At first sight, from afar, it looks like a shining gem, its sparkling water nestled between mountains that, together with the rocky outcrops, create spectacular contrasts of light and shade. Medio Flumendosa lake is the catch basin of the eponymous river, which flows through the south-central part of Sardinia for 127 km. The river is cut by two dams. The first one is the six kilometre long, 1½ km wide Bau Muggeris gorge at an altitude of 800 metres while the second dam created the spectacular Flumendosa lake, a 17 km long and 500 metre wide basin in the Sarcidano and Barbagia di Seulo area constructed at an altitude of 268 metres in 1952 to generate energy and irrigate the fields of the Campidano region.

The deep blue lake is a wonderful place to go boating and you’ll enjoy the truly memorable experience of floating over it in a Mississippi-style paddle boat complete with upper deck to take in the scenery. The lake is also a great place to enjoy romantic (and family) outings canoeing, sports fishing and wakeboarding. The embarkation point is by the little green Trenino Verde train stop which, along with the paddle boat, are the only way to explore this delightful wilderness area of Sardinia.

In this ‘lake district’ – Flumendosa and Mulargia, linked by a tunnel, and Is Barrocus – nature presents herself to us with breathtaking and unexpected views of landscapes in which to go hiking, visit archaeological sites and enjoy fine food and wine. Start out from the lakes, cross over mountains and hilltops, forests and waterfalls, caves and canyons all the way to the steep cliff walls of Isili, famous for its rock climbing. As the scenery changes, the activities multiply. You will come across amazing natural monuments like the one-of-a-kind su Stampu de su Turrunu – a karstic phenomenon featuring a water that flows through a sink hole to then resurge into a cave as a lake – and the waterfall and caves of Sadali. There are also a variety of not-to-be-missed archaeological sites: the menhir-statues of Goni and Nurallao and the nuraghe architecture of Is Paras (Isili) and Nuraghe Arrubiu (Orroli). Each place is an expression of its own ancient traditions, reflected in the local specialities it offers: bread and cheese, olive oil and wine, flavourful meats and tasty desserts.