In the heart of northeastern Sardinia, between the mountains of the Barbagia of Bitti and the high Baronia of Lodè and Torpè to the sandy coastline of Posada, lies a corner of unspoiled nature and extraordinary biodiversity: the Tepilora Regional Nature Park. With nearly 8,000 hectares of forests, granite relief, springs, rivers and coastal ponds, this park encapsulates the wild and authentic essence of the island, combining environmental conservation, hiking and a rich cultural heritage. A true treasure chest of wonders, also recognized by UNESCO as Sardinia’s only Biosphere Reserve..
A landscape sculpted by time
The Park’s geomorphology is characterized by outcrops of Paleozoic granitic rocks, with elevations exceeding 900 meters, such as Nodu Preta Orteddu. The famous serre, sharp ridges resembling saw teeth, and tafoni, natural cavities resembling animal profiles, contribute to an almost fairy-tale landscape. The waters of the Rio Posada, a true link along the entire protected area, feed wetlands of ecological significance recognized by the International Ramsar Convention, while the numerous springs, some visible along the trails, others shrouded in vegetation, enrich the environment with freshness and vitality.
Fioriture mediterranee e una fauna variegata e protetta
Il territorio è dominato da fitte foreste di lecci, sughere e ginepri, alternate a zone di macchia mediterranea e gariga. Il sottobosco è un’esplosione di biodiversità: corbezzolo, mirto, fillirea, erica, tamerici, rosmarino, euforbia arborescente, e numerose specie di orchidee e liliacee rendono questo habitat unico e profumato in ogni stagione. Il rimboschimento avviato negli anni Ottanta ha arricchito il patrimonio vegetale, creando un equilibrio armonico tra conifere e latifoglie.
Il Parco è rifugio di numerose specie animali tipiche della macchia mediterranea. Cinghiali, lepri sarde, volpi, gatti selvatici e martore popolano le aree boschive, mentre i mufloni e i daini trovano dimora tra le foreste di Littos, Crastazza e Usinavà. Gli appassionati di birdwatching possono avvistare l’aquila reale, il falco pellegrino, la poiana e lo sparviero e, grazie alle nuove reintroduzioni promosse nell’area negli ultimi anni, anche l’aquila di Bonelli, scomparsa dai cieli della Sardegna da almeno tre decenni. Le zone umide del Posada ospitano una ricca avifauna: dal raro pollo sultano alla folaga, dai piro-piro ai fratini e al falco di palude, in un delicato ecosistema palustre dove l’acqua incontra le dune costiere.
Hiking and sustainable tourism
Thanks to its mild climate and network of more than 200km of well-marked trails, such as the Sentiero Italia along the Lodè area, the Park is ideal for year-round hiking, biking, kayaking or quad biking. From granite heights to trails along the Lake of Torpè, each route offers authentic thrills and breathtaking views. The forests of Crastazza, Littos and Usinavà offer rejuvenating silences, ideal for those seeking deep contact with nature.
Kayaking on the Posada River – Ph. press office Tepilora Park
Cultural heritage and undiscovered villages
Tepilora is not only nature: it is also history and identity. Archaeological testimonies such as the nuraghe San Pietro in Torpè and the archaeological site of Romanzesu in Bitti tell the story of Nuragic Sardinia. In Lodè visit the country church of su Remèdiu and the historic center of the medieval village, at Torpè the civic museum, while in Bitti the only media museum of tenor singing – a UNESCO heritage site – in Sardinia and that of the pastoral and peasant civilization are open all year round. Finally, Posada enchants with its medieval village and the Castle of the Fava, an ancient sentinel over the sea from which one can admire the entire river valley and kilometers of eastern coastline.
View of Posada and the Fava Castle – Ph. Diego Fiore/shutterstock
The Tepilora Regional Nature Park is a destination of excellence for those who wish to discover an authentic and varied face of Sardinia. Nature, wildlife, hiking, culture and hospitality come together in a slow and sustainable travel experience. An area to be experienced with respect and wonder, where every path is an invitation to discovery.
On the cover Posada wetland area – Ph. press office Tepilora Park
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