The inhabitants are just over two thousand, but all it takes is to lose oneself in the village’s winding alleys to make it seem much larger. Santu Lussurgiu is perched on a volcanic massif more than 500 metres above sea level. 

For over twenty years now, the Antica Dimora del Gruccione has stood here, a scattered hotel centred around a main residence — an 18th-century patrician villa — and two other neighbouring housing units, carefully restored, offering a total of 15 rooms. The name, taken from the colourful migratory bird that nests here especially during its breeding season, was given by the founder Gabriella Belloni, who is still active, together with her daughter Lucilla, in managing the establishment.