Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara

The Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, thirty STAGES within the Historic Environmental Geominerary Park of Sardinia in southwestern Sardinia. A historical, cultural, environmental and religious itinerary dedicated to the patron saint of miners, which runs along the ancient mining paths through churches and places of worship.

 

DISCOVER THE STAGES
Departure: Iglesias
Arrival: Iglesias
Stages: 30
Length: 500 km
Type: ring
Theme:
historian naturalistic panoramic
Stagione:
spring autumn winter
Departure: Iglesias
Arrival: Iglesias
Stages: 30
Length: 500 km
Type: ring
Theme:
historian naturalistic panoramic
Stagione:
spring autumn winter

At the dawn of the industrial revolution in the 1800s it was Sardinia that provided, almost entirely, for the metal needs of the nascent Italian state. And the aim of the Cammino is to help people rediscover the ancient mining routes: from the paths trodden by miners on their way to work, to the old mule tracks and railways used to transport raw minerals. Trails along which a technical-scientific, historical-cultural, religious, landscape-environmental and socio-anthropological heritage of the Sardinian mining epic has been preserved.

Developed mainly on paths, mule tracks, cart tracks and unpaved driveways, only 25% of the Cammino di Dante is on roads in urban centers or short asphalt suburban stretches. The entire route is marked with stickers, yellow arrows and aluminum labels, and you can also download a free app with all the information. It can also be done on horseback or by bicycle on alternative routes. There are support services for the walker along the route. Both in the villages crossed and in abandoned mining villages.

HISTORY

The idea of building a great itinerary in the largest and most representative area of the Historical and Environmental Geominerary Park of Sardinia, the Sulcis Iglesiente Guspinese, rediscovering the ancient mining paths now largely abandoned, was born by the volunteers of thenon-profit Pozzo Sella Per il Parco Geominerario Association following the great participation of citizens in the excursions organized by the same association after making numerous mining paths usable.

The Sella Shaft Association was born on November 5, 2001, in the basement of the Sella Shaft of the Monteponi mine, at the conclusion of the struggle that led to the establishment of the Historical and Environmental Geominerary Park of Sardinia.

The purpose of the association is to contribute to the development of the Geomining Park, the enhancement of Sardinia’s disused mining areas, the involvement of young people and also the identification of job opportunities within the Park itself.

With the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara we want to pursue thegoal of handing down the memory of the men who over the past centuries and millennia made and walked the ancient mining paths with the pleasure of rediscovering at a slow pace the beauty of the area.

The idea of building a great itinerary in the largest and most representative area of the Historical and Environmental Geominerary Park of Sardinia, the Sulcis Iglesiente Guspinese, rediscovering the ancient mining paths now largely abandoned, was born by the volunteers of the non-profit Pozzo Sella Per il Parco Geominerario Association following the great participation of citizens in the excursions organized by the same association after making numerous mining paths usable.

The Sella Shaft Association was born on November 5, 2001, in the basement of the Sella Shaft of the Monteponi mine, at the conclusion of the struggle that led to the establishment of the Historical and Environmental Geominerary Park of Sardinia.

The purpose of the association is to contribute to the development of the Geomining Park, the enhancement of Sardinia’s disused mining areas, the involvement of young people and also the identification of job opportunities within the Park itself.

With the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara we want to pursue the goal of handing down the memory of the men who over the past centuries and millennia made and walked the ancient mining paths with the pleasure of rediscovering at a slow pace the beauty of the area.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the municipalities of Iglesias, Buggerru, Fluminimaggiore, Arbus, Guspini, Gonnosfanadiga, Villacidro, Domusnovas, Musei, Villamassargia. Narcao, Nuxis, Santadi, Piscinas, Giba, Masainas, San Giovanni Suergiu, Sant’Antioco, Carbonia and Gonnesa, the Dioceses of Iglesias and Ales Terralba, the Provinces of Carbonia Iglesias and Medio Campidano, the Consortium of the Geominerario Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia, ANCI SARDEGNA and the Pozzo Sella Association a partnership has been formed for the construction and management of the historical, cultural, environmental and religious itinerary called “C amino Mining of Santa Barbara.”

Thanks to the support of the signatories of the protocol and the contribution, passion and commitment of so many volunteers, an extraordinary amount of research and survey work on the ground has been initiated, including the definition of the itinerary, the interventions necessary for its recovery (still in progress), the guidelines for the definitive signage and the installation of the temporary one, the inventory of the heritage present along the route, and everything else needed for the organization of a Cammino.

WATER

Scarce, it is recommended to always leave with the necessary water supply.

SERVICES

SERVICES PRESENT STAGE BY STAGE

STAGE 01

Departure from Iglesias where all services are present and arrival in Nebida where there are bars, pizzeria, market, pharmacy.

STAGE 02

There is no service in Masua, in summer the beach bar and the bar at the Porto Flavia site are open, for dinner we suggest asking Valerio from the scout center where you are staying.

STAGE 03

All services are present in Buggerru.

