When thinking about Ogliastra, its traditions, longevity and flavours of the typical local products and cuisine come to mind but, perhaps most of all, the breathtaking natural scenery. On the border of Barbagia, in the Villagrande Strisaili area, an oak forest contains one of its gems: the natural pools of Bau Mela. You’ll find yourself admiring an oasis where the current of the stream of the same name has carved and shaped the granite and through two small waterfalls in rapid succession it generates a captivating series of cascades and ponds. The first waterfall is the most impressive and it creates the largest pool, while the second is divided into other equally accessible little pools, where you can immerse yourself in the crystal clear water surrounded by mighty granite walls. The landscape on your way to this natural masterpiece is no less magical: lush Mediterranean scrub, centuries-old junipers and expanses of asphodels will accompany you on a journey through wild and uncontaminated landscapes.

The importance of this water resource is also based on the presence of a dam and a hydroelectric power plant, which you can see along the way, and are part of a system for managing the waters of the area, taking the name of the upper Flumendosa plant and also includes the nearby dams of Bau Mandara and Bau Muggeris.

In the surrounding area, you will also find other places to explore: a fascinating route – equipped with tables for taking a break and picnics – leads to the majestic Sothai waterfall, which flows into the Bau Vigo canyon. In the territory of the nearby hamlet of Villanova Strisaili, about 700 metres above sea level, is the Pirincanes gorge, created by the Rio ‘e Forru, where the water has eroded the pink granite, forming a series of natural pools, called ‘cauldrons of the giants’.

Such natural beauty did not leave the forefathers of the Ogliastra area indifferent and it is no coincidence that this area is rich in archaeological evidence: the Park of Santa Barbara contains seven Tombs of Giants and a megalith, 17 nuraghi and ten Nuragic villages. Villanova Strisaili’s surroundings include other sites: those of s'Arcu e is Forros, where it is possible to admire a megaron temple and two well temples, various domus de Janas, the complex of Troculu – with two nuraghi, a village and a Tomb of Giants – and the archaeological area of sa Carcaredda.

Villagrande Strisaili is the ultimate town of centenarians, guarding ancient traditions that have been handed down unchanged for centuries and can be found in the celebrations, such as the feast of San Sebastiano, and in the local crafts and traditional cuisine.