In a nutshell

A dip into the past takes us from the iron age to the Roman era, revealing the secrets of the mysterious Nuraghi.

Main stops

Nuragic civilisation, Nuraghi
Nuraghe La Prisgiona
Giants' Grave in Coddu Vecchiu
Cannigione

The programme

The excursion takes on a journey of discovery of Nuragic civilisation, to admire one of the largest Nuragic settlements in the north of Sardinia.
Nuragic civilisation developed in Sardinia at a time when the rest of the Mediterranean basin and Western Europe were experiencing the iron age and the bronze age (1800 BC), up to the Roman era (2nd century BC). The civilisation takes its name from the imposing megalithic constructions called Nuraghi, a term that is believed to derive from the pre-Latin word Nur meaning "heap of stones, hollow heap".
It is believed that around seven thousand examples of these extraordinary constructions are still standing, scattered around the whole island, one every 3 km² on average, meaning that they are an important part of the characteristic Sardinian landscape. Considered one of the oldest in Europe, the Nuragic civilisation was the result of the meeting of different Mediterranean peoples and the gradual evolution of pre-existing cultures that had spread across Sardinian soil since the Neolithic period.
The Nuragics had a very strong ethnic unity even though they were organised politically into tribes, and the tribes into clans. Their economy was predominantly based on agriculture and livestock rearing. It is therefore assumed that there were frequent clashes between rival tribes over the right to the richest, most fertile land.
We head north west from Olbia towards Arzachena until we reach the vast archaeological site which houses the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a unique Nuragic setting in Gallura and the jewel in the crown of the region's historic heritage. Its location and the size and complexity of its architectural structure are testament to the prominent role it played in the past.
The Nuraghe La Prisgiona, which we will visit, is a complex "tholos" Nuraghe. It is dominated by a central tower (the keep) which looks out over the village consisting of around ninety huts.
In the immediate surroundings we will find the Giants' Grave (tumbas de sos gigantes in the Sardinian language "Sardo") at Coddu Vecchiu o Capichera. It is masterful example of the architecture that was typical of funeral monuments in prehistoric times in Sardinia, located in the Capichera countryside with its vineyards and wild olive trees.
After the visit we move on to Cannigione, a well-known seaside resort in a central location near the tourist villages and beaches of the Emerald Coast, lapped by the waters of the Gulf of Arzachena of which it has always been the natural port.
Before continuing on to Olbia, we can enjoy some free time for a relaxing end to our excursion.

Good to know

Comfortable shoes are recommended.
This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
You need to be physically fit to take part in this excursion.
The journey by coach covers various types of terrain.
When visiting the "nuraghi" it will be necessary to go through tunnels or narrow passageways.
In the high tourist season journey times may vary due to heavy traffic. The excursion is reserved for guests who do not disembark at Olbia.