South Sardinia

The province of South Sardinia

The province of Sud Sardegna is located in the southwest of the island of Sardinia, in a region called Sulcis Iglesiente.

General Information

The province of Sud Sardegna covers the area of the former provinces of Medio Campidano, Carbonia-Iglesias, and a part of the former province of Cagliari, in the south of the island. Medio Campidano (VS) is located on the southwest side of the island (bordering Carbonia-Iglesias, Oristano, and Cagliari) and has two capitals, namely Villacidro and Sanluri. In 2013, Medio Campidano had approximately 100.624 inhabitants; the area is quite small, covering about 1.516 square kilometers (which is 6,3% of the territory of Sardinia), and comprises 28 municipalities.

A piece of history

Since 2016, Sardinia has consisted of 5 new provinces, but the province of Medio Campidano was one of the 4 newly established provinces at the time. In 2001, a new division of the island of Sardinia was also made, resulting in 8 provinces instead of 4. However, the change was officially implemented only in May 2005, when elections were held to renew all administrative councils. Various populations have lived in this part of the island since antiquity because the region is rich in copper, silver, and lead, among other resources. It was only since the 19th century that the area developed in the field of mining, just like the other part of South Sardinia, the former province of Carbonia Iglesias.

Today, you can still find remnants from that era, such as construction sites, villages, and hamlets, which provide evidence of industrial archaeology. Among others, the Su Nuraxi di Barumini complex, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is not to be missed during your visit to this province.

On the road in the former province of Medio Campidano

This part of Sardinia is also known as the Green Province, known as the green province. The province is diverse; in fact, everything can be found there: sea, mountains, forests, plains, and hills. The province has retained its own identity and is less populated than other areas. According to the Italians, this also makes it a healthier place to live. The coastal region is also known as the Costa Verde, due to the maquis that covers the slopes and hills towards the sea.

SuNuraxi di Barumini

Sardinia has approximately 7000 Nuraghe sites scattered across the island. The Nuraghe of Barumini are among the most important and best-preserved Nuraghe and are therefore absolutely worth a visit. About 3500 years ago, in prehistoric times, the ancients built this archaeological complex on the mountain of Barumini. Su Nuraxi di Barumini have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The structure consists of a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. Around this, a kind of village has been built, consisting of various dwellings and towers connected by narrow streets. The central tower was once about 19 meters high and probably served as a defensive tower. Accompanied by a guide (speaking English and Italian), you can take a look inside the tower and view all the remains, some dating back as much as 1000 years.

Watch it quickly via the video

green Coast

The Costa Verde, also known as Marina di Arbus, is a coastal strip stretching for approximately 47 kilometers from the northern Capo della Frasca to Capo Pecora. This part of Sardinia truly has everything to offer. Let yourself be seduced by the most beautiful beaches with small rocky coves, mountains, forests, and evergreen scrub (maquis). All kinds of activities are possible here, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, boat trips, diving, and surfing. The Costa Verde offers beautiful, almost fairytale-like beaches to relax and unwind amidst stunning nature. Visit them all (some are a bit difficult to reach) and choose your favorite. Marina di Arbus; Torre dei Corsari; Portu Maga; Capo Pecora; Scivu; Funtanazza; Pistis;

Piscinas. At Pistis and especially at Piscinas, you will find a fantastic dune landscape, with dunes sometimes as high as 60 meters, formed by the sea wind. These dunes are among the highest in Europe and are somewhat reminiscent of the Sahara. The dune area spans several kilometers and is also beautiful for walking. You might even spot the Sardinian deer, the Cervo Sardo, which lives on the edge of this area.

Sa Spendula

Sa Spendula literally means the waterfall. The waterfall is a well-known attraction in Villacidro. It originates from the Coxinas River, which lies approximately 700 meters above sea level, and flows down through a long, narrow gorge between the two mountains, Margiani and Omo. It makes about three cascades, the last of which is nearly 30 meters long. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season, but a visit is of course also possible during the summer.

The waterfall is also part of the literary history of Sardinia, thanks to the writer Gabriele D'Annunzio. During his visit to Villacidro in 1882, he wrote a poem about the waterfall and published it in his book. Captain FracassaThe content of the poem emphasizes the power and enchantment of the waterfall; you can find the entire poem below.

