cover of Ogliastra on the border with Barbagia di Seulo for several million years. Erosion gradually isolated the "tower," forming its base. It is the highest (1293 m) of the numerous Ogliastra limestone mountains, the northern foothills of the Tonneri plateau, about two kilometers away, to which it is connected by the s'Arcu 'e su Pirastu Trottu pass. Perhaps in ancient times, they formed a single mountain ridge. Source and further information: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/de/entdecken/perda-e-liana
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The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" – which I highly recommend – dedicates a 15-minute segment to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the "NURAGHI" in Sardinia and the traditional shepherds' song known there as "Canto a Tenore." The accompanying text for the program states: "Over seven thousand round towers made of stone blocks weighing several tons are scattered throughout Sardinia. Often, only the stumps of these megalithic structures, called nuraghi, remain. The first were built around 1400 BC. Small stones were placed between the massive blocks, a construction method that made the stone towers resistant to collapse." This article (episode 413 of the series) is available in the ARD Mediathek at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/sardinien/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNTg4MzM5MA
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Not a Nuraghi, but a wonderfully maintained rest area!
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The Barì tower is an ancient medieval tower of Spanish construction, located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, on the beach of the same name in the municipality of Bari Sardo, in the province of Nuoro.
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In October 1951, the old town center, now called Gairo Vecchio, as well as the historic castle complex were almost completely destroyed by flooding[2] and were later abandoned in order to rebuild new houses above the half-destroyed village and on the coast. In contrast to Gairo Vecchio, today's place is also known as Gairo Nuovo or Gairo Sant'Elena. The current municipality of Cardedu emerged from the settlement on the coast in 1984, which explains the year in the town's coat of arms.
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Lanusè/Lanusei and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Is Tostoinus Nuragic Village, a significant example of Nuragic architecture. The town itself features the 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena, the neoclassical Palazzo Piroddi, and the Museo Diocesano dell'Ogliastra, which houses archaeological finds and documents. Don't miss the ancestral home of Goffredo Mameli, composer of the Italian national anthem, and the open-air contemporary art museum, On Logu de S'Iscultura.
Yes, the region boasts several impressive natural landmarks. The most prominent is Perda e Liana, a uniquely shaped, towering rock formation and a symbol of Ogliastra. The area also offers panoramic views over mountains, valleys, and the Ogliastra coast from Lanusè/Lanusei's hilltop setting. Monte Armidda is home to one of Italy's largest astronomical observatories.
The natural areas around Lanusè/Lanusei, including the Gennargentu Mountains, offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find a variety of trails for mountain biking, road cycling, and running. For specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Lanusè/Lanusei, Road Cycling Routes around Lanusè/Lanusei, and Running Trails around Lanusè/Lanusei.
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Is Tostoinus Nuragic Village is listed as family-friendly, offering an educational glimpse into ancient history. The Torre di Bari, with its historical exhibits and nearby beach, is also a great option for families. Additionally, the Nur Archeopark near the Archaeological Park of Selene provides an outdoor space for interactive learning about prehistoric Sardinian structures.
Lanusè/Lanusei itself, due to its hilltop setting, offers excellent panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, valleys, and towards the Ogliastra coast and the Gulf of Arbatax. The Torre di Bari also provides very nice views of the beach and surrounding coast.
Yes, the region features the spectacular Su Marmuri Cave, a stalactite cave that can be explored with a guide. Remember to bring warm clothing as temperatures inside are around 10°C. This impressive cave is a significant geological formation in the area.
Beyond Is Tostoinus Nuragic Village, you can explore the Archaeological Park of Selene, which features the foundations of a Nuraghe (Gennacili Nuraghe), remnants of a village with around 200 huts, defensive walls, and two well-preserved Giants' Tombs. The area also boasts other prehistoric sites like Monte Terli, with its Domus de Janas (rock-cut tombs), a nuraghe, and menhirs, as well as ruins of a Roman village near the rural church of San Lussorio.
Yes, Lanusè/Lanusei is one of the stops along the scenic 'Trenino Verde' heritage railway. This offers a unique and charming way to experience the mountains and valleys of Ogliastra, especially during its seasonal operation.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with milder temperatures. Summer can be quite warm, making coastal activities more appealing, while winter offers a different, quieter experience of the mountainous landscapes.
While Lanusè/Lanusei is a hillside town, the coast is accessible. You can visit Torre di Bari, a well-preserved monument offering great views of the beach and surrounding coast. For those seeking natural coastal beauty, the pebble beaches of Porto Santoru, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, provide a connection to the crystal-clear Ogliastra sea.
Beyond its historical sites, Lanusè/Lanusei's historic centre with its narrow streets and traditional stone buildings offers a charming cultural experience. The town is also known for its annual Cherry Festival, typically held at the end of June, which provides a vibrant local cultural event.
Yes, you can visit Gairo Vecchio, an abandoned village that offers a poignant glimpse into the region's past. It was largely destroyed by flooding in 1951 and subsequently abandoned, leaving behind a collection of ruins to explore.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from ancient archaeological sites to unique natural landscapes. For instance, the Is Tostoinus Nuragic Village is noted for its megalithic buildings, while Perda e Liana is admired as a striking natural monument. The Torre di Bari is loved for its well-preserved history and spectacular coastal views, and the Su Marmuri Cave is praised as a very impressive stalactite cave.


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