Tancas Abertas

The village of Giave overlooks the wide Campu Giavesu valley, which borders the famous Valle dei Nuraghi and is crossed by some of Sardinia’s main transport routes. In the historic center, you can admire the Sant’Andrea parish church with its distinctive 16th-century bell tower. Another important site of devotion is the San Cosimo e Damiano sanctuary. Nearby, an open-air theater offers panoramic views, and there are plenty of B&Bs and places to eat.

Just outside the town, travelers on the train can spot the impressive nuraghe Oes, not far from the Santu Antine royal nuraghe complex.

The village’s iconic symbol is the towering Pedra Mendarza, a massive basalt rock surrounded by ancient legends of spirits and fairies. In the surrounding countryside, you can also see pinnetas, traditional Sardinian shepherds’ huts built entirely of limestone.

The municipal pine forest is perfect for walking and for discovering historical and archaeological monuments, such as the domus de janas of Riu Mulinu. Some scholars believe Giave may be identified with the legendary Roman-era city of Hafa.