STAGE 04

In Portixeddu present only two restaurants and bars.

STAGE 05

In Piscinas (Arbus) no service, it is necessary to continue to the campsite or Posada di Pitzinurri

STAGE 06

Montevecchio, there is a bar and a kiosk.

STAGE 07

All services are present in Arbus

STAGE 08

As Perd’e Pibera hospitality is not yet available, it is necessary to stop in Gonnosfanadiga where all services are present.

STAGE 09

All services are present in Villacidro.

STAGE 10

In Monti Mannu there is no service, you will find a pantry provided in the Posada and the possibility of requesting a grocery to be found at the facility according to your needs. It should be noted that there is no telephone line, there is a satellite phone for emergencies.

STAGE 11

In Arenas there are no services, as with Monti Mannu you will find everything in the facility, or you can proceed along the next STAGE and arrive at Agriturismo Pubusinu. Since they are not population centers there are no services. Telephone line absent in the first part of the route.

STAGE 12

No services, you stay and eat meals at Su Mannau Hostel

STAGE 13

St. Benedict, present a grocery store and pantry stocked in the Posada

STAGE 14

It is merged with the next one as it is very short, no service

STAGE 15

Domusnovas-Musei all services are present

STAGE 16

It is merged with the next one, no service

STAGE 17

In Rosas present restaurant and bar/pizzeria

STAGE 18

All services present in Nuxis

STAGE 19

All services present in Santadi

STAGE 20

In Is Zuddas present restaurant

STAGE 21

All services present in Masainas

STAGE 22

Candiani features restaurants and bars during summer periods

STAGE 23

In Tratalias present market, bar, agritourism

STAGE 24

In Sant’Antioco present all services

STAGE 25

All services present in Carbonia

STAGE 26

In Nuraxi Figus

STAGE 27

In Carloforte present all services

STAGE 28

All services present in Portoscuso

STAGE 29

In Bacu Abis present bar, pizzeria, market, bakery and pharmacy

STAGE 30

Iglesias, all services present

SIGNAGE

The path is totally marked with metal tags or stickers with the logo of the path and the yellow arrow, milestones to mark the beginning/end of the STAGES.

IN TENT

In Sardinia, camping is not allowed except in the equipped and authorized spaces; bivouacking is allowed instead.

CREDENTIALS

Credentials can be purchased online or at our office at a cost of 5 euros.

ROAD BOTTOM.

75% unpaved

25% paved roads and asphalt

CONTACTS

CONTACTS

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara Foundation
Via Cattaneo 70, 09016 Iglesias (SU)

Phone: 0781 24132
Email: info@camminominerariodisantabarbara.org

https://www.facebook.com/camminominerariodisantabarbara

https://www.instagram.com/cammino_minerario_santabarbara

STAGE 01: IGLESIAS - NEBIDA

Departure: Iglesias
Arrival: Nebida
Distance: 20.4 km
Height difference: +660 m / – 704 m

WARNING

There is a detour due to work in progress on the trail just after the Monastery of Our Lady of the Good Way. You will already find temporary signage at the site.

From the very first STAGE you walk on some of the oldest limestone-dolomitic rocks in Italy, crossing an area marked by large deposits of lead, zinc and silver, exploited for centuries by mining. In just a few kilometers you enter the heart of Sardinia’s cultural, environmental and religious heritage.

From Iglesias to the village of Nebida, the route encounters chapels, churches and places of worship dedicated to the patron saint of miners, which symbolically accompanies the entire day.

Transit from the shrine of Our Lady of the Good Way adds a passage of strong spiritual value to this first walking experience.

The STAGE is of medium difficulty: fatigue does not depend so much on the distance as on two uphill climbs in the first part, which are necessary to reach the Buon Cammino pass (339 m a.s.l.) and the Cungiaus excavation area (323 m a.s.l.).

STAGE 02: NEBIDA - MASUA

Departure: Nebida
Arrival: Masua
Distance: 9.3 km
Height difference: +460 m / – 498 m

From the very first steps, the STAGE challenges with some challenging ups and downs, then opens up to the coast and accompanies inside an ever-widening landscape to the limestone cliffs of Masua.

The moderate distance allows time to devote to visits to the main vestiges of industrial archaeology, from the Lamarmora washery to the extraordinary mining engineering work at Porto Flavia, built directly on the cliff. In this stretch, along with the coastal scenery, the colors and structures of the geological formations also stand out, telling the story of the evolution of the earth’s crust in one of Italy’s oldest territories.

Practical note: a Masua there are no grocery stores. One restaurant is available that is open seasonally (generally from spring to summer). To arrange meals, it is advisable to ask for directions from the managers of the accommodations.

STAGE 03: MASUA - BUGGERRU

Departure: Masua
Arrival: Buggerru
Distance: 19.3 km
Height difference: +721 m / – 816 m

CAUTION
This is a challenging STAGE and it is recommended not to be combined with the previous one. You need to carry all the water you need to complete it (at least 3 liters per person). It is also essential to have theapp installed on your phone and to have downloaded the offline maps; in several sections reception is absent or very weak. If in doubt about the procedure, it is recommended to contact the organization.

