The Pixinamanna Forest, located in the territory of Pula within the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park, presents itself as an endless mosaic of centuries-old holm oaks, cork oaks, strawberry trees, and lush Mediterranean scrub.
Here, the ambiance transforms entirely from that of the coast: the sound of crashing waves gives way to the crackle of leaves, the whisper of the wind, and the babble of the Rio Pixinamanna stream. This waterway weaves through granite formations, carving out small waterfalls and pools of crystal-clear water. We are in one of the undisputed strongholds of the Sardinian deer, a sanctuary where these animals thrive undisturbed alongside golden eagles and pine martens. Traversing its trails on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback means immersing yourself in a cool, fragrant shade—a world away from the bustling beaches.
Pixinamanna also represents a fascinating intersection of nature and science. Deep within the woods lies the headquarters of Sardegna Ricerche and the Scientific and Technological Park, an innovation center seamlessly camouflaged by the greenery. The forest serves as the ideal launching pad for exploring nearby peaks like Monte Arcosu, or for descending within minutes to the coast—moving from the Phoenician-Punic ruins of Nora to the postcard-worthy beaches of Pula and Chia.
