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In the heart of north-central Sardinia lies a region still largely unknown to mass tourism, where time seems to pass more slowly and the landscape retains its authentic beauty: this is the Marghine, a historic region characterised by basalt plateaus, rolling hills, small villages and ancient remains of the Nuragic civilisation.
Situated between Barbagia, Logudoro and Planargia, the Marghine is one of the most fascinating areas of inland Sardinia. Here, nature still reigns supreme and daily life retains a strong connection to agricultural and pastoral traditions.
Visiting the Marghine means discovering a different side of Sardinia, far from the most crowded routes but rich in history, archaeology and culture.
Where is Marghine?
The Marghine region is located in central Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro, and comprises several historic villages scattered across the volcanic plateau that dominates the area.
For centuries, this region has served as a link between the north and the centre of the island, having been crossed by major transport routes since Roman times. The main town in the area is Macomer.
The villages of Marghine: a cluster of small villages
The Marghine region consists of a network of small villages scattered across basalt plateaus, hills and valleys. Each of these villages preserves a part of the history and identity of inland Sardinia, encompassing Nuragic archaeology, pastoral traditions and landscapes still largely undiscovered by mass tourism.
At the heart of the region lies Macomer, the main urban centre and historic link between the north and the centre of the island. Surrounding it are the other villages of the Marghine, each with its own distinctive character and a strong connection to the local area.
These include Bortigali, Silanus, Birori, Borore, Bolotana, Dualchi, Lei, Noragugume and Sindia, small villages where daily life still follows a rhythm shaped by nature and local traditions.
Visiting these villages means discovering the real Sardinia, with its welcoming communities, ancient stone architecture and landscapes that bear witness to thousands of years of history.
THE TOWNS OF THE MARGHINE
| Municipality | Brief description |
| Macomer | The main town of the Marghine region, a historic hub linking northern and central Sardinia. It is home to important archaeological sites such as the Tamuli necropolis and hosts cultural events such as the Carrasecare in Macumere. |
| Bortigali | A village situated at the foot of Monte Santu Padre, renowned for its tradition of knife-making and its local culinary culture. |
| Silanus | An area rich in archaeological finds, including the Santa Sabina nuraghe, one of Sardinia’s most important nuragic complexes. |
| Birori | A small village in the Marghine region, with an area rich in prehistoric monuments, including nuraghi, dolmens and giants’ tombs. |
| Borore | A village steeped in rural culture and the tradition of bread-making, with numerous archaeological sites in the surrounding area. |
| Bolotana | A village nestled amongst hills and woods, characterised by a charming historic centre and the historic Villa Piercy. |
| Dualchi | A small rural village nestled in the peaceful Marghine countryside, with strong ties to pastoral traditions. |
| Lei | A hillside village surrounded by rural landscapes and pastures, where the authentic atmosphere of inland Sardinia is still very much alive. |
| Noragugume | One of the smallest villages in the Marghine region, known for the Sa Perda ‘e Taleri menhir and the landscape stretching towards Lake Omodeo. |
| Sindia | Situated on the Campeda plateau, Sindia serves as an important link between Marghine and Planargia. The area is home to numerous archaeological finds and traces of the medieval presence of Cistercian Benedictine monks. |
These villages form a sort of territorial mosaic that tells the story of the Marghine and reflects its identity. Each one preserves traditions, monuments and landscapes that help to make this region of Sardinia one of the most authentic on the island.
Archaeology and Nuragic civilisation
The Marghine is one of the areas in Sardinia with the richest archaeological heritage.
Here you will find numerous nuraghi, domus de janas and giants’ tombs, evidence of human presence dating back to prehistoric times.
Among the most important sites are:
- Necropoli di Tamuli (Macomer)
- Nuraghe Santa Sabina (Silanus)
- numerous nuraghi scattered across the Marghine highlands
These monuments tell the story of the Nuragic civilisation, one of the most fascinating cultures of the ancient Mediterranean.
