Oristano is considered the capital city of this northern Campidano province. Since having reclaimed the land that surrounds the city, it has been intensely cultivated. One of the reasons to visit this area, apart from a necessary stop at Oristano, is the peninsula of Sinis not far from Cabras. This area is characterised by important ecological and archaeological evidence. If you have the time, the interior is also well worthwhile a visit.
Due to its geographical position close to the river Tirso, the sea and various marshes, Oristano's cuisine is prevalently fish-based. But the outlying towns, in particular Arborea, offer rich, agricultural products like rice, strawberries, watermelon, vegetables and various other grains.
Arborea, Santa Giusta, Oristano, Cabras and the Sinis peninsula, S. Vero Milis.
Duration: 2-3 days
Arborea, Marceddм, S. Giusta
Let's begin our visit in downtown Arborea, situated in the middle of a vast area of land reclaimed during the Fascist Regime, where a few elements of the Liberty and Neo-Gothic styles can still be found. We continue with a short stop in near-by Marceddм, characteristic fisherman's village where you can taste fresh mullet. If you get the chance, try the “sa tuvara de arena cun crannatza" (truffles from Oristano, a variety of underground mushrooms, accompanied by Vernaccia) and its very sweet watermelon. A visit should also be made to the ex cathedral of Santa Giusta, one of the most beautiful Roman-Pisan architectural examples on the Island.
Oristano
Passing through Oristano, gracious medieval centre, you can visit both the S. Francesco Duomo and the Antiquarian of Arborea. After a stop in town, let's sit down to a meal of typical, local gastronomic products; “minestra de mari a s'oristanesa" (mullet soup and tomato sauce), “maccarronis cun cavuru" (pasta with crabmeat), “lissa cotta in su Sali" (mullet covered and baked in salt).
Cabras, S. Giovanni, Tharros
The next stop is Cabras. Here you can visit the hypogean sanctuary of S. Salvatore dating back to the VI century. The Paleo-Christian church of S. Giovanni di Sinis, after which the town was named, and the Phoenician-Roman city of Tharros complete your visit. If you are a nature lover, the Sinis peninsula is for you. Don't forget the marsh in Cabras, one of the biggest in all of Europe, where traditional grass-made rafts, is fassonis (birds), fauna and flora, typically present in humid oasis's, can all be found.
Turre Seu, Is Arutas
Be sure to make a stop on the Turre Seu hilltop, WWF Oasis, and on the pink beach of Is Arutas. During the local festival in August, don't miss trying bottarga di muggine (mullet roe), true speciality eaten as an appetiser or over pasta and merca (boiled mullet rolled in greaseproof paper). Complete your gastronomic tour with amaretti (almond sweets) and Vernaccia wine.
S. Vero Milis
Finally, you come upon the seaside villages of Putzu Idu, S. Pallosu, Sale Porcus' natural LIPU oasis (Italian Organisation for Bird Protection) and the community of S. Vero Milis, refuge for the permanently residing flamingos of the area.
