Monte Limbara


The mountain range of Monte Limbaralies just a short distance from Tempio Pausania.
This impressive high land, with various peaks reaching up to over 1,000 m. is dominated by Punta Balistreri, which rises to a height of 1,359 m. above sea level. A tarmac road winds round the mountain side, through the dense woodland, right up to the summit.

The panorama from the mountain top is breathtaking and visitors are rewarded with a magnificent view of a large part of Sardinia and, during the winter, the snow capped peaks on the island of Corsica.
The Limbara landscape is particularly interesting because it varies according to the altitude. The area can, in fact, be divided into the following zones:

- the tall and impenetrable thicket which covers the north slope
- the steppe-like land near the peaks
- the summits themselves with their greyish-violet rocks
- the reforestation of the foot of the mountain

One of the peculiarities which characterises the Limbara area is the presence of numerous springs of pure water, renowned for its lightness and low mineral content.
Although the area has been plagued by forest fires, the vegetation is remarkably rich with cork oak, lentisk and durmast trees, holm oak, cistus, myrtle, strawberry and juniper plants.

It also abounds in varieties of heather, yew and holly trees, as well as such fascinating species as the Rotulea Limbarae, the Thesium Italicum and the Ribes Sandaliotum

The fauna is also particularly interesting and the area boasts some reptiles which are unique to the region, such as the Sardinian 'Armeno'.

Besides these fascinating species nature lovers can see the Sardinian 'Euprotto', the Sardinian Discoglossid, the Bedreaga lizard and the Ring snake, as well as amphibians such as the common water turtle and the rare 'Marginata' Turtle.

This mountainous zone also abounds in wild boar, the Sardinian wild cat, a rare native species of the island, and weasels. Furthermore, some species which had disappeared have recently been reintroduced to the area, such as moufflon and fallow deer.
However, besides its marvellous archaeological remains, the flora and fauna, what distinguishes Monte Limbara is the granite rock, with its splendid colours and imposing forms. Monte Limbara is a geological wonder, an exquisite fossil not to be missed.