Tonara: Forests, Peaks and Traditions

Tonara Between Forest, Elevation and Tradition

Tonara combines a pronounced high-altitude setting with dense forests, historic districts and a vibrant local culture. Around 90 percent of the municipality is covered by chestnut, hazelnut, holm oak, downy oak and holly trees. The built-up area lies at approximately 860 to 1,030 metres above sea level. This gives the town various points of interest for a trip in which nature experiences, local history and regional traditions come together. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Tonara, you can shape the character of your stay around these focal points.

Forests, Peaks and Trails

The mountain ridge of Tonara reaches approximately 1,499 to 1,500 metres at Punta Giuanni Fais. From Tonara, trails lead to the higher peaks for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. This combination of wooded landscapes and mountain destinations appeals to travellers who want to spend their days actively and combine different ways of getting around. When choosing accommodation or a holiday home, it is therefore particularly useful to consider whether you want to focus your stay more on activities in the landscape or on the town’s cultural sights.

Churches, Archaeology and Mural Art

One of the notable buildings is the Church of Santa Anastasia. It was built at the transition from the late 13th to the early 14th century and features three pointed arches in the Gothic style. The Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova preserves wall paintings and other artworks from around 1750, attributed to the school of Pietro and Gregorio Are. In the higher part of the Arasulè district stands the Church of Santa Maria, which was restored recently.

Older traces are also part of Tonara’s character. The Domus de Janas Is Forreddos dates from approximately 3200 to 3000 BC and consists of three interconnected rooms. Tonara’s mural art offers another way to explore the town’s history: it forms a walking route through the districts and conveys the town’s identity as well as the connection between the past and the present.

Festivals and Craft Traditions

The Sagra del Torrone in Tonara takes place every year at Easter, on Easter Monday, and is accompanied by folk performances. As part of the Sagra, the Campanaccio d’oro takes place, a competition among Tonara’s craftspeople to make livestock and herd bells. The programme of the 2026 Sagra del Torrone also included the traditional production of torrone and livestock bells at the ovens of sa forredda.

During Autunno in Barbagia, the historic districts of Toneri, Teliseri and Arasulè take turns presenting local products and the town’s traditions. The festivals thus add their own highlights alongside the churches, mural art and archaeological evidence. Travellers who value regional events, crafts and culinary experiences when searching for a holiday apartment can explore Tonara particularly through these recurring cultural themes, which take place at different times.

Another Historic Place Along the Way

The Funtana ‘e Latzarinu spring dates from the 18th century and once served as a resting place for farmers. It complements the landscape and cultural themes with a smaller historic landmark. Further destinations: La Caletta, Lodè, Oliena, Orosei, Cala Gonone, Nuoro, Fonni, Irgoli.

To the higher-level travel overview: Nuoro.