Montiferru

Montiferru is a massif of volcanic origin that extends to the north of Oristano, between the lowland of the Campidano and the sea. It is an area covered in dense woods, characterised by imposing rocky formations, like the columnar basalts of Arghentes (Cuglieri), and by the great abundance of water. There are numerous springs, among which the famous Siete Fuenteses (seven springs) near the Romanesque church of San Leonardo, and also streams and small falls.

Those who love naturalistic excursions will perhaps have the fortune to spot a griffon vulture, some mouflon or the Sardinian deer, recently reintroduced into the state forests. The traditional urban architecture of the towns of the Montiferru are still well preserved at Séneghe, Bonàrcado and Santu Lussurgiu, an important centre for handicraft activities, such as carpet weaving, and manufacture of carved chests and objects relating to horse harnesses: objects which have been chosen and preserved in the Museum of countryside technology. Equestrianism is a major activity in the area, as can be also seen during the carnival demonstrations of Sa carrela 'e nanti, a ‘pariglia’ (ridden in pairs) contest ridden by horesmen in traditional costume.

The plain of Milis is still characterised by the presence of orange tree orchards, planted along the banks of the Rio Mannu by the Camaldolensian monks of Bonàrcado. It is an area of great agricultural vocation, densely inhabited since prehistoric times, as is evidenced in the vast archaeological area of the nuraghe S’Uraki, near San Vero Milis and the old Roman and late medieval city of Cornus.
The coast is characterised by calcareous cliffs such as those of S’Archittu and Santa Caterina di Pittinurri, and also by dark basaltic bluffs.