The area on the west coast of the island is steeped in history and offers entertainment for the whole family. There is a hidden, enchanting and cheap Sardinia, less crowded than the Costa Smeralda. This is the province of Oristano.
Oristano is a city rich in history
On the central-western side of the island, 95 km from Cagliari is the city of Oristano. A city that mass tourism has not yet contaminated.
The city is steeped in history. It houses important buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Archbishop's Palace. It is also famous for the Sartilla, a carnival equestrian carousel.
Here there are a square and a statue dedicated to Eleonora d'Arborea, judge of the end of the fourteenth century, remembered for updating the collection of laws of the Carta de Logu. Symbols of the past that mix with the current attraction of Sardinia, a popular destination for its white beaches and crystal clear sea.
Oristano: between white beaches and ancient statues
The waters of the Gulf of Oristano, sheltered from currents and winds, are perfect for family stays. To the north extends the Sinis peninsula, with its magnificent coastline. Famous all over the world is the beach of Is Arutas, in the Municipality of Cabras, with the shimmering beach due to the quartz grains that compose it. Loved by snorkelers for its beautiful backdrops.
Also in Sinis stands Maimoni, with its white beach. Not far away you can visit the nuragic site of the Giants of Mont'e Prama, with stone sculptures dating back to three thousand years ago, found by chance in a field in 1974.
Ideal for those traveling with children, the beach of San Giovanni di Sinis is quiet and has very fine sand. The locality is famous for the homonymous church, the oldest in Sardinia.
But if you prefer a more lively coast, go to Torregrande, the Lido di Oristano.
The village of colorful houses
A group of colorful houses perched on a hill. AND' Sa Costa, the symbolic district of Bosa, a village of Oristano considered among the most beautiful in Italy.
Famous for textile processing and dominated by the Malaspina Castle, is a concentration of characteristic alleys and ancient churches, such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
There is also Bosa Marina with its characteristic beaches, such as S'Abba Druche, Portu Managu, Turas and Compoltitu. All with pebbles, sand and crystal clear water.
The table of Oristano characterized by bottarga and almond sweets
Sheep cheeses, bread and of course fish. These are the typical food products of the Oristano area. The bottarga stands out above all, a product derived from mullet eggs, used as a condiment for spaghetti.
Furthermore, eels and clams are abundantly fished in this area. Typical of these parts is the Coccoi, bread from Villaurbana, a village in the Oristano area, made with durum wheat and subjected to a particular processing. It is usually served during ceremonies or holidays presented in a basket.
What about fruit? You can cool off with the Sinis melons and Arborea strawberries. As in the rest of Sardinia, here too the lion's share of desserts is made by sweets with almonds.
