Explore the surrounding landscape and territory. With its unspoiled landscapes – lush forests, winding brooks and rivers, dramatic gorgeous and open view to the Gennargentu Mountains, the Gerrei region a virgin territory ready to be discovered.
Hiking and Forest Bathing on Monte Genis
Monte Genis rises to about 979 m above sea level as part of the Parco Regionale dei Sette Fratelli – Monte Genis, one of the largest natural parks in southern Sardinia, extending across several municipalities including Villasalto. The landscape here is rugged and wild, dominated by granite peaks, rolling hills, and a network of small streams and seasonal rivers that can be enjoyed in Winter or Spring, and carve out valleys and natural pools as they descend toward the plains.
The area is marked by extensive Mediterranean forests and scrubland. On the slopes and lower elevations you’ll find holm oak, cork oak and downy oak forming dense woodlands, with a rich understory of strawberry tree, thyme, lavender, heather, mastic, wild olive and juniper. Along the watercourses willows, poplars and oleander add diversity to the vegetation.
Our favorite outdoor activity is a 2-3hr hike around the mountain peak, which takes you through the forests, to an old Nuragic tower and to the viewpoint where you have gorgeous views all the way to the peaks of the Gennargentu, the tallest mountain in Sardinia.
Taking 30mins to slow down and do some forest bathing on the moss covered stones, is the real highlight of this walk. If you’re lucky you may even see some wildlife. The forests and open spaces are home wildlife such as the deer, wild boar, hares and rabbits, martens and wild cats, and the area has seen the reintroduction of the mouflon and the griffon vultures.
Breathtaking Views
Perched among the hills of the Gerrei, Villasalto offers some of the most breathtaking views in south-eastern Sardinia. From the village and the surrounding paths, facing North the landscape opens out into a wide panorama of rolling mountains, deep valleys all the way to the Gennargentu, the tallest mountains in Sardinia, as well as a glimpse to the sea as you face East. It is the perfect spot for photography, landscape painting, hiking or even for quiet meditation.
The Town of Villasalto
If you want to visit a truly authentic Sardinian Village, then you’re in the right place. Villasalto, in the heart of the Gerrei Region, is particularly charming thanks to its cobblestone streets and heritage stone buildings. Here visitors are welcome by locals and have a sense that they are traveling back in time.
Walking through its historic center, you’ll find the ‘Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo‘ parish church, the Saint Barbara Grotto and Church, dedicated to the patron saint of the town, and stone walls surrounding courtyards with lemon trees and heritage stone houses.
The village has a very active festival life so be sure to join in and get a glimpse of authentic rural Sardinian life. The heart of village life can be found at the local bar ‘Bar Antico Caffè‘ and Miranda’s grocery’s and convenience store.
‘Su Suergiu’ Mining Village
Active between 1880 and 1987, Su Suergiu was Italy’s most important antimony mining and processing site, producing up to 90% of national output during the world wars. Today it is a significant example of industrial archaeology within Sardinia’s Geomining Park.
Named after local cork oaks, the mine fueled Villasalto’s prosperity as antimony was exported worldwide for military, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic uses. Today it is home to the archaeological and mining museum, which displays minerals, materials, and equipment, retracing the stages of the production process and the lives and experiences of the miners.
Open Wednesday afternoons, Saturday and Sunday (2hr visit).
Surrounding Villages
We also suggest that you visit some of the other villages near Villasalto and get a real feel for the Gerrei region.
Only 8km away, is the village of Armungia. With a population of barely 350, it’s the only town in Sardinia with a Nuragic Tower in its historic center. The cobble stones, stone houses and 2 small museums make it very picturesque, having maintained its authenticity. It’s perfect for a 2-hour excursion.
If you’re fascinated by the ancient Nuragic civilization—a prehistoric culture from Sardinia that predates both the Romans and the Phoenicians—make your way to Goni.
Here, you’ll encounter remarkably well-preserved menhirs, towering stone monuments believed to be over 5,000 years old. The surrounding landscape is also scattered with Domus de Janas: ancient rock-cut tombs that once served not only as burial sites but also as places of communal gathering.
Gorgeous Beaches just a Stone’s Throw Away
The east coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The closest beach, only 25mins away, is the Spiaggia di San Giovanni, just outside of Muravera.
Drive a few of kilometers further South and you’ll reach Torre Salinas Beach, one of our favorites, particularly off-season (October – May). You can often spot flamingos in the adjacent lagoon. The next two beaches over – Colostrai and Ferraxi – are also a great stop.
If you continue south, you’ll reach the beautiful Costa Rei coastline with its golden sand and crystal clear waters.
Also worth visiting are the beaches south of Costa Rei in the Castiadas Region – our favorite is Sant’Elmo beach (featured in the picture), with its myriad shades of blue, fine white sand and rounded boulders that stretch out into the sea. It’s easy to confuse this beach with being in the Seychelles!
Villasimius is a jewel of southern Sardinia, famous for its crystal-clear waters and sweeping white-sand beaches. Framed by granite cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, its coastline offers everything from sheltered coves to long, sun-drenched shores—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up island beauty.
Our favorite beaches are Porto Giunco, featured in the picture above (May-June and from October), la Fortezza (all year) and Cava Usai (on a windy Mistral day).
