Accessible trails

As of this first stage, we are walking on the most ancient limestone-dolomite rocks in Italy, on big deposits of lead, zinc and silver that have been the subject of intense mining activity for centuries. Straight away we are immersed in the great cultural, environmental and religious heritage of Sardinia.

From the medieval city of Iglesias to the town of Nebida, we encounter chapels, churches and places of worship dedicated to the patron saint of miners.

The passage in the sanctuary of the Madonna del Buon Cammino gives this first day a particular spiritual meaning.

On the average this stage is demanding, not so much for the length, as for the two uphill stretches that must be climbed in the first part of the walk in order to reach the Buon Cammino hilltop (341 masl) and the excavations of Cungiaus (323 masl).

Safety and useful tips

To get to the Buon Cammino, you need to walk along urban streets in the historic centre of Iglesias, so pay attention to crossings.

After leaving the Monastero del Buon Cammino, you will follow a dirt road that heads north. This stretch of the route runs alongside fences that delimit and prevent the passage to certain caves/excavations - do not cross the fences and follow the route.

To get to Monte Agruxiau you have to cross the SP84 road as it bypasses Iglesias and then take the asphalted road to cross Monte Agruxiau - watch out for vehicular traffic. The same attention must be paid when arriving in Nebida, where you will cross the hamlet through an asphalted road.

Some passages, despite being on a wide and comfortable roadway, may be exposed to falling from above - do not lean towards the exposed part and, if necessary, keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.

There are various old structures along the route; in most cases, they are fenced off, but in some cases, they may be open - do not venture inside them and always admire them from a distance.

A variant of the route allows you to reach the center of Monteponi using the city road network (Via Cattaneo/Vivaldi/Sassu).

ATTENTION

There is a detour due to work in progress on the path after the Monastero del Buon Cammino, temporary signs are already present on site.

Dalla città medioevale di Iglesias fino al villaggio di Nebida, incontriamo cappelle, chiese e edifici di culto dedicati alla santa patrona dei minatori.

Il passaggio nel santuario della Madonna del Buon Cammino regala a questa prima giornata un particolare significato spirituale. Sin dalla prima tappa, camminiamo sulle rocce calcareo-dolomitiche più antiche d’Italia, sui grandi giacimenti di piombo, zinco e argento che per secoli sono stati oggetto di un’intensa attività estrattiva. Subito ci immergiamo nel grande patrimonio culturale, ambientale e religioso della Sardegna.

Una variante del percorso  permette di raggiungere  il centro di Monteponi utilizzando la rete viaria cittadina (Via Cattaneo/Vivaldi/Sassu).  

From the start of this stage we overcome some challenging ups and downs and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the coastal landscape until we reach the limestone cliffs of Masua.

The brevity of the route leaves time for visits to the extraordinary structures of industrial archaeology, from the Laveria Lamarmora  to the great mining engineering work of Porto Flavia, built on the cliffs.

Here, along with the magnificent coastal landscape, you can admire the colours and structures of the geological formations that tell the story of the evolution of the earth’s crust in Italy’s oldest land.

Please note that there are not food shops, bars or restaurants in Masua. The owner of the hostel (the only accommodation facility) can provide you with everything you need on arrival, please ask for information when booking.

Safety and useful tips

Some passages, particularly at the beginning of the downhill to the Lamarmora washery, are exposed to falling from above - do not lean towards the exposed part and keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.

At the end of the stage, follow the asphalted road in order to reach the parking area of Masua. Watch out for passing vehicles.

Even at the end of the stage, in the stretch towards the Masua beach, the passage (albeit on a wide roadway) appears exposed - do not lean towards the exposed part and keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.

Sin dall’inizio di questa tappa si superano alcuni impegnativi saliscendi e ci si immerge immediatamente nella bellezza del paesaggio costiero fino a giungere alle falesie calcaree di Masua.

La brevità del percorso lascia il tempo per le visite alle straordinarie strutture di archeologia industriale come la laveria Lamarmora alla grande opera di ingegneria mineraria di Porto Flavia costruite sulla scogliera.

Qui, assieme al magnifico paesaggio costiero, si possono ammirare i colori e le strutture delle formazioni geologiche delle colline circostanti che raccontano l’evoluzione della crosta terrestre della terra più antica d’Italia.

Attenzione:  a Masua non ci sono negozi di generi alimentari, bar o ristoranti. Il proprietario dell’Ostello, unica struttura ricettiva, può farvi trovare tutto il necessario al vostro arrivo; si consiglia di chiedere informazioni al momento della prenotazione.

This is one of the most challenging stages of the Trail, especially because of the elevation gains.

