Villanova Monteleone - Nuraghe Appiu (Trail E 303)

After a short paved uphill section, the road becomes unpaved, surrounded by dry-stone walls. The view opens up magnificently to the west, dominating the sea and the Gulf of Alghero, with the unmistakable cliffs of Capo Caccia in the background and the rolling hills of the Nurra closing the view to the north. It is not uncommon to spot the majestic flight of eagles and griffons in this section, soaring the sky in search of thermal currents.

The long and pleasant scenic stretch is interrupted by a gradual descent where vegetation surrounds the path. Tall cork oaks and thick bramble bushes shade the route, extending over dry stone walls. Sporadically, some basaltic rock formations dominate the area, overlooking pastures nestled between the woods and the stones.

You proceed for a long stretch on a flat or slightly downhill path, surrounded by beautiful fenced-in areas that mainly host pastures and cork oak forests.

Approaching a large intersection in the Sas Multitzas area, the road forks into two junctions in quick succession. Take the left at both of them, including the second one at Su Paris. Here, a very steep climb begins, keeping a large pasture to your left where you can often find a large herd of cows. The climb is challenging and has some improved sections, but it allows you to gain altitude quickly and ends near a large intersection where you'll meet a paved road in the Calvones area.

You're now close to the destination. Take a right on a slight downhill slope, and you'll quickly reach the wide open space where people usually park to visit Nuraghe Appiu. The archaeological site is nearby and dominates the area. A visit is highly recommended, as it's a unique example in Sardinia's prehistoric landscape. The area is also extremely scenic and environmentally interesting.

To continue, it's best to go back to Villanova on the same road you just took, or you can reach the SP19 provincial road above. There, in the Monte Cuccu area, trail 303A branches off towards Monte Minerva.