Santa Sofia trail (C-203)

ABOUT THE TERRITORY 

The current trail network in Ogliastra extends for about 440 km. In the area of the Tacchi of Jerzu and Tertenia, the total length of the hiking trails is around 85 km. 

The total area of the Tacchi of Jerzu and Tertenia is about 10,000 hectares, and includes many naturalistic, geological, cultural and archaeological points of interest. The area is located in the southern portion of the Tacchi, which include the majestic outcrops of Monte Lumburau, Monte Corongiu, Tacco di Angul’e ferru, and Monte Corongiu, all in the countryside of Jerzu.

The area is characterised by large forests in particular dominated by holm oak (Quercus holm oak L.) and in the scrubland, by forest dominated by strawberry tree, phillyrea and juniper. Among the most significant forests are the holm oak regional forest of Bingionniga and the holm oak and strawberry tree woods of Semida. 

In the past, the area underwent exploitation mainly related to mining, as shown by the mines of Bau Arena, Monte Lumburau and Talentinu. The use of woodland for charcoal production, dating back to the 1950s, also played an important role in the use of the land, as evidenced by the various charcoal terraces found along the paths and the Giulea station in the countryside of Tertenia and throughout the Bingionniga regional forest. 

The rich archaeological heritage includes notably the nuraghi of Giulea and Perdu Pabali in the area of Tertenia; the nuraghi of Giuanni Puddu and Perduxeddu in the area of Perdasdefogu and those of Marcusu and Gessitu in the countryside of Jerzu. 

The Bruncu Santoru Park at Perdasdefogu is of great natural interest, for the presence of the Sardinian deer, as well as of geological interest. 

Historical and cultural attractions along the trails include the country churches of S. Antonio at Jerzu and Santa Barbara at Perdasdefogu. The area’s traditional agro-pastoral economy is still thriving, the main activities being free-range stock raising, grape growing and handicraft production. 

The area’s trail network includes routes with various degrees of difficulty (T = Tourist - easy; E = Hiker - intermediate; EE = Expert Hiker), and covers the entire territory, including its coastal and mountain stretches. You can choose either a long ring-shaped route or shorter routes to reach specific points of interest in the coastal or mountain areas. It is also possible to cross the area on your way to the northern and southern parts of the island along the Sentiero Italia trail.

Particular care is needed in some areas, especially those with limestone formations, due to the presence of cliffs and gullies.