Autumn in Sardinia

When we think of Sardinia, the images that come to mind are often those of enchanting beaches, crystal-clear sea and summer holidays. But Sardinia is much more than that. It is a land rich in millenary history, in deep-rooted traditions, in an ancient soul that pulsates strongly, especially when the summer crowds thin out, leaving room for authentic and intimate beauty. And it is precisely in autumn, between September and December, that Sardinia reveals its most fascinating side thanks to Autunno in Barbagia and its famous Cortes Apertas.

A journey into the heart of Sardinia: the Cortes Apertas

The Cortes Apertas, literally ‘open courtyards’, are the most genuine expression of a Sardinia that lives and tells its story through its traditions. On the occasion of Autunno in Barbagia, the villages of the Sardinian hinterland, especially in the mountainous region of Barbagia, open the doors of their ancient houses to welcome visitors on a journey through time. It is not just about seeing, but experiencing: you will walk through the alleys of Oliena, Orgosolo, Mamoiada, Nuoro, and many other villages, where every stone, every courtyard tells a story.

Each village has its own personality, but they all share a passion: the desire to pass on their customs, their flavours, their rhythms. Cortes Apertas are a celebration of what the inhabitants hold most dear: their land, their craftsmanship and their ancient knowledge. During the autumn, the streets are filled with traditional music, the courtyards are transformed into workshops where craftsmen work with wood, ceramics, and textiles, while women bake bread and sweets following recipes handed down through generations.

Not only sea: Sardinia is history, traditions and flavours

Sardinia is not only sea, and it is important to tell about it. It is a region where traditions blend with the landscape, where each season has its own character and beauty. Autumn in Barbagia is the perfect opportunity to get to know the most intimate part of this island. Here, the welcome is not just a smile, but an invitation to share a piece of one's life: a glass of wine, a taste of cheese, a chat about the history of a village.

Each village participates in its own way, with events from September to December. For example, Oliena, with its wine traditions, welcomes visitors in September, while Orgosolo, famous for its murals and stories of brigands, celebrates autumn in October. Mamoiada, famous for its traditional masks, the Mamuthones and Issohadores, offers a glimpse into the ancient carnival celebrations, while Gavoi is filled with music and handicrafts in November.

The food and wine soul of Autunno in Barbagia 

The experience is not complete without tasting the traditional dishes. Here in Barbagia, food is not just nourishment, but culture. You can enjoy culurgiones, ravioli filled with potatoes and mint, seasoned with rich and tasty sauces; taste porceddu, the roast suckling pig, slow-cooked to obtain a perfect crispness; or delight in typical sweets such as sebadas, filled with cheese and honey.

There is no shortage of products that act as ambassadors of the Sardinian land: carasau bread, cheeses such as Sardinian pecorino, and of course wine, especially Cannonau, an intense and full-bodied red wine that perfectly accompanies the strong flavours of Barbagia cuisine.

Authentic Sardinia: Beyond the Beaches

In autumn, Sardinia becomes a perfect destination for those seeking peace, nature and authenticity. The colours of the island change: the green of the forests mixes with the red of the autumn leaves, while the scents of wet earth and burning wood fill the air. It is an ideal time of year for hiking and walking in the wilderness of Barbagia, between the peaks of Gennargentu and the gorges of Su Gorroppu, or for exploring the nuraghi, ancient stone constructions that tell the story of a millenary civilisation.

Autumn in Barbagia is the perfect opportunity to discover that Sardinia is not only sea, but also mountains, it is tradition, it is living history. A trip here in autumn means immersing oneself in a world where past and present merge in a warm embrace, made up of hospitality, flavours and ancient sounds.

Some dates not to be missed of Autunno in Barbagia 2024:

                  - Lula - 05-06 October

                  - Gavoi - 12-13 October

                  - Tonara - 12-13 October

                  - Orgosolo - 19-20 October

                  - Aritzo - 26-27 October

                  - Mamoiada - 01-03 November

                  - Nuoro - 16-17 November

Autumn in Sardinia is an experience for the soul, an invitation to discover the true essence of the island. Don't wait until next summer to visit Sardinia: come in autumn and be surprised by a land that still has so much to tell.