A welcoming agriturismo in the hills above Nuoro offering traditional Sardinian home cooking and comfortable rooms on a working farm. Excellent value for money and a genuine taste of Barbagia hospitality.
Agriturismo Su Cantaru sits in the agricultural hills on the outskirts of Nuoro, the provincial capital of the Barbagia region in central Sardinia. Positioned inland and far from the island's coastal resorts, the property offers a working-farm experience rooted in the pastoral and culinary traditions of the Sardinian interior. The surrounding landscape is one of granite mountains, cork oak woodland, and shepherding villages that have maintained traditional customs largely unchanged for centuries. The farm buildings are constructed in the vernacular stone style typical of the Nuorese highlands, and guest rooms are furnished simply but comfortably in a rustic aesthetic that suits the rural setting. The half-board arrangement — standard at Sardinian agriturismos — means breakfast and a multi-course dinner are served communally at the farm table, providing a genuine introduction to Barbagia's food culture. The kitchen draws on produce from the farm and surrounding locality: expect dishes such as culurgiones (handmade pasta parcels filled with potato and mint), malloreddus al sugo (small Sardinian gnocchi with slow-cooked meat sauce), roasted lamb or porceddu (suckling pig), and aged local pecorino. Mirto, the dark myrtle-berry liqueur that closes every Sardinian dinner, is produced from the wild myrtle bushes growing across the property. Nuoro itself is a short drive from the farm, giving guests straightforward access to the MAN (Museo d'Arte della Provincia di Nuoro), which holds the most significant collection of contemporary Sardinian art on the island, and the Museo del Costume, displaying the regional dress, jewellery, and craft traditions of Sardinia's interior communities. The hill town of Orgosolo (approximately 30 km south), renowned for its politically charged murals covering entire building facades, makes a natural day excursion. Walking trails extend from the farm through oak and juniper forest, with birdlife that includes red kites, peregrine falcons, and Mediterranean warblers. The property is particularly well suited to couples, solo travellers, and small family groups with older children who are drawn to authentic rural Sardinia, traditional food culture, and the highland interior.
Location
Loc. Su Cantaru, 08100 Nuoro
40.3167, 9.3333 View on map
Highlights
- Working farm with authentic hospitality
- Traditional Sardinian home cooking
- Excellent value half board
- Hiking trails from the property
- Nuoro museums within easy reach
Tips for visiting
- The communal dinner is served at a set time, typically around 20:00 — confirm the exact hour at check-in to avoid missing the sitting.
- A private vehicle is essential for reaching Su Cantaru and for exploring the region; the farm is not served by public transport and most local sights require a short drive.
- The Autunno in Barbagia festival runs from September to December, opening villages across the Nuoro province to craft markets and traditional demonstrations on successive weekends — coinciding a visit with a nearby village event adds significantly to the experience.
- Pack an extra layer even in summer: the highland elevation above Nuoro means evenings are noticeably cooler than the coast, particularly from late August.
- Bring insect repellent for walks in the surrounding woodland — mosquitoes can be active around the farm in the warmer months from May to September.
Accessibility
The agriturismo is set on working farmland with uneven terrain, gravel paths, and grass surfaces that may present significant difficulties for wheelchair users or guests with reduced mobility. Ground-floor accommodation may be available, and the communal dining room is on a single level. Guests with specific accessibility requirements are advised to contact the property directly before booking to discuss suitable room allocation and access routes.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is dinner included in the room rate?
Yes, the nightly rate includes half board — breakfast and a multi-course traditional dinner. Lunch is not included but can often be arranged on request. Dishes vary seasonally based on farm produce and local market availability.
Do guests need a car to reach the property?
A private vehicle is strongly recommended. The agriturismo is on the outskirts of Nuoro and is not served by regular public transport. Nuoro is accessible by long-distance bus from Cagliari (approximately 3 hours) and from Olbia, but onward connections to the farm require a taxi or hire car.
Can guests with dietary requirements be accommodated?
The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian guests with advance notice. Sardinian cuisine offers a range of pasta, vegetable, and cheese dishes. Guests with gluten intolerance or other specific dietary needs should inform the property at the time of booking so the kitchen can plan accordingly.
What cultural attractions are within reach of the farm?
Nuoro is 10–15 minutes by car and is home to the MAN art museum and the Museo del Costume. Orgosolo, known for its political murals, is roughly 30 km south. The coastal area around Cala Gonone and the Golfo di Orosei, one of Sardinia's most celebrated coastlines, is approximately 45 km east.