Fonni is primarily known as a winter holiday destination. At 1,000 meters above sea level, it is the highest town in Sardinia. In winter, its peaks, the Broncu Spina and Monte Spada, are covered with a thick layer of snow that sometimes exceeds one meter in the town. Here are the main ski lifts in the entire region. It is therefore rightly considered the ideal destination for winter holidays in Sardinia.

But if you think that the town of Fonni is perfect only for winter holidays, you are greatly mistaken. This small town in Barbagia has a lot to offer even in summer and is ideal for families.

6 things to see and do in Fonni during the summer.

There are many things to do in Fonni during the summer months. We recommend those we think are suitable for the whole family:

Visit to the historical center.

This is the heart of this country, the most characteristic. We advise you to immerse yourself in its narrow streets: you will be fascinated by the preciousness of certain details, by the bright blue of some architectural elements that animate the dark color of the exposed stone with which the low and small houses are made. The colors and scenes of its murals will surprise you in every corner of the town, and you will find yourself greeting the people who stand still and silent and always observing the passersby with vigilance. During your visit to the historical center, we recommend you stop at one of the charming pastry shops and taste the typical sweets, including the Fonnesi biscuits.

murals itinerary.

The best way to discover the historical center and the history of Fonni is to follow the itinerary of its murals. In fact, they tell the story of the not-so-distant past of this country, preserving the memory of the entire community. Following the itinerary will allow you to discover characters, anecdotes, and traditions of the town and the territory. Let yourself be enveloped by their colors. Allow the depicted characters to tell you a story, that of this hospitable and vibrant people. To facilitate navigation through the different frescoes, there is a real map that will help you orient yourself in the maze of ups and downs and narrow streets. They gave it to us at the hotel, and it was very useful.

Visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Martyrs. 

At the highest point of the village stands the beautiful church dedicated to Madonna dei Martiri. The first construction of this edifice dates back to 1632-33, when, at the order of the Franciscan father Giorgio d’Acillara, a church with very simple forms was built and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The Franciscan convent was annexed to this first building. Subsequently, starting from 1702, the church underwent a significant transformation: a new building dedicated to the Virgin of the Martyrs was constructed, which was grafted onto the old one dedicated to the Trinity. The church that can be admired today is the result of this grafting. This explains its peculiar shape, even if it is the rich interior decoration, both sculptural and pictorial, that fascinates the visitor and the faithful. There is not a corner of the building that is not decorated. I could have spent hours with my nose in the air admiring these paintings with vivid colors and powerful characters.

Archaeological itinerary. 

The territory of Fonni is rich in archaeological evidence, some of it very particular. Among the many sites in the region, we recommend you visit the necropolis of Madau, with its magnificent Giants’ Tombs, and the site of Gremanu, where you can admire the only nuragic aqueduct discovered so far in Sardinia. These sites are not managed but you can access them freely.

Mountain hiking. 

Broncu Spina and Monte Spada are perfect spots for an outing. From a simple walk along the paved road (the blackberries you can pick along the way are delicious) to a more professional hike, these mountains will impress you with their rugged and challenging landscape. I found it magnificent!

Discovering the territory. 

Fonni is an ideal starting point to discover the entire surrounding region: from Lake Gusana to the masks of Mamoiada, from Oliena wine to the murals of Orgosolo. Fonni is the most tourist-friendly center in this corner of Barbagia and is certainly the one that can offer you the most services because for decades it has made tourism a real reason for being.