Sadali and surroundings
map of Sadali and surroundings
If you plan to visit Sadali via the Trenino Verde, currently, you can only travel from Mandas.
The trains coming from Arbatax turn around at Gairo because some bridges between Seui and Gairo need renovation. Whether these costly measures will ever be implemented is uncertain.
Otherwise, the only option is the extremely winding route via the SS198 or the SP8. You should allow plenty of time for this journey, as you will rarely be able to drive faster than 50 km/h on this road.
Tip: As an alternative, there is a narrow connecting road between the SS198 and the SS389 (Nuoro-Lanusei). This road offers beautiful views almost all the way and has little traffic. However, it must be navigated with extreme caution as cows, sheep, goats, and horses frequently gather on the road.
Along the way, you will pass the Nuraghe Ardasai and the Lago Bau Muggeris reservoir.
For better orientation, I have marked the route in blue on the map below.
The old town center of Sadali is situated on a hillside about 1 km from the train station. It is best to park your vehicle in the upper part of the town and walk down Via Roma.
The Church of San Valentino (photo) roughly marks the old town center. The building was initially constructed in the 9th and 10th centuries in the late Byzantine style.
After 1600, some side chapels were added, while the current bell tower was built in the first half of the twentieth century.
On the way down, you will notice small open watercourses everywhere, some of which are incorporated into simple fountains.
Sadali has an unusually abundant water supply for Sardinia.
There is also an old washhouse that can be visited (see map).
Contrary to the romantic descriptions in some travel guides, hardly any laundry is washed here anymore.
Near the church, you will find one of the most beautiful sights in the area.
A small waterfall trickles down a completely moss-covered rock wall into a pond below.
In the dry summer, however, the water flow is minimal.
Right next to it stands an old water mill built from rough stones. The small mill wheel can be seen from the outside through an opening.
Through a grated window, you can also glimpse the interior of the tiny mill.
The millstone and the grain hopper are still present. Some other old tools are still standing against the walls.
The special feature is that the shaft of the small water wheel is vertical and operates like a turbine.
The road continues downhill from the waterfall to Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea.
On the way, you will pass another historic water mill (photo).
From the Piazza, it is only a few meters to the Grotta “Sa Ucca Manna.”
Here, a stream disappears into the dark, karstic underground. From a well-secured small platform, you can look into the cave system.
Grotta de Is Janas
A few kilometers north of Sadali is the town’s main attraction – the cave “Grotta de Is Janas” (Fairy Cave).
The name of the cave derives from a legend about fairies who were turned to stone here as a punishment.
The interior is fascinatingly illuminated, highlighting the impressive stalactites.
The grotto consists of several small chambers connected by sometimes narrow passages.
Even in the height of summer, it is very cool down here, so besides sturdy shoes, take something warm to wear.
Hike to the Waterfall
The “Grotta de Is Janas” is set amidst a beautiful holm oak forest, where there are also some picnic tables in the shade.
If you have enough time, a short hike to the Riu su Semuccu valley below the cave is worthwhile. The local Pro Loco has created a beautiful and well-marked hiking trail here that follows the watercourse into an impressive gorge.
After a short descent, you reach the “Su Stampu de Su Turrunu” waterfall.
The path to it is well signposted.
The water gushes from a rock wall at about 3 meters high and forms a natural shower with the small pond below.
However, the water flow is highly dependent on the season – in summer, do not expect too much.
Despite the modest trickle, our children enjoyed cooling off here.
The walk from the parking lot above the cave takes about 30 minutes.