The trenino verde (The Little Green Train)

The trenino verde (little green train), a cute and almost anachronistic type of locomotion of reduced dimensions compared to ordinary trains, runs through and connects nearly all the Sardinian geographical areas, wriggling between bridges, old railway stations and “cantoniera” houses. The locomotive to steam travels only on hire. The trenino verde runs from the beginning of June until the beginning of September except on Tuesdays, both on pre-arranged tracks as well as for hire. The train can be also hired at any other time of the year.

The line serving the Ogliastra territory is the Mandas-Arbatax, with stops and stations easily reached from the Hotel Villa Selene: Lanusei (about 2 km from the hotel), Elini (5km), Arzana (8,5 km), Villagrande Strisaili (17 km), Gairo (13 km), Ussassai and Niala (34 km), Seui (50 km), Sadali (60 km).

The itinerary on the little green train can be made departing from and returning to the hotel on a one-day trip including land excursions to discover the Ogliastra territory. At the Niala train stop, situated under the characteristic “Su Ponti ‘e Irtzioni” – favorite destination of trekking fans, mountain bikers and lovers of the Sardinian mountainous environment – it is possible to admire moufflons and eagles; from the train stops S. Girolamo or Analù it is possible to hike up to the forest of Montarbu and have a rest with a packed lunch supplied by the hotel; in Sadali we find the famous cave “Is Janas” and the natural beauty of “Su Stampu de Surrunnu” and it is possible to have lunch in dainty and typical restaurants. The excursions can be done on ones own or with expert guides.