Lake Mulargia lies in the municipalities of Orroli, Goni, Nurri and Siurgus Donigala, in the part of Sardinia where the historical areas of Gerrei, Trexenta and Sarcidano intersect, on the border with the province of Nuoro.
As with almost all the lakes in Sardinia, this is an artificial reservoir, built between 1951 and 1958, the work of a stopbank on the Rio Mulargia. The basin is also supplied by water from the river Flumendosa, brought via a 6 km-long, artificial tunnel from the nearby Lago Basso del Flumendosa (Orroli), creating a system of intercommunicating tanks. The reservoir contains 320 million cubic metres of water and reaches a depth of -80m.
Despite its artificial origin, the lake is now an important nature site, set amidst the backdrops of Monte Su Rei (446 m a.s.l.) and Monte Moretta (542 m a.s.l.).
The lake-like ecosystem has become a habitat for different fauna species. Birds found here include herons, ducks, mallards and the common kingfisher. Fish found in the lake’s waters include the European perch fish, the common chub, common carp and rainbow trout. There is also no shortage of freshwater turtles.
The lake is also used for different sports activities, like rowing and recreational fishing.
Additionally, boat trips are organised which leave from Siurgus Donigala and Orroli, using a “Mississipi-style steamboat” which makes the trip particularly characteristic.
The area also has an abundance of archaeological sites, the most important one being the Nuraghe Arrubiu of Orroli.