La Spendula (G. D'Annunzio, 1882)

Dense di celidonie e di spineti
le rocce mi si drizzano davanti
come to another popolo d'athleti
pietrificato per virtù d'incanti.
Sotto fremono al vento ampi mirteti
selvaggi e gli oleandri fluttuanti,
verde plebe di nani; giù pei greti
from l'acque della Spendula croscianti.
Sopra, il ciel grigio, eguale. A l'umidore
della pioggia un acredine di effluvi
aspra esalano i timi e le mortelle.
Ne la conca verdissima il pastore
come fauno di bronzo, su 'l calcare,
guarda immobile, avvolto in una pelle.

Le acque di Sardara

Literally translated: “the waters of Sardara”. The thermal baths of Sardara are among the most famous spa resorts in Sardinia.

The complex is surrounded by greenery in a large park with Mediterranean vegetation. The thermal water, originating from a natural rainwater source many thousands of meters deep, has a temperature ranging from 45 to 60 degrees Celsius. The mineralized water contains bicarbonate-alkaline-sodium and is beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases such as cellulite and acne. The presence of a Nuraghe in the park indicates that the thermal water was already being used by the Nuraghe people in the 16th century BC for performing rituals. Around the third century BC, the Romans built baths here called Aquae Neapolitanae, named after the remains of the nearby Phoenician settlement of Neapolis. After the arrival of Christianity, the former pagan temple of the ancient Baths was dedicated to Santa Maria ad Aquas, hence the name of the place near Sardara where the Baths are located. (Sardara, Località Santa Maria Aquas). Various treatments are offered, such as beauty treatments, mud baths, massages, and different therapies. A solarium and fitness room are also available. In short, highly recommended for the true spa enthusiast!

Sardinia in miniature

You don't need to know much Italian to make sense of this title; this is a park that Sardinia in

maps it out in miniature. As you walk through the park, you will learn a great deal about the nature, history, and culture of Sardinia. You will find miniature copies of Sardinia's most important monuments, recreated in detail. There is also an astronomy museum located within the park, and you can get an impression of the prehistoric Nuraghe lifestyle. You can find Sardegna in Miniatura in Tuili. For more information, such as opening hours and prices, you can website .

Gastronomy

As everywhere in Sardinia, you can enjoy numerous delicious local dishes based on traditional recipes here as well. Such as the famous Malloreddus (Sardinian pasta) and ricotta-filled ravioli, which can be eaten throughout Sardinia. These types of pasta have one thing in common: the dough is made from grains that are largely produced in Campidano. Medio Campidano is a fertile region and has traditionally been Sardinia's grain producer.

Along the coast, naturally, there is plenty of seafood on the menu, including fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. These are fried, grilled, or incorporated into rich soups. Further inland, there are dishes based on vegetables, herbs, and meat. Vegetables used include wild asparagus, artichokes, chicory, fennel, and, of course, olives. Meat dishes are based on lamb, wild boar, game, and poultry. Various traditional cheeses are also on the menu.

Pane su civraxiu en su coccoi

Bread has always been an essential product in Sardinia. It is not only an important foodstuff but also plays a role in certain events and activities, such as traditional festivals and family gatherings. Sardinia has many different types of bread, and each region has its own specialties. Su civraxiu is a typical Sardinian bread originating from Sanluri, one of the capitals of Mediocampidano. The bread is made from durum wheat semolina and has a crispy, brown crust and a soft, lightly fragrant white interior. The loaf usually weighs around 2 kg. Traditionally, the bread is kneaded by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven. Su Coccoi is also a typical Sardinian bread made from very fine flour and sourdough; it is flavorful and crispy and is baked in ornate shapes. These are simple shapes for daily consumption, but for festive occasions, beautiful forms are created, such as flowers, braids, stars, and even entire works of art.

Tappadas

Among the typical dishes of Campidano are Tappadas, also called Mungettas or Monachelle. In other words, snails. Snails are very popular in Sardinia and are considered a delicacy. In fact, it is a traditional peasant dish because snails were abundant in the countryside. After extensive soaking and cleaning, the snails are cooked with garlic and herbs and then drizzled with olive oil and parsley.

Medio Campidano hosts many food-themed festivals; these festivals, or Sagre, are an excellent opportunity to sample typical local dishes. We list a few: