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MOUNTAINS, SEA AND FAUNA |
  
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| Those who prefer the mountains can start off from Nuoro and head for Fonni, 1000 metres above sea level, the highest village on the chain of the Gennargentu, then proceed to Desulo, Belvi, Aritzo and, on the other side of the mountain, Tonara and Tiana. At the winter sports resort of "Bruncu Spina" there are skiing facilities where they can go up on foot or by ski-lift as far as the top 1829 metres high. The Supramonte area of Orgosolo and Oliena offers the possibility of some of the most fascinating itineraries, among old ilex trees, barren landscapes, with dazzling calcareous peaks and canyons, as far as the wild gorge of "Gorroppu", believed to be one of the deepest in Europe. Eighteen kilometres of unmetalled road wind through the mountain are and can be driven along on a Land Rover or similar vehicle. Walkers can reach the Ogliastra area, on the east coast, following special paths. This is one of the wildest and most beautiful areas in Sardinia, a paradise just waiting to be discovered. Starting off from the shore at Orrì di Tortol, pause to admire the red rocks at Arbatax, then carry on to Santa Maria Navarrese from which the whole east coast can be visited in little boats, seeing kilometres of scattered coves and beaches, steep cliffs overhanging the sea with enormous caves, the realm of the "Monacus Albiventer". Among the many beaches on which to rest, that of Cala Luna is of incomparable beauty. The most inland mountain area is just as interesting and exciting, rich in native wildlife and plants, with a variety of flowers that is perhaps unique and some examples of animals that are now bound for extinction. In the forest of Montarbu, near Seui, we can admire stupendous examples of Sardinian deer, mouflons, boar and many varieties of birds. Leaving the Ogliastra, we can reach the area of the Sarcidano; here, on the plateux of Giare di Gèsturi and Genoni, live the original Sardinian ponies in complete freedom. These are dwarf horses the like of which cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. On the southern edge of the Giara are the ruins of the nuragic village of Santa Vittoria, an early Sardinian settlement with religious and political functions. Lastly, no one should miss a trip on the "Green Train" which starts off from Mandas and takes tourists hungry for wild images and unspoilt landscapes among gigantic rocks and huge forests to Arbatax and Sorgono. The train only in the summer season.
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