A small village amid the forests of Monte Acuto: Alà dei Sardi
From the forests of Sos Littos to the Nuragic sanctuary of Sos Nurattolos, from traditional granite houses to the festivals of Sant’Agostino and San Francesco. Discover Alà dei Sardi, a village in the Monte Acuto region that preserves unspoilt nature, ancient traditions and fascinating historical curiosities.
In the heart of north-central Sardinia, surrounded by holm oak forests, granite mountains and valleys crossed by streams, lies Alà dei Sardi, a small village in the province of Sassari, in the historic Monte Acuto region.
Located almost 700 metres above sea level, on the border between Gallura and the Nuoro area, the village preserves a historic stone-built centre, traditional farming and pastoral customs, and an archaeological heritage dating back thousands of years. The surrounding area is also known for its forests, hiking trails and traditional festivals that attract visitors from across the island.
What are the best things to see in Alà dei Sardi, and when should you visit? Here is a guide to its main attractions, local traditions and interesting facts that make this corner of Sardinia so special.
Alà dei Sardi’s historic centre: granite houses and historic buildings
Walking through Alà dei Sardi, visitors will discover traditional houses and elegant old buildings constructed from blocks of granite, the stone that defines both the landscape and the architecture of the village.
The historic centre developed around the parish church of Sant’Agostino (Saint Augustine), originally built in the 17th century and subsequently reconstructed. Its façade is made of granite, while the interior houses a 17th-century artwork dedicated to Madona del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). Among the village’s most distinctive buildings is Palazzo Corda, dating back to 1850 and known locally as il Castello (the Castle), along with the ancient wells of Mesu Idda and S’Oltu Mannu.
An interesting curiosity concerns Palazzo Corda itself: a mural on its façade commemorates the last bardana, a raid carried out in 1870 against the village’s wealthier families.
Sos Nurattolos: a nuragic sanctuary in the mountains
The territory surrounding Alà dei Sardi preserves numerous archaeological remains, including nuraghi, Tombs of the Giants and ancient settlements.
The most important site is the Nuragic sanctuary of Sos Nurattolos, located more than 1,000 metres above sea level, in a spectacular setting dominated by granite rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation. Dating back to the Iron Age, the complex includes a sacred spring, a megaron-style temple, a meeting hut and other structures associated with ancient religious rituals.
Other archaeological sites worth exploring include Nuraghe Boddò, the village of Su Pedrighinosu and the Tombs of the Giants at Sas Tumbas and Mala Carruca. An interesting fact concerns the village’s name. According to some interpretations, it may derive from an ancient word for meadows, while other theories connect it to the Roman presence in the area. The words dei Sardi were officially added to the village’s name in 1864.
The forests of Alà dei Sardi: Sos Littos and the trails of Monte Acuto
Alà dei Sardi is a particularly appealing destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Its extensive territory includes the Sos Littos-Sas Tumbas Forest, characterised by holm oaks, cork oaks, Mediterranean scrubland and streams. Mouflons and numerous bird species can be spotted in the valleys, while the surrounding mountains offer panoramic views that, on clear days, stretch as far as the Gulf of Olbia and the island of Tavolara. Other natural attractions include the Su Fossu Malu waterfalls and the ancient trails crossing the mountains of Monte Acuto.
One of the area’s distinctive features is its network of unpaved roads, some of which are used as special stages of Rally Italia Sardegna, an international motorsport event that has helped introduce these landscapes to rally enthusiasts from around the world.
Traditions in Alà dei Sardi: singing, dancing and ancient crafts
Traditional culture remains deeply rooted in the daily life of the community.
Among the most representative traditions are canto a tenore, Sardinia’s distinctive form of polyphonic singing, traditional Sardinian dances and music played on the organetto, a type of diatonic accordion. These musical traditions accompany festivals and community celebrations. The village also has a long history of granite and cork craftsmanship. Local stonemasons, known as maistos, have contributed to the construction of buildings and stone structures throughout Sardinia. Sheep farming and pastoral activities remain important elements of local identity, alongside the production of cheese, honey and cured meats.
Festivals in Alà dei Sardi: Sant’Agostino and San Francesco
One of the village’s most important celebrations is the patron saint festival of Sant’Agostino (Saint Augustine), held on August 28. Religious ceremonies are accompanied by folk performances, traditional dancing and food-related events.
Another particularly cherished celebration is the Festival of San Francesco d’Assisi (Saint Francis of Assisi), held in early October. The festivities take place at a rural sanctuary a few kilometres from the village and attract thousands of worshippers.
In June, the community celebrates Saint John the Baptist with the traditional foghilones, bonfires that light up the night and bring residents together.
During the summer, the village also hosts musical events, folk festivals and celebrations dedicated to local food and traditional products.
What to eat in Alà dei Sardi: prosciutto, honey and traditional Sardinian cuisine
Local gastronomy is deeply connected to the area’s farming and pastoral heritage.
One of the best-known products is Alà dei Sardi prosciutto, a traditional cured ham that also features prominently in food events during local festivals. Other specialities worth tasting include local cheeses, strawberry tree honey and traditional sweets such as sas origliettas, delicate fried pastries. Food festivals provide an excellent opportunity to discover these products and meet local artisans, farmers and livestock breeders.
Why visit Alà dei Sardi and when to go
Alà dei Sardi can be visited throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly suitable for exploring its forests and hiking trails, while summer offers the opportunity to experience traditional festivals and enjoy the cooler temperatures of Sardinia’s inland hills.
A day trip allows visitors to explore the historic centre and reach some of the area’s archaeological sites. With more time available, it is possible to follow the trails through the Sos Littos Forest and visit neighbouring villages in the Monte Acuto region.
With its granite mountains, forests, nuraghi and ancient traditions, Alà dei Sardi reveals a side of Sardinia far removed from the island’s famous beach resorts, where nature and local culture remain at the heart of everyday life.
