The Cabras' Bottarga

Just a few kilometers from Oristano, on the namesake pond's edge, one of the Sardinia's largest fresh water pond, is located Cabras. The first human presence evidence in this place is dated to 4000 B.C., although the most important archaeological site in the area is that of the Tharros city, which contains muragical period's several examples.

The city center foundation dates back to the Phoenician period, around the eighth century BC, but the best preserved part dates back to the Roman period.
Moving toward the north, bordering the Oristano Gulf, there is also the Mistras Lagoon, separated from the sea by two land strips that are ideal habitat for cormorants, ospreys, herons and most famous pink flamingos.
Cabras is now most famous for the extraordinary Bottarga production , which is the main national responsibility.

Here everything contributes to produce a excellent product from the sea bed, where the mullet feed, to the water particularly clear, up to the climate, especially suitable for the naturally drying .
The best time for fishing and  mullet processing  is  September. The fish end up in fishing nets and, after careful selection, the egg sacs extracted are treated very carefully to preserve their integrity. They are washed, purified and put in salt and then pressed and placed in drying in a dry and ventilated place. The real Bottarga di Cabras, also known as the Gold of Cabras, is recognizable by its color ranging from gold to amber, depending on the seasoning, for the taste brackish and sapid and of dry almond.

The Cabras fishermen and shellfish farmers Cooperative is located in Provincial Road 4, No. 5

Moving from Cabras to the north, about 10 miles away, we find Riola Sardo, a country characterized by Campidano's typical houses, built with raw earth bricks, it is a typical example the old building Casa Carta, dating from the seventeenth century and which represents the Campidano's classic aristocratic house.
In the village is definitely worth a visit  the San Martino's parish church, which dates back to the sixteenth century and  houses a crucifix dating from the same period and a wooden choir.
In an ancient stone quarry, not far from the city center, was built the Parco dei Suoni, which annually hosts, in a very picturesque setting, jazz and rock music concerts and festivals.

The country's economy is based on agriculture , which produces mainly fruits and vegetables.

One of the most important companies in the area is the Corrias oil mill.
The owner, a native of Montiferru, moved into the Sinis territory, very famous for the olive-groves, with still carries on the old family tradition which has been passed down for generations. Initially the company dealt with the olives processing  on behalf of others, but thanks to the passion, the plant renovation and its packaging system, the oil mill has created his own label. The olives, a native variety, are harvested in early November and work with cold-pressed within 4 or 6 hours of collection. The resulting oil has a fruity fresh and intense, with bitter and spicy notes and an artichoke hint.