Nestled in the hills near Lake Cuga, Uri is a charming town in the north-west of Sardinia. The area has been inhabited since at least the 3rd millennium BC and remains of the Nuragic culture still dot the landscape today. Uri is renowned for its cultivation of wine, oil and artichokes, which are celebrated during the annual Uri Artichoke Festival.
Things to do in Uri
In the heart of Uri is the Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Pazienza, a Catholic church constructed during the 16th century. Designed in a Baroque style, it is topped by an octagonal bell tower and features four altars decorated with polychrome stuccos. Nearby are the archaeological remains of the Complesso Nuragico di Santa Caterina, which preserves the foundations of ancient towers.
A short drive to the west of Uri is Monte Baranta, which encompasses the remnants of a pre-Nuragic settlement and fortress. It’s framed by a 100-metre-long wall built from locally sourced boulders, with a tower and cluster of rectangular huts inside. From the horseshoe-shaped fortification, there are magnificent views across the valley below.
Sprawling south of Uri is Lago del Cuga, an artificial reservoir created in 1965 as a source of irrigation water. It’s a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching and hosts kitesurfing, kayaking and windsurfing activities during the annual Kuga Festival. When the lake is dry, a megalithic stone structure known as a nuraghe is visible on its bottom.
Getting around Uri
Uri is around 15 minutes’ drive from Sassari and 30 minutes from Alghero–Fertilia Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Uri and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.