Traditions, festivals and culture in the Marghine
The Marghine is a region where folk traditions remain deeply rooted in the life of local communities. Throughout the year, numerous events bring the region’s villages to life, including religious celebrations, festivals linked to the changing seasons, and events celebrating local produce and sheep farming.
| Event | Period | Place | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrasecare in Macumere | Winter (February–March) | Macomer | The town’s traditional carnival, featuring parades of Sardinian masked figures, folk groups and re-enactments of the island’s ancestral carnival rituals. |
| Feast of Sant’Antonio Abate | Winter (January) | Several villages in the Marghine region | A celebration that is very common in rural traditions, characterised by the lighting of large ritual bonfires and social gatherings featuring tastings of local produce. |
| The summer solstice and San Giovanni Eve | Early summer (June) | Macomer | A symbolic event linked to the summer solstice and rituals celebrating fertility and nature, accompanied by music, cultural events and opportunities for socialising. |
| The Night of San Lorenzo | Summer (August) | Macomer | An evening dedicated to culture and socialising, featuring performances, concerts and food and wine tastings in the town centre. |
| Patron saint festivals in the villages of Marghine | Spring–summer | Various towns in the area | Religious and folk celebrations featuring processions, traditional music and the preparation of traditional dishes linked to rural and pastoral culture. |
| S’Antunna Festival and Regional Mycological Exhibition | Autumn (November) | Macomer | An event dedicated to the “antunna” mushroom, featuring mycological exhibitions, tastings, scientific talks and nature walks. |
These events illustrate the deep connection between the Marghine region, the rhythm of the seasons and the pastoral traditions that remain a fundamental part of the cultural identity of inland Sardinia to this day.
Nature and landscapes of the Marghine
The Marghine landscape is characterised by basalt plateaus of volcanic origin, rolling hills and vast areas of pasture.
This area is ideal for those who enjoy slow tourism and experiences in the great outdoors.
Possible activities include:
- trekking and hiking
- cycle routes
- archaeological trails
- experiences related to pastoral culture
In spring, the fields are ablaze with wildflowers, whilst in autumn the area becomes a perfect destination for lovers of mushrooms and local produce.
The main attractions of the Marghine
The Marghine region offers a wealth of opportunities for those wishing to discover the real Sardinia, with its ancient archaeological sites, natural landscapes and cultural traditions that are still very much alive.
| Category | Place / experience | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nuragic archaeology | Necropoli di Tamuli (Macomer) | One of Sardinia’s most fascinating burial sites, featuring giants’ tombs and mysterious anthropomorphic betili dating back to the Nuragic Age. |
| Nuragic archaeology | Nuraghe Santa Sabina (Silanus) | A monumental nuragic complex, one of the best-preserved on the island, set amidst the Marghine countryside. |
| Prehistoric archaeology | Menhir di Sa Perda ‘e Taleri (Noragugume) | An imposing prehistoric menhir that bears witness to the ancient human presence in the area. |
| Culture and traditions | “Le Arti Antiche” Ethnographic Museum (Macomer) | A museum dedicated to daily life in rural and pastoral Sardinia, featuring traditional tools and artefacts. |
| Historic villages | Bortigali e Bolotana | Villages rich in traditional crafts, historic architecture and the authentic atmosphere of inland Sardinia. |
| Landscape and nature | Marghine Range | A mountain range that runs through the area, offering stunning views of plateaus, pastures and woodlands. |
| Natural landscape | Campeda Plateau | A vast plateau between Marghine and Planargia, characterised by rural landscapes and ancient pastoral routes. |
| Events and traditions | Carrasecare in Macumere | The traditional Macomer Carnival, featuring Sardinian masks and ritual re-enactments. |
| Food and wine | S’Antunna Festival | An autumn event dedicated to the mushrooms of the Marghine region, featuring tastings and mycological activities. |
| Slow tourism | Hiking and country walks | The area offers numerous trails that are ideal for hiking, cycling and exploring inland Sardinia. |
With its ancient archaeological sites, authentic villages, unspoilt landscapes and deeply rooted traditions, Marghine is one of Sardinia’s most fascinating regions for those wishing to discover the island’s most authentic side.
Discover the real Sardinia
The Marghine is one of Sardinia’s most authentic destinations.
Here you won’t find large crowds of tourists or bustling resorts, but villages steeped in history, tranquil landscapes and communities that preserve age-old traditions.
It is a place that invites you to slow down, explore at your own pace and let yourself be surprised by a cultural and natural heritage that is still relatively unknown.
For those who wish to discover the true essence of Sardinia, Marghine is a destination that should definitely be included in your itinerary.
Sources and references
Bibliography
- Giovanni Lilliu – La civiltà dei Sardi
- Francesco Cesare Casula – La storia di Sardegna
- AA.VV. – Studi sul territorio del Marghine
Websites
- Sardegna Turismo (Regione Sardegna)
- Sardegna Cultura
- Unione di Comuni “Marghine”
- Gal Marghine
- Sviluppo Rurale Sardegna
AI Disclosure (AI Act 2025 – Italian Law 132/2025):
the text content is AI-assisted, created by Antonio Casu with the support of ChatGPT (GPT-5.2), OpenAI, in accordance with the transparency principles set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.