Top 6 Lakes around Ìsili/Isili
Best lakes around Ìsili/Isili are characterized by a blend of natural beauty, geological interest, and historical significance. The area features the artificial Lake of San Sebastiano, also known as Lake Is Barrocus, formed by the damming of the Mannu River. Its shores display imposing cliffs and prehistoric traces, including nuraghi and Roman settlements. This region in Sardinia offers diverse landscapes, from cultivated slopes to rocky formations.
Best lakes around Ìsili/Isili
- The most popular lakes is Pauli Maiori Wetland, a…
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Parco Aymerich
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Pauli Maiori Wetland
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Pauli Perdosu Wetland
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Pauli Oromeu
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Isili
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
In summer the lake is dry, but there is a good chance of seeing wild horses at the nearby springs.
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In autumn, everything here is dry, but in spring, the Pauli are full of water. In some places, the flowers are blooming beautifully, and with luck, you might spot small wild horses.
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Isili is a small town located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Sarcidiano area. The Museum of Copper and Fabric Art is absolutely worth visiting to learn more about the ancient traditions of the area.
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Here you can see wild horses and lots of insects. We saw the horses at the lake, it was really magical 🤩
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Sardinia's largest urban park is located on the border between the provinces of Oristano and Nuoro, a botanical paradise of rare plants and a wonderful destination for nature lovers. In the historical area of Sarcidano, there is a place where you can take beautiful walks on nature trails, surrounded by countless plant species and medieval ruins: the Aymerich Park, a 22-hectare oasis that was the property of the Marquises until 1990, the feudal owners of this oasis-like stretch of land. The creator of this nature reserve was Don Ignazio Aymerich Ripoli, a botanist who brought rare plants from his numerous trips abroad starting from the mid-19th century. It is an unusual excursion, as it is located in the heart of the town of Laconi, about 60 km from Oristano and 90 km from Cagliari. The walk will take you through alleys adorned with a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. It begins in a forest of oaks, olive groves, and locust trees, dotted with natural ponds, streams, waterfalls, and pools. As you venture deeper into the park, you will see a wide variety of orchids, including native ones like Ophris laconensis and Sarcidanis. Among the tree-lined avenues, you will find unusual forms of vegetation such as Pyracantha coccinea and Collectia cruciata, whose leaves are reminiscent of military aircraft, as well as exotic plants like the majestic Lebanon and Himalayan cedar, trees of extraordinary size. Then there are plants from not far away but not common ones such as the Corsican pine, the Fagus sylvatica, the Southern Magnolia, and the Taxus baccata, known as the “tree of death”. Water is a recurring theme and a source of life for the park. It flows abundantly all year round, forming rivers that then fall, such as the Cascata Maggiore or “great waterfalls,” one of the park's many attractions. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/explore/parco-aymerich
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Here is the Oromeu River. In the fall, everything is very dry. In the spring, however, the rivers are full of water. With luck, you might spot wild horses here.
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It is the largest urban park in Sardinia, where you can find countless exotic plants imported by Don Ignazio Aymerich Ripoll, curator of the nature reserve. You can find waterfalls, small lakes, natural paths, and beautiful woods of Holm oaks, Downy oaks, and many others. There are refreshment areas with benches and tables where you can eat. You cannot visit it by bike, but you can safely enter with it and leave it in the guardhouse area to visit the park on foot!
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Very nicely landscaped park. Refreshing coolness when it's hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes to visit around Ìsili/Isili?
The most notable lake is the artificial Lake of San Sebastiano, also known as Lake Is Barrocus, which is a hub for various activities. Other significant spots include Pauli Maiori Wetland, known for potential wild horse sightings, and Pauli Oromeu, where the Oromeu River flows and wild horses can sometimes be seen in spring. The Lower Lake of the Flumendosa also offers breathtaking landscapes.
What makes Lake of San Sebastiano unique?
The Lake of San Sebastiano, or Lake Is Barrocus, is unique for its picturesque landscape, featuring the reflection of the San Sebastiano Church on Is Borrocus Lake on an islet in its center. It's also a major attraction for sports climbing with over three hundred bolted routes, and offers various outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
Near the lakes, especially around Lake of San Sebastiano, you can enjoy a wide array of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The rocky walls of Is Barrocus are popular for sports climbing. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Story and nature, museums and waterfalls of Sarcidano' tour or the 'Arrolli/Orroli loop from Nurri' which are part of the Cycling around Ìsili/Isili guide. Hiking options include trails like 'Steep Trail in Gola di Gorropu' or 'Grotta de Perdu' from the Hiking around Ìsili/Isili guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or trails around the lakes?
Yes, several areas around the lakes are considered family-friendly. Pauli Maiori Wetland and Pauli Oromeu are both categorized as family-friendly and offer opportunities to spot wild horses. The Lake of San Sebastiano also provides a lake-park environment suitable for various recreational activities for families.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The region boasts diverse natural features. Around Lake of San Sebastiano, you'll find imposing cliffs, some dating back 23 million years, alongside sweet cultivated slopes. The area also features wetlands like Pauli Maiori and Pauli Oromeu, and forests of holm oaks and downy oaks, particularly in parks like Cascata Maggiore, Aymerich Park.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Ìsili/Isili?
Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the rivers are full of water, increasing the chances of spotting wild horses at places like Pauli Maiori Wetland and Pauli Oromeu. The Lake of San Sebastiano is a year-round destination for free climbers, and the area generally offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities during spring and autumn.
Are there historical or archaeological sites near the lakes?
Yes, the territory around Ìsili/Isili is rich in prehistoric traces. You can find menhirs, megalithic tombs (domus de Janas), and numerous nuraghi (ancient Sardinian stone structures) such as Is Paras, Atzinnara, and Nuraxi Longu. Remains of Punic and Roman settlements, including arches of a bridge over the Rio Brabaciera, are also present.
Can I go swimming or kayaking in the lakes?
Kayaking is a particularly popular activity on the Lake of San Sebastiano. Reaching the San Sebastiano Church on Is Borrocus Lake by swimming or canoeing is considered a unique experience. The Circolo Nautico San Sebastiano rents equipment and organizes excursions.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the lakes?
Visitors often have the chance to spot wild horses, especially in areas like Pauli Maiori Wetland and Pauli Oromeu, particularly when the rivers are full in spring.
Are there easy walking paths around the lakes?
The path of the 'Trenino Verde' (Green Little Train) skirts the Lake of San Sebastiano and is suitable for trekking and mountain biking, offering a charming way to explore the area. While specific 'easy' ratings for all lake paths aren't detailed, the general landscape includes cultivated slopes that may offer gentler walks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Ìsili/Isili?
Visitors particularly enjoy the incredible views, the chance to spot wild horses, and the unique experience of seeing the San Sebastiano Church on Is Borrocus Lake. The blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history, along with the respectful atmosphere and local traditions, are also highly appreciated.
Are there options for gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, there are gravel biking opportunities. Routes like 'Giara di Gesturi Plateau' or 'Piazza Sant'Ignazio da Laconi – Laconi loop from Isili' are available and can be found in the Gravel biking around Ìsili/Isili guide.
Most popular attractions around Ìsili/Isili
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