Santu Lussurgiu


Santu Lussurgiu may be considered as a village with about 2,500 inhabitants, but the place in the mountains of Monte Ferru in Sardinia is actually not much like just some village. It is an important cultural center of the island Sardinia. Santu Lussurgiu is located in the back country of Bosa and Cuglieri, it takes about twenty minutes to get to Cuglieri by car, 45 minutes to Bosa, 45 minutes to Alghero airport and 2 hours to Olbia airport. Most visitors of Santu Lussurgiu come here for a day trip. And it's worth it. The winding streets of the old town are simply enchanting. The village was built in a volcanic crater and you can discover mainly horses, Sardinian handicrafts and the beautiful Siete Fuentes (seven springs) in the forest of San Leonardo. Surrounded by forests and wonderful landscapes you will also find cool places, that will protect you from the burning sun in summer.

Santu Lussurgiu, San Leonardo and the seven springs or fountains (Siete Fuentes)
Santu Lussurgiu

At the very first glance you will realize the charming architecture of the village Santu Lussurgiu: Rooftops and church roofs alternate, standing close together and give you a first idea of how Santu Lussurgiu looks from close up. The car is best left on the outskirts, because in the center of Santu Lussurgiu it gets tight. The small streets lead through an enchanting old town, which is worth exploring. The surroundings of Santu Lussurgiu are lush green, even in the merciless summer heat of Sardinia. Cork oaks, forests, meadows and flocks of sheep as well as horses dominate the romantic landscape here.
If you want to experience one of the most beautiful roads in Sardinia, drive along the route between Santu Lussurgiu and Cuglieri. Both places are just magical and the road is one of the most beautiful routes in Sardinia. The winding ride through the mountains of Montiferru is also great for motorcyclists.

Above all, Santu Lussurgiu is an important place of arts and crafts in Sardinia. The Sardinian shepherd's knives are famous and they can be bought here. But also textiles and horse supplies such as saddles, bridles, halters, boots and more are among the very special things that Santu Lussurgiu has to offer. The small streets meanwhile provide shady protection from the summer heat and of course you can also go out to eat, enjoy a coffee or eat ice cream, buy regional products or try a good wine. The Museo della Tecnologia Contadina (museum of peasant engineering) can be visited on appointment and it is housed in an old mansion.
Horses: Main role in Santu Lussurgiu

Horses play a significant role in Santu Lussurgiu. They are usually brown and almost black. Once a year - in the first week of June - horse shows, competitions and regional products are taking place in Santu Lussurgiu by then. On the 21st of August homage is paid to the horses: The festival in honor of San Lussurio with horse racing, dancing and alike is a must for horse lovers - but also for those who want to get to know the Sardinian culture.

San Leonardo and the seven springs (Siete Fuentes)
Very close to Santu Lussurgiu you will find the forest of San Leonardo. There are the seven springs (Siete Fuentes), which are bubbling out of the mountain - even in summer, when it gets very hot. A mineral water factory can also be found nearby. The small settlement allows to cool off the summer heat and it is a popular destination. A Romanesque church can also be found here.
The whole area around Santu Lussurgiu is agricultural and you can experience spectacular beautiful landscapes and sunsets here.
There are also Rock carved tombs (Domus de Janas) around Santu Lussurgiu and San Leonardo di Siete Fuentes. Very close to Santu Lussurgiu you will furthermore find the waterfall Cascato sos Molinos (along the street to Bonarcado). Around Santu Lussurgiu you will also find a lot of hiking routes - most of them being easy.
Navigation: Discover Sardinia
Good to know: Information about Sardinia Food and drinks: Cuisine Transportation: Arrival and accomodation Places and more: Where to on Sardinia?
For your journey
Sardinia is a place for real explorers. Go ahead and try the wonderul wines of Sardinia or gastronomic specialties. The beaches of Sardinia are the most beautiful beaches around Europe. Many places of interest are to be found in Cagliari, but there are many more places of interest in Sardinia.
Places nearby
Santu Lussurgiu is not far from the coastal towns Bosa and Cuglieri. Also Alghero is not too far away and it is one of the most spectacular places to be: Alghero. Another wonderful place is in and around the city Oristano: Oristano. If you like horses, you may also consider to make an excursion to the Giara di Gesturi and the wild horses of Sardinia.