Sa Mola

The area may well feel quite quiet – but people have been living here for many centuries. You can see some hints of that by visiting local Nuragic sites like Giara di Serri, Orroli, Barumini and Isili (among others), or taking a trip to the excellent Museo P.AR.C (25 minutes' drive), where archaeology and palaeontology are brought to life through interactive exhibits. Staying out in the open air, you may like to explore the sensory gardens at Giardino Sonoro (40 minutes), filled with fragrances and natural musical instruments as well as megalithic rocks and mature plants. You can also look out for some of Europe’s last wild horses with a guided tour of Parco della Giara (half an hour) or pretend to be a giant with a walk through the models of Parco Sardegna in Miniatura (20 minutes). Of course, where there are olives there are usually grapes – and that’s true of this area, which has several wineries dotted around the countryside. A bike ride around vineyards and other farmland is a nice way to explore, and there are some wineries where you can stop in for a sample and/or a tour.