In order to explore more of the island we decided not spent our whole stay at one location. Therefore we booked a couple of nights in a cosy B&B down South in Gergei. Little did we know that our ride would treat us to such stunning scenery. Driving through the Gennargentu National Park was just lovely, it sometimes reminded me of Switzerland. Especially the part between Lanusei and Lake Basso del Flumendosa with dozens of hairpin bends did.
Arriving at Gergei, a small dormant village, it was quit easy to find our B&B Domu Antiga.
We were warmly welcomed by the padre familias of the family. The whole B&B is actually a family affair. In the morning he also takes care of breakfast, in the evening it is the son’s turn to serve the scrumptious food that mum has cooked. She also gives cooking lessons, by the way. Something more about the food. It is in one word ‘heavenly’. All made with local products and love. It’s not at all pretentious or complex, but deep balanced tastes due to the quality products and ‘real’ flavours.
One of the highlights in the neighbourhood is Parco della Giara.
The whole area is an ecosystem on his own. Cork oaks, eucalyptus and mediterranean vegetation with a lot of small lakes.
The area is probably best known for the “Cavallini della Giara” living here.
Small wild horses, not taller than 150cm peacefully grazing a having fun in the shallow lakes.
There are several entrances to the park, but we picked the one at Gesturi.
The entrance is actually free. If you wish you can grab a bike which are free to use. However, you may always make a free contribution. One point of attention, make sure you inspect the bike upfront. The brakes are not always working….
Our last stop was one to indulge our human spirit.
Wine tasting at a local vineyard, Olianas estate.
They were actually busy -read closed- to prepare for an event the upcoming weekend. But Alessio Figus, the hospitality responsible, asked us to wait a couple of minutes, made some arrangements, gave us a tour of the production facility and an excellent wine tasting to finish. Kudos to Alessio!
We only explored a small part of the vineyard due to an approaching thunderstorm. But the dark heavy sky resulted in some lovely pictures.
Wine tasting is at is best if it can be experienced in a relaxed manner and accompanied by a knowledgeable explanation. And that’s exactly what we got. Back home we’re still enjoying their Cannonau Perdixi because we had them ship a couple of boxes to Belgium.
