Ussassai

The south-western gateway to Ogliastra, Ussassai is synonymous with wild beauty: that of the 'Tacchi', the limestone towers that characterise the landscape of Ogliastra Sardinia, one of the six blue zones in the world, the areas with the highest concentration of over-centenarians and long-lived people. Pure air, outdoor activities and healthy food are among their secrets: here in Ussassai there is no shortage of them. Forests such as Montarbu and Niala lend themselves to being explored by bicycle and trekking, and then sit down at the table and enjoy culurgiones cun sa mècuda and is coccois prenas, accompanied by a glass of cannonau. Just outside the town, the sanctuary of San Salvatore is worth a visit: it dates back to the 12th century and around it are picturesque cumbessias, stone lodgings used to accommodate pilgrims and the faithful during festivals.