Oristano

The west coast of Sardinia

The province of Oristano is a stage shared by nature reserves (WWF and LIPU), Nuragic villages, jagged coastlines and tiny hidden coves, Roman heritage and Punic history. The Sinis peninsula is a beautiful area of uncultivated land nestled in the white expanse of rocky landscapes leading down to sand dunes scattered with patches of green that surround Nuragic ruins, forming a coastline that runs from Capo Mannu towards the Gulf of Oristano.

Here stands the fabled Basilica of San Giovanni di Sinis , an imposing building with a domed body dating from the end of the fifth century, and the mythical Punic city Tharros, with its many wonders and surrounded by a network of ancient stone paths, that first belonged to the Phoenicians and then the Romans. In 1070, the city was abandoned following Saracen raids that had already disturbed the citizens’ peace for some time; they moved to the hinterland, sustained by waters rich in fish, and founded the city of Oristano.

The first impression of Oristano is that it might still belong to Eleonora, the heroine and iudex of Arborea, who, from 1383 until 1404, revived the fortune of this region by ending the Aragon hegemony and by signing the Carta de Logu , a progressive code written in the Sardinian language that was subsequently disseminated throughout the region, and which is still today considered in many respects in step with modern times.

A peculiar characteristic of this medieval city is the event that has taken place for over 500 years during carnival: “SA SARTIGLIA” involves horseback jousting, organised by ancient guilds (Gremi) of famers and carpenters. Site of splendid buildings and of ancient culture, but also of vineyards and of great flavours: fish roe bottarga, Vernaccia grapes, fish, crustaceans and fruit are just some of the unique flavours of the local area.

Spinnaker Village in Torregrande at the heart of the Gulf of Oristano, near Torregrande beach, is immersed in this rich tapestry of history, tradition and cuisine , and offers visitors a friendly, welcoming service that gives them the chance to experience the area first-hand, to taste the local produce and to experience the sights and smells this wonderful place has to offer.