Province of Medio Campidano: what to see and do
The landscape of Medio Campidano includes mountains, hills, plains and coastline. The area covers about 1,518 square kilometres, around 6.3% of Sardinia.
Barumini and Su Nuraxi
Barumini stands below the Giara, in the Mannu river valley. Su Nuraxi di Barumini received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Its keep dates to the Middle Bronze Age, between the 16th and 14th centuries BC. The bastion consists of a tower at its centre and four towers at its corners. Around this structure are 50 huts, together with wells and cisterns.
The layers at Su Nuraxi span two thousand years, from the 16th century BC to the 7th century AD. Giovanni Lilliu uncovered the site through excavations around the middle of the 20th century. Lilliu excavated the complex in the 1950s.
Casa Zapata reflects Spanish civil architecture influenced by the Renaissance. It has accommodated a museum centre since 2006.
The Giara and UNESCO Barumini tour from Cagliari lasts 7 hours. It includes return minivan transport from Cagliari, guided visits to the Giara di Gesturi plateau, Nuraghe Barumini and Casa Zapata Archaeological Museum, and a professional local guide throughout.
Costa Verde and the dunes of Piscinas
Along Arbus, the Costa Verde extends for 47 kilometres. Scivu and Piscinas are among the beaches on this coastline. Fine golden sand forms the dunes at Piscinas, which rise to as much as 60 metres. Part of Montevecchio's industrial archaeology lies within the territory of Guspini.
The Arbus quad bike tour of dunes, mines and the Red River lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. It includes quad bike rental, route guidance, a briefing, an itinerary adapted to the group, and access to the Ingurtosu mine area and the route through the Piscinas dunes.
Medio Campidano and its towns
The province has 28 municipalities, with Sanluri and Villacidro as its capitals. Regional Law 2/2016 abolished it; Regional Law 7/2021 re-established it, and it has been fully operational since July 2025.
Sanluri castle, whose first structure may date to the late 12th century, has housed a museum since 1927. Sanluri is associated with civraxu, a bread using durum wheat flour. Sardinian saffron DOP comes from the area between San Gavino Monreale, Villanovafranca and Turri.
The Giara plateau
Basalt forms the Giara plateau at the boundary of Marmilla and Sarcidano. Eruptions 2.7 million years ago created the plateau. Its gently inclined top stretches for twelve kilometres. Small wild horses live on the Giara. Its wildlife also includes wild boar, weasels, hares, martens, foxes and 60 bird species.
The guided trek in Giara Park from Tuili lasts 4 hours. It includes a licensed professional trekking guide, park entry, trail access, an introductory briefing, a route explanation and interpretation of wildlife and plants.
Villacidro and traditional weaving
Villacidro's public washhouse opened in 1893. Near Villacidro, Sa Spendula descends in three successive drops, with a maximum height difference of 60 metres.
The traditional weaving workshop in Villacidro lasts 4 hours. It includes guided weaving on a traditional horizontal loom, an introduction to washing, carding and spinning wool, a demonstration of natural vegetable dyes, a presentation of the Movietessil collection and a local expert host throughout.
Frequently asked questions
When did Su Nuraxi become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO recognised Su Nuraxi di Barumini as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
How high are the Piscinas dunes?
The dunes at Piscinas reach heights of up to 60 metres.
Which towns were the capitals of Medio Campidano?
The province has 28 municipalities, with Sanluri and Villacidro as its capitals. Regional Law 2/2016 abolished it; Regional Law 7/2021 re-established it, and it has been fully operational since July 2025.
What animals live on the Giara?
The Giara has small wild horses, wild boar, weasels, hares, martens, foxes and 60 species of bird.
What does the Villacidro weaving workshop include?
The workshop includes weaving on a traditional horizontal loom, wool processing, a natural vegetable dye demonstration, the Movietessil collection presentation and a local expert host.
