Wild nature
Benedetta and Matteo
A journey dedicated to those who enjoy challenging themselves with hikes that require good physical preparation. Demanding trails such as those leading to Sa Stiddiosa, or easier ones like those leading to the natural pools of Villanova Tulo. The promise, at the end of the route, is to reach a true Lost Paradise.
Villanova Tulo, Seulo, Seui, Esterzili, Nurri
Villanova Tulo, the lost paradise
We are at the Flumendosa River, which continues its journey to the sea through narrow gorges surrounded by lush vegetation. Here and there, where the bends are tightest, small pebble beaches form, dotted with large sunlit boulders perfect for diving.
I believe this is one of the most magical places I have ever visited—an authentic lost paradise. A place that evokes the story of Adam and Eve, where they made their fateful act of defiance against God, losing innocence and becoming aware of humanity’s trials.
This is a place to pause and rest, shaped by the crystal-clear waters that flow slowly and cool. Fish surround you, hoping to find a snack, and every now and then, with a tiny nibble, they remind us that here, we are only guests.
Seulo – Tears from the Rock at Sa Stiddiosa
Sa Stiddiosa is a place difficult to reach; the trail is steep, long, and uneven. We descend fairly quickly, each step reminding us of the climb back up. We smile, though, trained and excited at the thought of reaching the river below, shimmering with a thousand silver reflections in the morning sun.
This waterfall has a unique charm, its cliff, covered in bright green climbing plants, is perfectly reflected in the river below. The waters cascading from the rock fall like the tears of a stone giant, moved by such beauty. In the sunlight, almost on the water’s surface, a rainbow trembles beneath the droplets that fall incessantly from above.
We are amazed by this wild beauty. We take a swim, letting the rain of Sa Stiddiosa wash away our fatigue.
Seui, mysteries and magic
The village of Seui clings to a mountainous landscape rich with impenetrable forests. Today, we are here to discover the most mysterious traditions of this land, steeped in ancient customs and untold secrets.
We decide to visit Sa Domu de Sa Maia, a place of incredible fascination that preserves mysteries and unspeakable secrets. We saw devotional objects and uncovered ancient superstitions and magical rites that are still passed down through generations.
The upper floor, accessed by a staircase that creaks ominously with every step, gave us genuine shivers of terror.
Accompanied by the chants of ancient funeral vigils from traditions long lost, we find ourselves before an iron bed where a deceased woman is watched over by other women in traditional mourning attire They are, of course, mannequins, but this only makes the ritual feel eternal, the grief immutable. Everything is dark and shadowy; above, a cradle seems to move on its own with each step. From a dark corner, I think I hear the laughter of a child—but perhaps it’s only my imagination. We step out onto the road, accompanied by a strange sense of unease.
On our way back, we pause to admire the panorama of the village nestled on the mountainside. Seui is a place with a truly unique character.
We will return for Su Prugadoriu, the festival where magic and mystery take center stage.
Esterzili, an unexpected surprise
Esterzili gave us incredible emotions. The village is reached via a winding road that climbs up the mountain. Here, we had the chance to experience many activities, each more fascinating than the last.
We hiked up Monte Santa Vittoria, enjoying a breathtaking panorama. The trail leads through a pine forest inhabited by herds of horses and flocks of sheep and goats. A truly beautiful place, where we met one of the local guides who shared the fascinating history of the area with us.
Together with her, we visit Sa Domu e S’Orgìa, a Megaron-style temple among the oldest in the Mediterranean. We are told the millennia-old history of this ancient place of worship. I feel like a Nuragic priestess. Walking through the various rooms, I reach the most sacred space, where long ago secret rituals, now lost, were once performed.
Nurri, relax on the shores of the lake
Nurri is our final stop. After visiting the village and, in particular, the sixteenth-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Church of Santa Rosa da Viterbo, we decide to spend a day relaxing before departure.
The plan is to enjoy the lake and unwind along its shores. The day is perfect, with warm sunshine tempered by a gentle breeze that cools and tousles our hair.
In the afternoon, for a few romantic hours, we take a boat excursion. I watch the hypnotic wake, the gusts of wind rippling the smooth surface of the lake, and the sunlight reflecting off the water, its rays plunging into the deepest blue. I feel happy.
