Four days of books, dialogue, and reflection in the heart of Sardinia—L’Isola delle Storie turns a mountain village into a vibrant cultural crossroads, where literature meets landscapes, people, and a timeless memory carried by stones, paths, and stories.

Set deep in the Barbagia region, surrounded by the mountains of Nuoro, Gavoi is one of Sardinia’s most genuine inland villages. From July 3 to 6, 2025, it will host the 19th edition of L’Isola delle Storie – Sardinia’s Literary Festival, an annual event that transforms this small town into a hub for contemporary literature. For four days, Gavoi comes alive with readings, author talks, workshops, and open-air discussions—creating a unique opportunity to engage with literature in a participatory and locally grounded way.

Born from the idea of bringing writers and readers together in an authentic setting, the festival has grown while staying true to its roots: a space for listening, exchange, and shared reflection, where the written word becomes a lived experience. Its true strength lies in how it embraces the entire town—from piazzas and courtyards to libraries and mountain trails—turning Gavoi into a widespread literary stage.

Each edition welcomes leading voices from literature, journalism, philosophy, and popular science. The days unfold through author conversations, group readings, children’s events, concerts, and celebratory moments. The program is rich and inclusive, crafted for a curious and diverse audience eager to explore today’s world through the lens of books.

Here, to talk about stories is also to talk about connection, identity, and the ties that hold us across generations. It’s no coincidence that this happens in Sardinia—a land deeply rooted in memory and tradition—where storytelling becomes a way to reclaim a sense of origin.

And after the festival, the journey continues into the surrounding landscape: Gavoi’s territory boasts one of the most remarkable archaeological heritages in inland Sardinia. Just a few kilometers from the village, visitors can explore the Neolithic remains near the sanctuary of Sa Itria, including the towering menhir Sa Perda Longa, over three meters tall, and the ruins of an ancient Nuragic village. The area is also home to dolmens, domus de janas, giant tombs, and well-preserved nuraghi. Around Lake Gusana and through the Oratu valley, a path unfolds that weaves together nature, history, and spirituality—dotted with prehistoric monuments and traces of old Roman roads.

It’s the perfect extension for those who come for the books but stay for something more—a deep, living connection with Sardinia’s most ancient and mysterious stories. Because in the end, this too is an island of stories.