Ulassai

Characteristic craggy peaks provide a distinct background to the town of Ulassai in Sardinia. Cradled among the rock outcroppings, it is an almost magical setting high in the hills of eastern Sardinia. It is inland from Tortoli' and Cardedu at 775 meters above sea level (2542 feet) and sits like a natural amphitheater with the buildings staggered down the hill. It sits below the Tacco di Ulassai mesa formation and Mount Tisiddu.

The main attraction here is the natural splendor in which Ulassai sits. There is much for outdoors enthusiasts. The mountains provide trails along with a network of caverns to explore, the Grotta di Su Marmuri. The majestic waterfalls, Cascate di Lecorci (also called Lequarci) are something to behold, and the forest known as Oasi Foresta di Girisairi offers sanctuary to a plethora of wildlife, birds and plant varieties.

If archeology is more your interest, then you'll definitely want to see the Nuragic settlements in the area, especially the Area Archeologica Serbissi, which sists in a panoramic position. The Bronze Age village has remains of the characteristic conical structures that the Nuraghe people were famous for, along with a storage cavern, and necropolis that includes a tombe dei giganti (so-called giant's tomb). Prefer art? Then the Stazione d'Arte is for you! The former train station has been turned into a fantastic contemporary art musuem.

Ulassai is still largely agricultural, and boasts one of Sardinia's best vintages, Cannonau della Valle del Pardu, a noteworthy wine. Be sure to try the town's signature ravioli, stuffed with potatoes and mint.