Overview of the itinerary
Sentiero Italia runs the length of the island’s eastern side, covering its most important mountains, in 28 stages. Starting from the north: it flanks the Monte Limbara massif, crosses the limestones of Mont’Albo and Tuttavista, skirting the Gulf of Orosei, it crosses the Supramonte, Gennargentu and the Tacchi of Ogliastra and reaches Perdasdefogu. Further south, it passes through Armungia and the Gerrei sub-region. Lastly, it touches on the villages of Burcei and San Gregorio, continuing on the Sette Fratelli massif to the old prisons of Castiadas.
General information on Sentiero Italia (Grand Italian Trail)
Sentiero Italia, or Grand Italian Trail, as also explained on the official website, is a walking route that crosses the whole of Italy, using mainly but not exclusively “registered trails”.
In particular, in Sardinia, not all the stages of the Sentiero Italia of CAI (Italian Alpine Club) are made of trails already included in the registry of the Sardinia Trail Network (RES), either because they have not yet been tested and approved or simply because they cannot be registered as they do not meet the requirements. However, as a whole, the Sentiero Italia is the single longest walking route currently crossing Sardinia from the north (S. Teresa Gallura, stage Z 1) to the south (Castiadas, end of stage Z 28), touching on the most fascinating mountain areas in central-eastern Sardinia: the plateau of Buddusò, Tepilora, the Cedrino river valley, the ancient forests of Montes, Perda Liana and the regional forest of Montarbu, Monte Genis, and lastly the regional forest of Settefratelli (among the many crossed by the various stages of this long hiking itinerary).
Information on this stage of the trail
The stage begins by tracing your steps back from the reception facility (book logistical support with Mr. Salvatore Fancello, aka Baddore, at 3470086640) about 800 m from Surtana.
After climbing the steep path known as scala di Surtana the path continues (after passing several forks with other trails, on the right Sos Mojos and further on the left scala Cuccuttos) along a valley in the direction of Tiscali.
After visiting the archaeological site, in spring and summer with local guides, and after crossing a narrow gap in the rock, the trail leads downhill to the Lanaitto valley, a place renowned for its numerous hiking opportunities.
After visiting the Nuragic village Sa Sedda e Sos Carros, with the possibility of a guided tour, continue north to visit some sheepfolds (cuili) including Su Vicu, s’Uscradu, Orthini.
The next destination is towards Punta Cusidore, via the steep uphill path known as Scala di Sovana , at the foot of the peak, head down heading north, stopping at the recently renovated Intro Ishalas cuile (sheepfold).
Upon reaching the fork with trail 406, head west towards trail 401, which leads to the Monte Maccione stop point.
