Itinerario 302 - Iglesias - Nebida - Masua - Buggerru - Portixeddu
Tappe 01 – 02 – 03 – 04
What other walkers say
Stage 01
Total Length: 21,0 km
Difficulty by Foot: Medium
Travel time: 7 hours
Climb up: 753 m
Climb down: 797 m
ATTENTION
There is a detour due to work in progress on the path after the Monastero del Buon Cammino, temporary signs are already present on site.
As of this first stage, we are walking on the most ancient limestone-dolomite rocks in Italy, on big deposits of lead, zinc and silver that have been the subject of intense mining activity for centuries. Straight away we are immersed in the great cultural, environmental and religious heritage of Sardinia.
From the medieval city of Iglesias to the town of Nebida, we encounter chapels, churches and places of worship dedicated to the patron saint of miners.
The passage in the sanctuary of the Madonna del Buon Cammino gives this first day a particular spiritual meaning.
On the average this stage is demanding, not so much for the length, as for the two uphill stretches that must be climbed in the first part of the walk in order to reach the Buon Cammino hilltop (341 masl) and the excavations of Cungiaus (323 masl).
Stage 02
Total Length: 9,3 km
Difficulty by Foot: Medium
Travel time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Climb up: 371 m
Climb down: 500 m
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.
Stage 03
Total Length: 19,3 km
Difficulty by Foot: Hard
Travel times: 7 hours
Climb up: 887 m
Climb down: 889 m
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.
Stage 04
Total Length: 9,8 km
Difficulty by Foot: Medium
Travel times: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Climb up: 464 m
Climb down: 460 m
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.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN NEBIDA, MASUA E BUGGERRU
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HOW TO GET TO IGLESIAS
From Cagliari-Elmas Airport, direct train to Iglesias
From Cagliari station or bus station – BUS line 801