The inland season: hundreds of events in two months

Once summer is over, Sardinia slows down and ushers in a fascinating season that shifts from the coast to the inland areas, full of events that give space to food and wine festivals, authentic folklore, traditions, and walks in the woods.

The events

We begin with the famous Autunno in Barbagia circuit, which also includes La Montagna produce in Desulo; we continue with Saboris Antigus-I territori del Gusto, in nine municipalities of Trexenta and Sarcidano (starting today in Gergei); Salude&Trigu (in 77 towns in the north); the events for All Saints' Day, the cult of souls and commemoration of the dead, and in between a myriad of festivals and attractions for Sardinian visitors and tourists, mostly foreigners, who love experiences other than the sea.

Between October and November, there are approximately 150 "events," "thanks in part to the fact that the Region funds thirteen tourist attraction programs that reward seasonal adjustments," explains Tourism Councilor Franco Cuccureddu. "And these events also generate significant influxes of domestic tourism, that is, those who include at least one night in a hotel or a meal in a restaurant in a municipality outside their province of residence."

The Cortes

Autunno in Barbagia attracts between 450,000 and 500,000 visitors over sixteen weekends. "Thirty-three towns and 2,700 businesses participate, plus hobbyists," says Agostino Cicalò, president of the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce. "The overall turnover is around 12 million euros. The event has grown over time, and now we're at the point where we often need to limit access to protect many vulnerable towns. Twenty-five percent of the guests are foreigners."

Wine tourism

Luigi Cau, president of RES, the Sardinia Wine Tourism Network founded in 2020 and encompassing around thirty wineries, agrees. "We represent a cross-section of the island's winemaking sector," he explains, "and we have a very clear goal: to create a coordinated hospitality system, based on relationships and an authentic experience, capable of making visitors feel at home, part of a family. A system that integrates winery tours and tastings with local cuisine, culture, archaeology, and craftsmanship."

Cristina Cossu