Arzana is situated in the heart of Ogliastra: its vast territory extends from the sea up to the highest peaks of the Gennargentu chain offering many opportunities to visitors who love unspoilt nature. Its territory includes the central southern area of Gennargentu that has spectacular views: from Punta Lamarmora, the highest peak, on clear days one’s gaze can embrace all the coastline of the island. In the surrounding Flumendosa valley, ideal spot for interesting excursions, one can still admire forests that long ago covered the entire area, including the Perreddu holm-oak and especially the Tedderieddu woods, where some of Europe’s oldest yews can be seen.

The Nuragic origin of  Arthana, meaning “fog or cold breeze”, is confirmed by the discovery in the territory of various archaeological finds from pre-Nuragic and Nuragic periods. Excavations near the village have also revealed the existence of a thermal area called Is Bagnus. Of some importance is the Nuragic complex Ruinas  ,a mountain farming village with a panoramic position (Belvedere Bruncu Evane), surrounded by forests where moufflons, partridges, hares and rabbits live.

Of  noteworthy archaeological interest are the stone monuments, from the Neolithic Domus deJanas of Perdixi to the numerous Nuragic remains of Unturgiadore, Sa’e Cortocce, Sa Tanca, Ruinas as well as the less visible remains of hut villages and megalithic tombs in ruins. In the 16th century the medieval village was abandoned and some traces are still visible near the Nuragic complex of Ruinas. The medieval bronze cross, preserved in the parish church, is said to have been found at Silise. Of particular artistic value,  inside the church dedicated to San Giovanni Battista there is a 16th century ostensory ascribed to the master craftsman Antioco Canavera of Cagliari.

Among the peculiarities of the village one should note the tradition of loom weaving, the abundant natural water resources in particular the mountain spring of Funtana Orrubia and the healthy mountain air to which the longevity of the local inhabitants is attributed.