- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Nights out: 7
- Max People: 12
- Airport transfer: yes
- Luggage transfers: yes
- Food: all included
The Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara is a fascinating hiking route in the heart of Sardinia, approximately 500 km long. Named after the patron saint of miners, this trail offers a unique immersion in the history and nature of the region.
In our tour, you will walk the first 6 stages of this itinerary, covering about 75 km from Iglesias to Piscinas. These stages represent the most scenic parts of the route, with a perfect balance between sea and mountains. Starting from Iglesias, the official starting point chosen by the creators of the trail, you will cross enchanting coastal landscapes and beaches with crystal-clear waters, discovering the natural beauty of Sardinia.
Along the way, you will explore ancient abandoned mines and historical villages, traversing landscapes that vary from mountains to coastal stretches. You will have the opportunity to learn about the life of miners through tunnels and historical sites, listening to stories of work and sacrifices, and discovering the innovations that led to the abandonment of these structures. You will admire historical mining tools and understand the impact of mining activities.
Day 1: welcome to Sardinia
Upon arrival at Elmas airport, a bus will take you to your hotel in Iglesias. After check-in, you’ll have time to explore the historic center of Iglesias, a charming town with a rich mining heritage.
The evening includes dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy traditional Sardinian specialties. Before dinner, you will have a briefing with our expert local guide, who will introduce you to the tour program and the features of the area you’ll be exploring in the coming days.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Cagliari Elmas Airport to Iglesias
- Accommodation in a hotel in Iglesias
- Dinner at a restaurant in Iglesias
Day 2: From Iglesias to Nebida
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to Nebida, with a visit to the historic Monteponi mine.
The day begins with a walk through the mining landscape, navigating rugged terrain and trails that tell stories of the industrial past. You’ll walk on the oldest dolomitic limestone rocks in Italy, rich in lead, zinc, and silver deposits that were mined here for centuries.
The route ends at the Nebida washery, located on a magnificent cliff with stunning sea views. The guide will explain the mineral processing techniques and the unique flora adapted to these environments. Afterward, return to Iglesias by minibus for dinner.
PROGRAM
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation Gain: 310 m
Elevation Loss: 380 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Return transfer from Nebida to Iglesias
- Dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Iglesias
EXCLUDED
- Entrance fee to the Monteponi mine
Day 3: Nebida to Masua
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Nebida for further exploration of the washery. Today’s route involves a walk along historic and panoramic trails, offering views of the sea and abandoned mining structures. Along the way, you’ll cross cliffs that are home to peregrine falcons and kestrels, which you may spot soaring above the landscape.
The journey ends at Masua with a visit to Porto Flavia, an engineering marvel carved into the rock that was used to load minerals onto ships. The guide, with their extensive knowledge of the area, will share fascinating stories about how these sites were used and the region’s unique geological features. Afterward, we’ll return by bus to Iglesias for dinner.
PROGRAM
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 9.3 km
Elevation Gain: 370 m
Elevation Loss: 500 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Transfer from Iglesias to Nebida
- Transfer from Masua to Iglesias
- Accommodation in a hotel in Iglesias
- Dinner at a restaurant in Iglesias
EXCLUDED
- Entrance fee to the Porto Flavia mines
Day 4: Masua to Cala Domestica
We’ll depart for Masua and begin our walk along the cliffs towards Cala Domestica. Shortly after starting, we’ll reach the top of the Porto Flavia cliffs, Punta Buccione, where you’ll enjoy a privileged view of the Pan di Zucchero rock. This coastal route winds through rocky landscapes and hidden beaches, showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Sardinia. The cliffs leading to Cala Domestica are covered with low shrubs and are teeming with wildlife. Cala Domestica is a bay with crystal-clear waters and a fine sandy beach, perfect for a break. During the walk, the guide will explain the coastal vegetation and marine life. In the evening, we’ll transfer to Buggerru for dinner and overnight stay.
PROGRAM
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Elevation Loss: 600 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Transfer from Iglesias to Masua
- Transfer from Cala Domestica to Buggerru
- Accommodation in a hotel in Buggerru
- Dinner at a restaurant in Buggerru
Day 5: Cala Domestica to Buggerru
After breakfast, we’ll transfer by bus to Cala Domestica for a walk along the Pranu Sartu cliffs to Buggerru. This trail will take you through coastal scenery and mining areas, with the guide providing insights into the mining history and the local flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Buggerru, we’ll visit the Henry Gallery, a historic tunnel used for transporting minerals. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, offering a chance to share experiences and views on the life of miners.
PROGRAM
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 7.5 km
Elevation Gain: 220 m
Elevation Loss: 220 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Transfer from Portixeddu to Buggerru
- Accommodation in a hotel in Buggerru
- Dinner at a restaurant in Buggerru
EXCLUDED
- Entrance fee to the Henry Gallery
Day 6: Buggerru to Portixeddu
After breakfast, we’ll set off on foot from Buggerru to Portixeddu. The trail passes through various landscapes, from abandoned mining villages to sandy terrains and dunes. The guide will lead you through these environments, sharing insights into the mining history and the natural features of the region. The route continues over the highest sand dunes in the Mediterranean (155 m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. At the end of the walk, we’ll return by bus to Buggerru for a dinner that celebrates traditional Sardinian cuisine.
PROGRAM
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 12.7 km
Elevation Gain: 520 m
Elevation Loss: 530 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Transfer from Portixeddu to Buggerru
- Accommodation in a hotel in Buggerru
- Dinner at a restaurant in Buggerru
Day 7: Portixeddu to Piscinas
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Portixeddu and begin the walk through Capo Pecora, enjoying spectacular views of the sea and rugged coastline. The trail will take you to the Scivu beach and the majestic dunes of Piscinas. The guide will provide detailed explanations about the geological processes that formed these dunes and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these environments. Afterward, we’ll return by bus to Buggerru for a final dinner at a local restaurant.
PROGRAM
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 17.5 km
Elevation Gain: 380 m
Elevation Loss: 380 m
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, packed lunch
- Transfer from Buggerru to Portixeddu
- Transfer from Piscinas to Buggerru
- Accommodation in a hotel in Buggerru
- Final dinner at a restaurant in Buggerru
Day 8: departure
The morning is free for a final stroll around Buggerru or to purchase local souvenirs. You can visit the town’s mining museum or simply relax at the hotel. At 11:00, a bus will transfer you from the hotel to Elmas Airport for your return flight.
During your journey back, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the entire route and the knowledge shared by our guide, who enriched every stage of the tour with insights into the region and its history.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again soon in Sardinia!
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Buggerru to Cagliari Elmas Airport