The coastal path - Marina di Gairo (C-101)

The trail network in Ogliastra extends for about 440 km. In the Monte Ferru area, the total length of the hiking trails is approximately 45 km, all of great scenic value, with a focus on coastal areas and having as key landmarks the summit of punta Cartucceddu, also known - on the sea side - as Capo Sferracavallo, and Monte Ferru at Cardedu. 
 

The Monte Ferru area extends for approximately 5,000 hectares and includes many naturalistic, geological, cultural and archaeological points of interest: indeed, over 50% of the Monte Ferru area falls within the Site of Community Importance of the same name (Special Area of Conservation). The vegetation is characteristic of the coastal forest of Quercus ilex (holm oak) and olive and carob tree forest, with Mediterranean shrubs and juniper trees. The area is inhabited by an endemic Sardinian newt - the Sardinian mountain newt (Euproctus platycephalus) - an endangered species.

Terrain and main features of the territory

The area has 3 main mountain masses, consisting of the classic baryte veins of Monte Ferru and red porphyritic granites. The largest mass has two main peaks: Monte Ferru (820 m asl) and Punta Ingannadori (860 m asl); another smaller relief, further south, culminates in the peak of Punta Cartucceddu (598 m asl); the westernmost relief is dominated by Monte Tortu (641 m asl).

The only year-round (perennial) watercourse is the Riu Badde e Gattiu, which forms the characteristic natural freshwater pools at the Is Piscinas locality (80 m asl).

The coastal route crosses a beautiful red porphyry cliff interspersed with several beaches, including the Su Sirboni beach (with fine white sand) and Cala e’ Luas and Coccorrocci (with pebbles). In the past, the area (in particular the whole stretch between Perda e’ pera and Punta Cartucceddu) was put to various uses, mainly pastoral, some of which are still practised. The extent of shepherding in the area is witnessed by the names of various localities, such as Cuile Mulas, Cuile Tentu, Cuile Baccu e Praidas, Cuile Lispeddas [cuile:=sheepfold].

The felling of wood for charcoal production was also widespread, as evidenced by the various charcoal terraces found along the paths.

The main archaeological sites are Nuraghe Perdu (25 m asl) and Nuraghe Genna Didu (260 m asl).

The trail network as a whole 

The trail network in this area will enable you, with a loop itinerary, to discover the natural beauty of Monte Ferru. The loop - consisting of Trails C-101 and C-103 - can also be explored in several stages. It has a total length of around 27.5 km (and combines various trail numbers) with a walking time of more than 8 hours, predominantly regular hiking (E = Hiker - intermediate), with some more challenging sections (EE = Expert Hiker). Trail C-102, on the other hand, is a connecting trail between the coastal area of Cardedu-Marina di Gairo-Tertenia and the Tacchi (mountains) of Jerzu (Bingionniga forest).

The main services are tourist accommodation facilities such as the campsite of Coccorrocci and the various summer beach facilities. In the area of Is Piscinas, you will have to cross a stream, while near State road SS 125 it will be necessary to cross the Rio Quirra, which can be quite difficult in the rainy season. If you plan to hike in the summer, we recommend you bring an adequate supply of water (at least 2 litres), and avoid the hottest hours.