The Charm of the Green Train: A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Gallura
Sardinia in autumn reveals an intimate and fascinating side, perfect for those who love to travel slowly and prefer culture and nature over crowded beaches. Just recently, we suggested to a lovely retired couple staying with us, who are lovers of cultural discoveries and slow rhythms, an experience that left them speechless: a journey on Sardinia's legendary Green Train (Trenino Verde).
The exceptional news is that the great success of the "Gallura Experience 2026" has led to the extension of the runs until November 1st, making this autumn adventure an unmissable event. And who knows, we sincerely hope the route will be confirmed for the upcoming seasons as well!
On Board with History: From Luras to the "City of Stone"
The adventure begins at the rural station of Luras. The visual impact is a real blast from the past: you board fascinating wooden carriages by the Breda company dating back to the 1930s, pulled by a powerful 1950s locomotive.
Our guests told us about the thrill of those 11 kilometers of narrow-gauge railway traveled at a walking pace. From the windows, the Gallura landscape flows like a painting: huge granite blocks sculpted by the wind and dense forests of cork oaks. It is exactly in these wild valleys that Bastiano Tansu hid, the legendary "Mute of Gallura" at the center of the bloody 19th-century feuds between the Vasa and Mamia families, recently brought to the big screen.
Tempio Pausania, De André, and the Gallurese Soup
After a 40-minute journey, the train arrives at the charming Tempio Pausania Station, built in 1930, which houses the wonderful Art Nouveau paintings by Giuseppe Biasi. Here the experience becomes even richer:
- The Museum Railway Workshops: Guided by the stationmaster, you can visit the historic 1930s workshops with machinery still in working order, and step aboard the luxurious 1913 Bauchiero carriage, featuring wood and brass finishes, which even hosted the writer D.H. Lawrence.
- The Historic Center and Fabrizio De André: Stroll among the granite buildings (the "City of Stone") until you reach Piazza Faber. This square, embellished with an installation by Renzo Piano, is a tribute to the singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André, who chose to live right in Tempio Pausania at his L'Agnata estate.
- The Traditional Lunch: The cultural immersion cannot be complete without the gastronomic one. In the historic center, a lunch awaits you featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and the undisputed queen of the local table: the Zuppa Gallurese.
Organizing the Day from Villa Malvasio
Luras is just an hour's comfortable and scenic drive from Villa Malvasio. The day's schedule is very convenient: you can have a relaxed breakfast with us, hit the road to reach Luras by 09:40, and, once the tour ends at 16:10, serenely return to our B&B in time for an evening aperitif by the pool.
Most of our guests prefer to travel with their own car or rental motorcycle to enjoy the landscapes, but depending on availability, we can help you organize a private transfer.
Ticket Notice: The old stations no longer serve as ticket offices, and purchases must be made in advance online. You can consult all available experiences, check updated dates, and book your seats directly on the official portal sardegnatreninoverde.com. Alternatively, if you are our guests, just ask at the reception: we will be absolutely delighted to assist you with bookings and route verifications!
