Hotels & Resorts in Sardinia: Hotel Sa Muvara in Aritzo - Holidays Sardinia

Nestled in the heart of Sardinia’s mountainous interior, the small town of Aritzo offers a different side of the island to the coastal resorts that tend to dominate holiday brochures. For travellers keen to explore this lesser-known side of Sardinia, Hotel Sa Muvara provides a comfortable base from which to discover the surrounding landscape.

A Mountain Setting in the Gennargentu Region

Aritzo sits within the province of Nuoro, on the slopes of the Gennargentu massif, the highest mountain range in Sardinia. The town is known for its cool summer climate, its chestnut woods and its long-standing association with the production of sweets and preserved fruits. It is a place where the island’s pastoral traditions remain very much alive, and where visitors can walk, cycle and explore at a slower pace than on the coast.

About the Hotel

Hotel Sa Muvara takes its name from the Sardinian word for the mouflon, the wild sheep that still roams the island’s uplands. The hotel is situated a short distance from the centre of Aritzo, surrounded by greenery and with views across the surrounding hills and valleys.

Rooms are simply furnished and equipped with the essentials for a comfortable stay, including private bathrooms and air conditioning. Communal areas include a lounge and a restaurant, and there is outdoor space where guests can relax after a day in the mountains.

Eating and Drinking

The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Sardinian dishes, with an emphasis on local ingredients and recipes from the Barbagia region. Expect hearty mountain fare: roasted meats, homemade pasta, locally produced cheeses and cured meats, and sweets made with the chestnuts and almonds for which the area is known.

Things to See and Do

Aritzo itself rewards a wander. The town has a number of historic churches and a distinctive old quarter, and its streets come alive during the autumn chestnut festival, one of the most established events in this part of Sardinia.

Beyond the town, the Gennargentu National Park offers hiking trails through some of the island’s most dramatic scenery, while the nearby village of Desulo is known for its textile traditions. The larger town of Nuoro, often described as the cultural capital of the interior, is within driving distance and has museums, galleries and a lively market.

Practical Notes

A car is more or less essential for exploring this part of Sardinia, as public transport in the interior is limited and many of the area’s attractions are spread across a wide area. The nearest airport is at Cagliari, in the south of the island, while Olbia in the north east is an alternative for those combining a stay in the mountains with time on the coast.

Summers in Aritzo are noticeably cooler than on the coast, which makes the town an appealing option in July and August. Spring and autumn are also pleasant times to visit, though some mountain roads can be affected by snow in the winter months.