The effort is compensated for by the extraordinary beauty of the coastal landscape and by the richness of the geological heritage:

In the area of Canal Grande, you can observe the fossil remains of the first life forms that appeared on the planet.

Also of interest are the examples of industrial archaeology: from the old railway, to the loading plant in Cala Domestica, up to the large excavation of Planu Sartu.

In Cala Domestica, you can stop at the Oasi Beach kiosk; the services offered are: catering, transfer service by jeep or dinghy, and guided tours. It is open daily until November 3rd, afterwards only on weekends.

For those wishing to undertake a less challenging route, an alternative route is available which excludes the stretch overlooking the cliffs between Porto Flavia and Cala Domestica.

Safety and useful tips

Some passages, particularly along the panoramic route after passing the Cantina Belvedere, are exposed to falling from above - do not lean towards the exposed part and, if necessary, keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.

While walking this panoramic route, both along the climb towards Monte Nai and in the area of the ruins of the Cantina Belvedere, you will see open excavations of old mineral deposits - do not leave the route to visit such areas, always remain on the path.

The stage is challenging in terms of both length and elevation gains, therefore it is advisable to prepare adequately.

At the end of the stage, you will pass through the asphalted roads of the village of Buggerru, make sure to pay attention to vehicular traffic.

L'itinerario

Da Masua si raggiunge la località Canal Grande dove è possibile osservare alcuni reperti fossili che rappresentano alcune  tra le prime forme di vita apparse sul pianeta.

Di notevole interesse anche l’archeologia industriale, dalla vecchia ferrovia che giunge all’impianto di caricamento di Cala Domestica, al grande scavo di Planu Sartu.

A Cala Domestica segnaliamo la presenza del chiosco Oasi Beach che offre i servizi di  ristorazione, servizio transfer con jeep o gommone e tour guidati. Il chiosco è aperto tutti i giorni fino al 3 novembre e in seguito solo nei i weekend.

Per chi volesse intraprendere un percorso meno impegnativo, è disponibile un percorso alternativo che esclude il tratto  a picco sulle falesie tra Porto Flavia e Cala Domestica

This is a fairly short stage that allows to dedicate the first few hours of the day to discover the traces of Buggerru's mining history.

Don't miss the monument dedicated to the miners who died in the massacre of 1904, the mining museum and the Henry gallery, the Grotta delle Lumache (Snail Cavern) and the Grotta S'Acqua Gelada (Cold Water Cave).

Otherwise, the stage is characterised by the beautiful coastal landscape until you reach the extraordinary dune complex of Portixeddu.

WARNING: there are no supermarkets or other services in Portixeddu; only in the summer, there are bars and restaurants.

Safety and useful tips

The stage starts inside the residential area of Buggerru and then follows the SP 83 road towards Portixeddu. This stretch presents the problem of vehicular traffic, so you must pay attention to cars and traffic in general.

Some passages, particularly those following the uphill of the mule track leading to the wooded area near Sa Marchesa, are exposed to falling from above - do not lean towards the exposed part and keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.

After leaving the area of Sa Marchesa, you have to follow the last hairpin turn of the uphill road above San Nicolò, so watch out for vehicles that might pass by.

Even at the end of the stage, in order to get to Portixeddu, you have to cross the provincial road out of the pine forest, therefore you have to pay attention when crossing.

SI tratta di una tappa abbastanza breve che consente di dedicare le prime ore della giornata alla visita delle testimonianze della storia mineraria di Buggerru.

Da non perdere, il monumento ai minatori caduti nell’eccidio del 1904, il Museo Minerario e la galleria Henry, la Grotta delle Lumache e la Grotta S’Acqua Gelada.

Per il resto la tappa è caratterizzata dal bellissimo paesaggio costiero fino all’arrivo nello straordinario sistema dunale di Portixeddu.

A fairly long stage that presents modest difficulties due to several uphill stretches and the last 5 km of sandy terrain.

You will observe the characteristic morphology of large boulders and tafoni that are typical of the granite rocks present in this area.

What strikes the most is the majesty of the Scivu-Piscinas dune complex, which suddenly appears after the pass with the lookout post of Capo Pecora.

It should be noted that a stretch of the Piscinas beach is used as a naturist beach.

Safety and useful tips

The stage does not present any particular difficulties, except for the last stretch along the coast from the Punta Acqua Durci Beach to Piscinas.

At present, since it is not yet possible to walk along the upper part of the cliff (which belongs to the Penal Colony of Is Arenas), this passage follows the shoreline. In the event of sea storms, strong undertow or particularly rough sea, it is advisable to take the alternative route that passes through Scivu and continues towards the Posada of Pitzinurri (in red).

Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Scivu (with prior reservation) and assess the weather conditions for the following day to complete the stage or continue to arrive in Pitzinurri.