Best lakes around Ula/Ulà Tirso are primarily centered around Lake Omodeo, a significant artificial lake in central Sardinia. This region is characterized by its unique blend of historical engineering, natural landscapes, and archaeological interest. The area features diverse vegetation, including holm oak and Mediterranean shrubbery, and supports varied birdlife. Lake Omodeo itself was formed by the Santa Chiara dam on the Tirso River, creating Italy's largest artificial inland lake.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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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.
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Bridge over the Tirso River, blocked by the Eleonora D'Arborea Dam to form the artificial basin of Lake Omodeo.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Lake Omodeo is historically significant as it was formed by the Santa Chiara dam, completed in 1924, which was once considered the largest artificial basin in Europe. The dam itself is a monument of industrial archaeology. Its creation also involved the relocation of the ancient medieval village of Zuri and its Romanesque church.
Yes, you can visit the Santa Chiara Dam on the Tirso, a man-made monument that was instrumental in forming Lake Omodeo. Another notable site is the Church and Novenary of San Serafino, a religious building located on the slopes of the lake, offering scenic views. Additionally, when water levels are low, submerged archaeological sites like a fossil forest, prenuragic settlements, 'domus de janas,' and 'giants' tombs' can occasionally re-emerge.
The shores of Lake Omodeo are characterized by forest formations of holm oak, downy oak, and Mediterranean shrubbery, along with species like white poplar, elm, and ash. The area is rich in birdlife, including seasonal and migratory species such as the European roller, osprey, mallard, and grey heron. The Hermann's tortoise is also present.
The region around Lake Omodeo is suitable for various outdoor activities. You can explore the natural landscape through cycling or mountain biking. For specific routes, consider checking out the MTB Trails around Ula/Ulà Tirso, Road Cycling Routes around Ula/Ulà Tirso, or Cycling around Ula/Ulà Tirso guides.
While the guide data doesn't explicitly list many family-specific activities, the natural setting of Lake Omodeo and sites like the Church and Novenary of San Serafino (which is categorized as family-friendly) can be enjoyed by families. Exploring the lake's shores and observing birdlife can also be engaging for children.
The region around Lake Omodeo offers natural beauty throughout the year. For active tourism like cycling or exploring the natural landscape, spring and autumn generally provide more comfortable temperatures. Summer can be quite warm, but the lake offers a refreshing presence.
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 the lake. While paved, it requires care due to maintenance. You can also find various cycling routes in the area, such as the 'Coast along Lake Omodeo from Nughedu Santa Vittoria — ring tour' or 'The dams on the Tirso River and Lake Omodeo – ring tour from Fordongianus' listed in the cycling guides.
The Church and Novenary of San Serafino offers stunning views of Lake Omodeo and the surrounding mountain landscapes. Additionally, the Busachi Bridge over the Tirso River, integral to the Eleonora D'Arborea Dam, provides a unique perspective of the lake's artificial basin.
While Lake Omodeo is the main feature, the area holds intriguing, less-known aspects. The submerged archaeological sites that occasionally re-emerge when water levels drop, such as the fossil forest and prenuragic settlements, offer a unique glimpse into the region's ancient past. The Road to the Porticciolo di Sorralide and Ex-SP30 is also a less-trafficked route leading to a marina and part of a nature trail.
The Tirso River is the longest river in Sardinia and plays a crucial role in the region, particularly as the primary source feeding Lake Omodeo. The construction of the Santa Chiara dam on the Tirso River created Lake Omodeo, regulating the river's course, irrigating adjacent lands, and producing energy.
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of historical engineering, natural beauty, and archaeological interest. The impressive scale of the Santa Chiara Dam and the artificial Lake Omodeo, combined with the lush vegetation and diverse birdlife, create a captivating environment. The scenic views from spots like the Church and Novenary of San Serafino are also highly valued.


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