The beating heart of the Sinis is its basin. This is a marshy environment that is one of the Italy’s and Europe’s most important for the wealth of its wildlife. The basin is a few kilometres from the sea (to which it is connected by a channel) and extends for nearly 2,300 hectares, lining the village of Cabras that since ancient times drew sustenance from it thanks to fishing.
From the terrace of Dimora Laguna, we have identified three visual cones in which you have the greatest chance of watching local species. Only during specific hours of the day is it possible to observe the birdlife depending on the changing seasons.
The best times are early morning and late afternoon, the best time for fishing.
While in the breeding season it is possible to see real shows staged by the male specimens.
Guided excursions through the territory can be done with the expert environmental guides of our partner Alea
Definitely the most representative beach of the “ Sinis peninsula and Mal di Ventre island” Marine Protected Area . This beautiful beach is an expanse of quartz grains smoothed by the sea, characterized by crystal clear water that recalls the Caribbean beaches.
The area of Capo San Marco is dominated by the lighthouse, a guide for boats sailing in the waters of Sinis. An ideal place for long walks to discover the most uncontaminated and wild nature.
Beach on the edge of the naturalistic oasis of Seu, the last bastion of the Mediterranean scrub.
Its seabed is home to prairies of Posidonia oceanica, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Located along the west coast of Sardinia, this beach offers a special setting as it is bordered by rocky cliffs made of sandstone ending with a breath-taking cliff on which the tower of Seu stands . The name means “magic fountain”; due to a fresh water spring that is located in the middle of the sea about 100 m from the coast. In the past it was believed that this water had particular therapeutic qualities.
This is the beach in the province of Oristano that is the richest in history: from the archaeological site of Tharros to the Nuragic tower; from the falascus hut to the perfectly preserved early Christian church; not to mention the postcard views and landscapes. This beach will surely leave you speechless.
Torregrande
The largest seaside village in the province of Oristano, very close to Cabras, has at its center the largest coastal tower and a large very popular promenade . Bars, pizzerias, restaurants, kiosks, stalls, sports and music make it the summer lounge of Oristano.
A natural monument on the west coast of Sardinia, “S’Archittu”; (translated as “Archetto”;) is an arch carved by water and wind erosion into the white tuff rock that encloses a small gulf with a characteristic beach.
The largest beach is protected by a shoal that makes S’Archittu the ideal place for families with children. The small village is characterized by a walking path along the seafront with several clubs and restaurants. Recommended for a romantic evening, it is about 20 minutes from Cabras by car.
Although the origin of the toponym “Monte Prama” is uncertain, a confirmed thesis mentions the historical presence of a dwarf palm; a species that is now considered almost extinct.
The site of Tharros is one of the most famous destinations of archaeological tourism in Sardinia and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Santu Srabadoi (in Sardinian language) is the largest temporary religious village in Sardinia.
San Giovanni di Sinis is a hamlet of Cabras, located south of the Sinis peninsula.
Until about thirty years ago, in the Cabras pond, there were four fishponds: “ Mar’ e Pontis”, “Pischeredda”, “Su Pottu”; and “Sa Madrini”.
In May (24), the feast of Santa Maria Assunta, patron saint of the village, takes place. The feast of Santa Maria lasts three days during which there are dances in the square, various shows and fireworks.
The 13th of June St. Anthony of Padua is honoured with a religious procession and various shows.
In August, almost in conjunction with the feast of St. Augustine organized in the same church by the worshippers from Nurachi, at the church of San Giovanni di Sinis, for three days, the feast of St. John the Baptist takes place.
The small village of San Salvatore comes to life in the last weeks of August, becoming the setting for the exciting event known as the” Corsa degli scalzi” to be considered of particular importance for the context in which it takes place and for the fervour with which it is lived. Starting from the last weeks of August, a group of women dressed
in the typical costume of Cabras and barefoot, carry in procession the simulacrum of the saint from the church of Cabras to the sanctuary of San Salvatore, where religious rites follow one another for nine days.
The actual race starts at dawn on the first Saturday in September. Procurated “s’abidu”; (brotherhood dress), the young people meet in the churchyard of the Major Church of Cabras, from there the simulacrum is carried in procession to the outskirts of the village. At this point ”is curridoris”; (pronounced “curridorisi”; and meaning runners) tie s’abidu; at the height of the waist, cover the litter that encloses the simulacrum of the Saint and begin the race to the village of San Salvatore di Sinis. A “ muda”; made up of two young runners holds the sedan chair with a simulacrum which no one should try to pass. Every hundred meters you change and during the path scream “Viva Santu Srabadoi”; (San Salvatore). Once in the village “is curridoris”; are welcomed by hundreds of worshippers and tourists.
The same ritual takes place on the following Sunday with the opposite itinerary until it ends at the entrance to the village where an immense crowd awaits them that will give life to the procession that will end in front of the churchyard of Santa Maria Assunta; curridoris”; meet ”at attrus
annus” (next year). The following Monday the women in procession take the simulacrum back to the main church. The rite of the race of the barefoot symbolizes the hope for a good harvest, plentiful fish in the pond and fertility for the flocks.
In August Cabras dedicates a festival to mullet roe that offers the opportunity to taste it with multiple courses of appetizers, first and second courses. The ”Sagra della Bottarga” an event that enhances the culture, history and gastronomic aspects of this delicious food consisting of mullet eggs which are prepared so as to be considered a “real caviar of the Mediterranean”. On the occasion of the Festival, the municipal administration organizes stands for the tasting and promotional sale of bottarga and also distributes an interesting booklet in which numerous recipes using bottarga are available. The eggs of this mullet (volpino mullet) are processed by first covering them with salt and then pressing them and exposing them to the air in a natural way for aging. The result is an amber-coloured, soft bar with an intense and delicate taste that can be eaten raw sliced in olive oil. It is excellent when used grated on a wide range of appetizers and first courses and is unparalleled when eaten spread on toasted bread with the addition of butter.
The objective of the marine protected area is to maintain a balance between the preservation of the marine and coastal environment and development. The Sinis, thanks to the criteria of environmental protection, is
the ideal place for hiking and walking in the openair: the flora, remained intact and wild, home to rare wildlife
species such as flamingos, cormorants, turtles caretta-caretta, foxes and many others.
No less interesting is the underwater part. In fact, there are countless stretches of sea with surprising depths, ideal for snorkeling.
