Best lakes around Neunele/Neoneli are centered around Lake Omodeo, Sardinia's largest artificial lake, which significantly shapes the region's landscape. This charming village in the Barigadu region offers a base to explore the lake's historical and natural features. Lake Omodeo, formed by damming the Tirso River, is known for its archaeological sites that emerge during low water levels and its diverse ecosystems. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst a blend of natural beauty and rich history.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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The road leaves the traffic of the SP15 and leads to the marina, continuing to the beginning of the Ex-SP30. A practicable road with little traffic, you can cheerfully ignore the signs that say that the road is closed: it is closed for cars, the segment is part of a nature trail in the municipality of Ardauli.
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Bridge over the Tirso River, blocked by the Eleonora D'Arborea Dam to form the artificial basin of Lake Omodeo.
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On the slopes of Lake Omodeo. Built on a Roman construction, probably from the 7th century. He sees the first muristene in 1657. The mountain landscapes and Lake Omodeo are stunning, as are the mosaics at the entrance to the church. The gates are always open, and the village can be visited even if uninhabited except for the period in which the novena is celebrated. In the main street, behind the church, you can find a drinking water fountain to top up.
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The dam, whose construction ended in 1924, is located near Ula Tirso and was built to regulate the course of the Thyrsus river, allow the irrigation of the adjacent lands, and produce low cost energy (Ula was the first Sardinian municipality to have electricity). Wanted and designed by Eng. Angelo Omodeo, was built in five years under the direction of Eng. Giulio Dolcetta. At its inauguration, the Omodeo lake thus formed was (and remained for a long time) the largest artificial lake in Europe. , the pre-Nuragic settlement "Serra Linta" and the village of Zuri, which was rebuilt a short distance from the lake (but this time on a hill). The church of San Pietro, dating back to the 13th century, was completely dismantled from its position and rebuilt in its present position in Zuri.
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Although the dam can be reached by bike from the service road near Sa Cantinedda, and you can cycle on it, this is still a section where you need to pay maximum attention.
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VITTORIO EMANUELE III King of the victorious and renewed homeland, he inaugurated on April 28, 1924 the works of Tirso which, divined by the first architects of the Italian economy drawn by Angelo Omodeo, powerfully subsidized by the state; Giulio Dolcetta it fulfilled in the first five years of glorious peace under the presidency of Giovanni Cini, by mandate and with the means of the Italian Commercial Bank, and of the Italian Society for Southern Railways. ---- Collaborate to the general organization, Angelo Bruni and Antonio Pierazzuoli. The major work is the Santa Chiara di Ula dam designed by Luigi Kambo. He built, Felice Costamagna assisted by his brother Andrea, by Ottavio and Alfonso Gervaso, by Carlo Avanzini, Silvio Silva, Giovanni Brotzu, Stefano Meloni, Tullio Serra Emilio Elia and Tommaso Fiorelli. Leading the effort of 16,000 Italian workers. --- Andrea Pertoldeo, Engineer, fell in the long and bitter struggle against the unhealthy place and the resistance of nature. L.Costan [...], A. Carpanelli E. Gramsci, P. Prisco, G. Pace, E. Serra And the workers: G. Fundoni, A. Cancedda, D. Simula, E. Secchi, [...]. Crucas, C. Manai, G. Marras, A. Floris, G. Manca, B. Sotgiu, P. Oppo. [...]. Crispazio, I. Scoonamilla, P. Succu, A. Garau, G. Lai, A. Cossu, A. Follesa, A. Frau, F. Aresti, R. Carrucciu, V. Sedilesu, R. Canali, A. Brau, L. Moro, G. Cannas, G. Marcus, P. Tidu, R. Manca [...] G. Piras, A. Molli, E. Mantegano, R. Remano GOD THE FATHER WATCH AND FECOND
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Segment of SP74 that runs along the central-southern part of Lake Omodeo up to the old dam. Paved road and passable by racing bike but with care as it is poorly maintained and with visible cracks along its entire route. Cars are rare, albeit present.
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The most significant body of water near Neoneli is Lake Omodeo, Sardinia's largest artificial lake. It's a central feature of the Barigadu region, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Lake Omodeo is rich in history. You can visit the Santa Chiara Dam on the Tirso, completed in 1924, which was once considered the largest artificial lake in Europe. Another notable site is the Busachi Bridge over the Tirso River, now part of the lake's basin. The Church and Novenary of San Serafino, a religious building on the lake's slopes, also offers stunning views and historical context.
Yes, Lake Omodeo holds fascinating archaeological secrets. During periods of low water levels, remnants of ancient civilizations re-emerge. These include Nuragic settlements, the pre-Nuragic settlement of Serra Linta, Giants' Tombs, *domus de janas* (ancient rock-cut tombs), and even a fossilized tropical forest dating back approximately 20 million years.
The lake's surroundings boast diverse flora and fauna. You'll find dense holm oak forests and Mediterranean scrub, along with various tree species like downy oaks and white poplars. It's also a haven for birdwatching, with resident and migratory species such as peregrine falcons, mallards, wild geese, and herons.
The area around Lake Omodeo is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy boat trips and canoe rides on the lake. The surrounding landscape is perfect for trekking, cycling, and relaxing walks. For more structured routes, consider exploring the hiking trails, cycling routes, or MTB trails available in the region.
Yes, the area offers relaxing walks suitable for families, allowing you to immerse yourselves in nature and observe wildlife. The Church and Novenary of San Serafino is also listed as family-friendly, offering a cultural stop with scenic views.
You can enjoy scenic views from various points, including the Church and Novenary of San Serafino. Driving or cycling along roads like segments of SP74, such as the Santa Chiara Dam and Lake Omodeo Road, offers expansive vistas. For a more secluded experience, the Road to the Porticciolo di Sorralide and Ex-SP30 leads to a marina and is part of a nature trail.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Roads like segments of SP74, including the Santa Chiara Dam and Lake Omodeo Road, run along the lake, offering scenic routes. While paved, some sections may require caution due to maintenance. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Neunele/Neoneli guide.
The region offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally provide mild temperatures ideal for hiking and cycling. Summer can be warm, but water activities on Lake Omodeo are popular. Visiting during dry periods might also offer the unique chance to see the lake's submerged archaeological sites.
There are various trails suitable for hiking around Lake Omodeo. You can explore options in the Hiking around Neunele/Neoneli guide, which includes routes like the 'Sa Crabarissa Rock Formation loop' and 'Domus de Janas Muruddu loop'.
Beyond the general scenic roads, the Church and Novenary of San Serafino provides excellent views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and the lake. The Road to the Porticciolo di Sorralide and Ex-SP30 also leads to a viewpoint near the marina.
Neoneli is a charming village known for its traditional architecture with red trachyte houses, its renowned *canto a tenores* choir, and local festivals celebrating agro-pastoral traditions. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the historical and natural wonders of Lake Omodeo and the broader Barigadu region, being just a short distance from the lake's scenic views.


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