Menhirs and Mandrolisai Wine

This huge, urban, park (also known as Parco Aymerich) was established in the 19th Century by Marquise Don Aymerich Ripoli, a botanist with an interest in rare, exotic, plants which he imported from abroad. Many of these plants can be seen in the park today including the Magnolia Grandiflora, the Corsican Pine, and the ominously named Taxus baccata (Tree of Death), a variety of conifer which produces red berries instead of cones – don’t eat the berries! Prized for longevity, these trees can live up to 5000 years. Look out for the Lebanon Cedar too; it’s around 25 metres high, so difficult to miss, as well as a wonderful collection of orchids.
You can follow meandering paths through this 22-hectare park, past waterfalls, small streams, cool springs, and some small caves. There’s plenty of shade and benches to relax on. At the highest point in the park is the ruins of a 13th Century castle; some of the walls still stand, as well as one of the rooms, with seating, and a large window overlooking the park. The park remained in the Aymerich family until the 1990s when it was purchased by the local government. It is now open for everyone to enjoy.

Located in the Palazzo Aymerich, a 19th Century palace and former home of the Marquises of Laconi, this museum is all about the menhirs of Sardinia. As you walk around the 10 rooms, you will learn about the history of these statues and theories relating to their solar alignments, as well as the difference between male and female menhirs. At the end, there is a room displaying ancient artifacts found around Laconi (Menhir Valley). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Note the museum is closed on Mondays.

A perfect lunch spot, this gastro pub serves a good range of paninis, pastas, and other dishes. Try their truffled eggs (Laconi is famous for its truffles!) washed down with a local craft beer.

There are over 3000 rock-hewn burial tombs, or Domus de Janas (‘fairy houses’), in Sardinia, some of which are single chambers, while others are a necropolis, a series of tombs linked together, often very elaborate in their construction. Genna Salixi is one of the largest Necropolis on the island, comprising 14 chambers of varying size.
From the outside, you can just see small recesses in the rocks, hence the name ‘fairy house’. Local folklore says that the structures are inhabited by tiny supernatural beings, who spend their time threading golden looms and can bestow either great riches on humans or punish them for their greed. When you enter the tombs, you’ll see how big they actually are. Designed to resemble the home of the deceased (but on a small scale) they were often decorated with pictures and also tools that they might need in their new life.
It’s free to explore around and inside; just look out for the mischievous Janas!

Menhirs (from the Breton meaning ‘long stone’) are a type of megalith (from the Greek, meaning ‘big stone’) and can be found all over Europe – particularly in the UK and Brittany. There are around 740 menhirs in Sardinia, some are phallic, while others incorporate female fertility symbols.
This menhir, at the foot of Corru Tundu hill, is one of the largest on the island – standing at 5.75 metres high with a circumference of 3.27 metres at its base and tapering at the top. It dates to between 3200-2850 BC.
Follow the path from the road for around 500 metres and you’ll see the menhir in a field, behind a low stone wall. Climb over the wall if you want to get a closer look.

Join the wine tour and tasting at Mandrolisai Winery at 5pm. Established in 1950, this winery is one of the most well-known in the Mandrolisai DOC. Here, you will have a chance to try 3 wines from their most famous line - Kent’annos (named after the high number of centenarian people in the region) – along with a selection of local products. The experience lasts 1.5 hours and includes a tour of the winery.
Bookings must be made in advance. Book online.
Note the winery is closed on Sundays and open until 1pm on Saturdays.

Bella Vista is a traditional restaurant in the heart of Santa Lussurgiu village, serving generous portions of risottos, meat and pasta dishes.
Note it is closed on Tuesdays.

This is a traditional B&B with simple but comfortable rooms.