S’accu e Serbissi- Funtana Sa Brecca (C-521)

ABOUT THE TERRITORY 

The current hiking trail network in Ogliastra extends for about 440 km. In the area of the Tacchi of Osini and Ulassai the total length of the hiking trails is around 80 km. The total area of the Tacchi of Osini and Ulassai is about 10,000 hectares. 

The area is characterised by the presence of extensive outcrops of Palaeozoic rocks, mainly shale, which form the base of the carbonate plateaus (formed in the Mesozoic era) of varying height and size interspersed with deep canyons, known as Tacchi, which are distinctive features of this geographical area. The most widespread woodland is the holm oak forest, accompanied by areas of reforestation with conifers. The entire territory has many endemisms, some exclusively Sardinian and others also present in Corsica. Of particular interest is the protected nature area designated as RIN, in the Sa Brecca (Osini) locality, aimed at safeguarding the wild orchid Dactylorizha elata, an endemism exclusive to Sardinia. 

Very important from a naturalistic point of view is the permanent wildlife protection oasis of Taccu (Ulassai), where some specimens of Sardinian deer have recently been reintroduced. In Osini you can visit the natural monument Scala di San Giorgio, a natural pass that allows you to reach the Tacco. 

Archaeological sites include the nuraghi Serbissi, Urceni, Sanu and Orruttu in the Osini countryside. 

There are numerous caves, the most impressive of which, open to visitors, is the Su Marmuri cave in Ulassai, one of the largest in Europe, and home to the largest bat colony in Italy. 

In Ulassai, in rainy periods, you can also admire the Lequarci waterfalls, among the most impressive in Sardinia. In and near the town of Ulassai, there are many works by locally-born artist Maria Lai.

The area’s trail network includes routes with various degrees of difficulty (T-E-EE), and covers the entire territory, including its coastal and mountain stretches. You can choose either a long ring shaped rout or shorter routes to reach specific attractions 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.

Special care must be taken in rainy periods for the risk of flash floods (Sa canna stream area) and on account of cliffs and karst formations both above and below ground.