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Trekking itineraries in the Park of Sulcis
A holiday at Villa Isola Sarda  might surely mean to relax, because Poggio dei Pini is the ideal place for this; it could mean the beach which is so close; it could mean excursions all over Southern Sardinia. However, given its position, one of the most appreciated possibilities is its closeness to the largest forest areas in Europe – the parkland of Sulcis. This territory is actually a regional park and well-guarded by Forest Rangers who protect it and take care of the pathways. Furthermore, within its boundaries lies the Reserve of Mt. Arcosu , one of the most interesting areas under the protection of the WWF, which saved the Sardinian deer from extinction. Here, even the mountain-bike cyclists find endless tracks. Different to the North-European woods, we maintain that Summer is not the ideal season for making long excursions in these mountains. The few streams are often dry in this period and one must carry much water, as the sun is so hot. The absence of running water in Summer, makes for less activity in the valleys. All the other seasons are wonderful though; even during the colder months of January and February, the days are usually magnificent. The woods are composed mainly of ever-greens and therefore lack the dull, damp aspectof the alpine woods.From February onwards, the flowers are a spectacle.For this reason, cast an eye on our pages on Sardinian Flora, and learn to know them. |
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Mount Arcosu
In the 1970’s there were only 60 surviving deer left, when the WWF took steps and bought a large territory in the mountains, starting from the valley of Rio Guttureddu and extending to the slopes of Mt. Arcosu , Lattias and Genna Strinta , all around 1,000 mts above sea level. Today the deer population in the area counts over 1,000 and permits the re-introduction of the animals in other areas of the region and also Corsica, from where recently they had disappeared.
The entrance to the heart of the reserve is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.One can reach the forest guest-quarters of Perdu Melis , from which branch out various winding paths to the higher zones of the reserve.Arriving there on the other week days, or not wishing to travel the 8kms of bad road taking you to the guest-quarters, one may stop at Sa Canna and take the path that skirts the stream of the same name, until you arrive at the marvellous natural terrace of Is Frociddus . On the return trip you can follow the path half way down. Arriving at the roadway of Riu Guttureddu you can admire the deer which enjoy semi-freedom in an enormous fenced area of many hectares .To scout the highlands, choose one of the routes on the map of the park, that the forest rangers offer.
     
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The Valley of Gutturu Mannu
The mountain district noted as the Parkland of Sulcis, is crossed by the high water course of Rio St.Lucia, which, in its mountain portion takes the name of Riu Gutturu Mannu. A provincial road traverses the valley, but fortunately it is not asphalted and so leaves the fascination of these parts in tact.It’s quite a good road however, (though dusty in Summer) and from the little church of St.Lucia (Capoterra), to the hamlets of Santadi, it is 30 kms of an enchanting panorama. From the sides of this longridge, many paths branch off and one may climb through the mountains enclosing the valley.One of the most noted starting points is the Mitza Faneuas spring, situated 15kms from the St.Lucia church. This spring runs all year through and the wooden tables invite visitors to stop for a picnic, at the end of the walks that rise all over the slopes of Lattias . On the opposite side of the valley, the paths reach Mt.Is Pauceris .The laxier hikers can be happy with brief walks at the bottom of the valley, which in Winter and Spring are enlivened by the bubbling stream. From Pantaleo paths start rising towards Punta Sebera .
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The eastern mountains
Considering we are close to Poggio dei Pini, let’s take some walks along the paths that go beyond the mountains facing the Gulf of Cagliari. There are three key localities where to begin the excursions: the Pass of S’Ena e Sa Craba (quite close to Poggio dei Pini), the confluence between the rivers of Mt.Nieddu and Lilloni , and the forest rangers’ barracks at Piscinamanna (near Is Molas). Within the mountainous area, there exists a thick network of dirt roads kept in good condition by the State’s Forest Rangers. Access is not permitted to automobiles, though cyclists and trekkers find themselves in Paradise.From the Pass S’Ena e Sa Craba , we can reach the top of Mt. Conca d’Oru , near which the remains of the one and only airplane accident in Sardinia can still be found. Also the zone of Bidda Mores, with the magnificent gorge of Is Cioffus , warrants ourattention. The valleys of the rivers Lilloni and Mt.Nieddu (where they are building a dam ) are refined by the respective river courses and terminate at the slopes of the wooded Mt. Maxia . From the barracks at Piscina Manna , near where there has recently been built the Research Centre of Polaris , paths branch out and rise towards Punta Sa Cresia , which dominates a spectacular panorama overlooking the gulf and the massive mountain.
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