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.

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.

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.

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.

The stage is mostly uphill with an initial climb to reach the village of Ingurtosu.

You will discover some amazing examples of industrial archaeology in the disused mines of Ingurtosu and Montevecchio.

From the dune complex of Piscinas, you move on to the holm oak woods and to the Mediterranean scrub, where it is common to observe the Sardinian deer that populates this area.

Safety and useful tips

The stage does not present any particular difficulties, even though the route follows the SP04, which is an accessible dirt road.

In the first section, you have to cross twice the Rio Irvi, which flows alongside the road. If this watercourse is in flood and fording is not easy, it is advisable to take the main road, which in any case proceeds in the same direction as the route.

It is only when you reach the Church of Santa Barbara of Ingurtosu that you can take the SP04.18, an asphalted road where, despite the presence of few vehicles, you must pay attention when passing through, especially because of the turns that you find along the way. You will then reach the Management building after which you proceed following the SP 66, which is again a dirt road.

All along the way, you will come across several buildings dating back to the old mining activity, many of which are closed and secured; some others are not, but they are all in a state of disrepair and precarious stability. In order to avoid any problems or accidents, do not cross the fences and/or venture inside the ruined buildings of the old mining plants, but always admire them from a distance without leaving the Trail.