The Area of Oristano


The Province of Oristano is made up of 78 communities and has a population of about 160,000 inhabitants. It covers a surface area of 2,630 sq. km, with approximately 100 km of coastline, and everything is easily reached on the very good network of roads.
The island's main waterway, the River Tirso, runs through the area, which, besides the coastline, is characterised by a system of lagoons and lakes (protected by the Ramsar Convention) which make it one of the most interesting marsh areas in Europe.

It is an unspoilt region where man's presence has developed in perfect harmony with the environment. The Sinis Coastline, for example, is still almost virgin territory with beaches nestling among pinewoods and lagoons, home also to the pink flamingos. The area is therefore ideal for all kinds of activities such as horse-riding, water sports, as well as nature walks and archaeological excursions. The numerous itineraries embrace such treasures as the Marceddì lagoon, the district of Arborea, the town of Santa Giusta and its lagoon, the Romanesque-Pisan Basilica, the ancient, buried settlement of Othoca, and, of course the town of Oristano and the panoramic area of Torregrande. Other unforgettable sights include the Cabras lagoons and fish lakes, the ancient Roman settlement of Tharros, a number of fascinating Nuraghi and the spectacular Sinis coast. The latter is an expanse of shoreline of exceptional beauty, which, to the north boasts the towering cliffs of "Su Tingiosu", the vast pinewood of Is Arenas, the white rocks of S'Archittu, the town of Cornus and the Tresnuraghes coastline.

Although the area is above all noted for its splendid shores and sea, the mountainous interior also offers places of great beauty and interest, such as Monte Arci, the lush slopes of Montiferru and the Sinis Peninsular, constituted by a vast volcanic complex. The slopes of Montiferru are covered with forests of holm-oak, durmast, holly and yew trees. Water runs under the basaltic crust, bursting forth in bubbling streams at the foot of the mountain, generating areas like San Leonardo, which abounds in holm oak, elm and secular chestnut trees. The dense undergrowth is made up of myrtle bushes, cistus, lentisk and strawberry trees. The area is also rich in fauna, such as deer, moufflon, wild boar, foxes, weasels, hedgehogs, martens, hares and wildcats. There are also numerous species of birds such as vultures, the peregrine falcon, barn owls, kestrels, crows, partridges, quail and thrushes.

In addition, the Oristano district boasts a number of traditional festivals and events which reveal the areas ancient roots, such as: "La Corsa degli Scalzi" (barefoot race) in Cabras, "La Regata dei Fassonis" (a boat race) in Santa Giusta, "Sa Carrela'e Nanti" in Santulussurgiu, "S'Ardia" in Sedilo and "Sa Sartiglia" in Oristano, three spectacular horse riding events.