Santa Barbara – Tonnai (B-541)

ABOUT THE TERRITORY 

The trail network in Ogliastra extends for about 440 km. In the area of Ogliastra covered by the Gennargentu massif (Gennargentu ogliastrino), in the municipal territories of Villagrande and Talana, the trails have a total length of around 70 km. In particular, in the municipality of Villagrande Strisaili, the trails cover 25 km, passing through a number of natural, geological, cultural and archaeological attractions.

As to plant cover, the area between the northern slope of Monte Idolo and the southern slope of Monte Olinie is largely clothed by a vast holm oak forest (Quercus holm oak L.) that spreads out from the main area in the Santa Barbara Park in the following localities: Baramurgia, Saromini, Timutzoe, Tennurie, Naradulu and Orguda.

The area is home to varied wildlife, including mouflon, marten, wild cat, fox, wild boar and birds such as jay, woodpigeon, golden eagle as well as other birds of prey such as the buzzard and the peregrine falcon.

Four main mountain peaks rise in the area: Monte Idolo (1241 m asl), which dominates coastal Ogliastra from south to east and faces the Gennargentu peaks to the north-northwest; Monte Orguda (1361 m asl), Monte Mela (1326 m asl), and finally, further north, the Bruncu Olinie massif (1370 m asl).

The territory has many karst springs along the trails, such as Funtana Tonnai, Sorgente Santa Barbara, Funtana Niecrobu, Funtana Mesupadentes, Funtana Locetzi and others.

Historically, these areas have supported a largely pastoral economy, now partly replaced by forest management activity, mainly for conservation purposes. In the past, the woodlands were intensely exploited for the production of charcoal, as witnessed by the various charcoal pits found along the routes, and by clear signs of deforestation caused by unregulated felling.

The main archaeological site is the Nuragic village of Praidas in the locality of the same name north of Villagrande, at about 900 m asl.

The trail network is mainly composed of paths classified as hiking trails (difficulty E), connecting to the north and south with the territories of Talana and Arzana.

The main services are tourist facilities in the Santa Barbara park.

Tips: hiring a local guide can make the experience safer and more enjoyable, especially for inexperienced hikers. Suitable clothing is recommended.

Walking the trails can be particularly difficult on days of hunting, snow, rain and fog.