Best lakes around Busache/Busachi are centered around the extensive artificial basin of Lake Omodeo, a significant feature in the province of Oristano, Sardinia. This region is characterized by its diverse flora, including holm oak and Mediterranean shrub, and serves as a habitat for various bird species. The area also holds historical and archaeological significance, with submerged ancient sites occasionally revealed by fluctuating water levels. Busache/Busachi offers access to this unique landscape, blending natural beauty with engineering marvels.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Busache/Busachi.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
2
0
Bridge over the Tirso River, blocked by the Eleonora D'Arborea Dam to form the artificial basin of Lake Omodeo.
1
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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.
1
0
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
2
0
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.
2
0
The most prominent lake in the Busache/Busachi region is Lake Omodeo. This extensive artificial basin, one of Italy's most important and among Europe's largest, was formed by the Santa Chiara dam and later expanded by the Eleonora d'Arborea dam near Busachi. It covers a significant area and is central to the region's landscape.
Lake Omodeo is rich in history. The creation of the lake led to the relocation of the medieval hamlet of Zuri and the ancient Romanesque church of San Pietro. Intriguingly, when water levels drop, the lake reveals submerged pre-Nuragic settlements like Serra Linta, Giants' tombs, and 'domus de janas' (fairy houses). You can also visit the historic Santa Chiara Dam on the Tirso, an engineering marvel completed in 1924.
The shores of Lake Omodeo boast diverse flora, including forests of holm oak, downy oak, and Mediterranean shrub, alongside white poplar, crack willow, and ash trees. It's also a haven for birds, attracting both seasonal and migratory species such as the European roller, Eurasian stone-curlew, peregrine falcon, osprey, and common sandpiper.
Yes, several spots offer great views. The Church and Novenary of San Serafino, situated on the slopes of Lake Omodeo, provides stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Another significant landmark is the Busachi Bridge over the Tirso River, which is notable for being blocked by the Eleonora D'Arborea Dam, forming part of Lake Omodeo.
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. You can explore routes like 'The dams on the Tirso River and Lake Omodeo – ring tour from Fordongianus' or the 'Santa Chiara Dam loop from Busache/Busachi' for cycling. For hiking, consider trails such as 'Casa Aragonese – Roman Baths of Fordongianus loop from Fordongianus'. Find more options in the Cycling around Busache/Busachi and Hiking around Busache/Busachi guides.
Yes, the region offers family-friendly options. The natural beauty of Lake Omodeo provides opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying the scenery. The Church and Novenary of San Serafino is also listed as family-friendly, offering a cultural experience with beautiful views that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Yes, there are cycling opportunities. The Santa Chiara Dam and Lake Omodeo Road is a segment of SP74 that runs along the central-southern part of Lake Omodeo up to the old dam. While paved, it requires care due to its condition. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Busache/Busachi guide.
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The impressive engineering of the dams, the diverse flora and fauna, and the intriguing submerged archaeological sites that occasionally re-emerge are often highlighted. The stunning mountain landscapes and lake views, particularly from places like the Church and Novenary of San Serafino, are also highly valued.
While specific public transport routes directly to all lake access points are limited, the main roads around Lake Omodeo are generally accessible by car. For parking, it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival, especially near popular highlights like the Santa Chiara Dam or the Church and Novenary of San Serafino, where small parking areas may be available.
Yes, the Road to the Porticciolo di Sorralide and Ex-SP30 offers a scenic route with little traffic, leading to a marina and continuing along what is now part of a nature trail. This road provides excellent views of Lake Omodeo and is suitable for those looking for a quieter experience.
The best time to visit is generally during warmer periods when water levels might drop, revealing some of the lake's submerged historical sites. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, while avoiding the peak heat of summer. These seasons also provide ideal conditions for observing the diverse birdlife and flora.


Still not found your perfect lake around Busache/Busachi? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.