This is one of the toughest STAGES of the entire camino, especially because of the height differences. The effort, however, is rewarded by an impressive coastal landscape and an extraordinarily rich geological heritage.

In the locality Grand Canal fossil remains related to the earliest forms of life that appeared on the planet can be observed. Important evidence of industrial archaeology also stands out along the route, from the old railway leading to the loading plant of Cala Domestica to the large excavation of Planu Sartu.

A Cala Domestica the presence of the kiosk Oasis Beach, which offers catering, transfer service (jeep or dinghy) and guided tours. It is open daily until November 3, thereafter only on weekends.

STAGE 04: BUGGERRU - PORTIXEDDU

Departure: Buggerru
Arrival: Portixeddu
Distance: 12.4 km
Height difference: +604 m / – 600 m

This is a STAGE of short length, ideal for devoting the first few hours of the day to traces of the mining history of Buggerru. Worth a visit is the Monument to the fallen miners (1904 massacre), the Mining Museum of Buggerru and the Henry Gallery.

The rest of the route flows with views of the Gulf of Lion, which can be appreciated from above along the way to the Nanni Frau Mine, until the arrival in the suggestive dune system of Portixeddu.

WARNING
A Portixeddu the supply of refreshments is seasonal: in summer there are beach kiosks and restaurants are found to be open, while during the rest of the year there are no catering activities or markets.

STAGE 05: PORTIXEDDU - PISCINAS

Departure: Portixeddu
Arrival: Piscinas
Distance: 16.2 km
Height difference: +362 m / – 369 m

This is a good running STAGE, with some moderate difficulty due to several uphill sections and the last 5 km on sandy ground.

Along the way we encounter forms typical of the local granite landscape, with large boulders and tafoni characterizing the morphology of this area. The most spectacular moment, however, comes when the view suddenly opens up to the majestic dune system of Scivu-Piscinas, which appears after the saddle of the lookout of Capo Pecora.

WARNING
In case of strong winds and swells, it is recommended to follow the variant that avoids the passage to the beach and leads directly to the Posada of Pitzinurri.

WARNING
The first section of the beach at Piscinas is marked as a naturist beach.

If the walk ends at this point, it is important to know that public transportation is not available: you need to arrange a transfer service for travel.

STAGE 06: PISCINAS - MONTEVECCHIO

Departure: Piscinas
Arrival: Montevecchio
Distance: 19.2 km
Height difference: +710 m / – 345 m

The STAGE is mostly uphill, with an initial climb necessary to reach the village of Ingurtosu.

The day is dedicated to the evidence of industrial archaeology related to the disused mines of Ingurtosu e Montevecchio, among structures and traces that tell the mining history of this area.

Leaving behind the dune system of Piscinas, the landscape changes rapidly: you enter holm oak forests and Mediterranean scrubland, an environment where it is not uncommon to spot the Sardinian deer, a species symbolic of this territory.

STAGE 07: MONTEVECCHIO - ARBUS

Departure: Montevecchio
Arrival: Arbus
Distance: 16 km
Height difference: +541 m / – 643 m

Following the ancient miners’ path, the STAGE descends from the metalliferous hills of the Guspinese-Arburese toward the plains of the Campidano. Here the route crosses basaltic flows related to Tertiary volcanism, with the striking geosite of columnar basalts. From this more open section it then climbs back to the hills, walking on granitic rocks until it reaches the town of Arbus.

STAGE 08: ARBUS - GONNOSFANADIGA

Departure: Arbus
Arrival: Gonnosfanadiga
Distance: 10 km
Height difference: +120 m / – 158 m

It is a short STAGE that leads quickly to the plains of the Campidano, crossing the typical landscape of agricultural and livestock activities, among olive groves, almond orchards and large expanses used for grazing. Continuing on foot, one reaches the mountain complex of the Linas, until arriving at Gonnosfanadiga, also known as the “city of bread and oil.”

STAGE 09: GONNOSFANADIGA - VILLACIDRO

Departure: Gonnosfanadiga
Arrival: Villacidro
Distance: 21 km
Height difference: +1000 m / – 965 m

This is a long and challenging STAGE. The route passes through the majestic holm oak forests of the Linas, walking on granitic terrain and passing numerous streams, until it reaches the lush citrus and cherry gardens of Villa Scema.

Along the day, the religious dimension associated with mining also emerges strongly: from the church of Gonnosfanadiga to the mine chapel of Perd’e Pibera, to the ancient church of Villacidro, all dedicated to Saint Barbara, the cult of the patron saint of miners constantly accompanies the entire STAGE.

 

STAGE 10: VILLACIDRO - MONTI MANNU

Departure: Villacidro
Arrival: Mannu Mountains
Distance: 18.1 km
Height difference: +380 m / – 311 m

ATTENTION
In this STAGE, passed Villacidro (loc. San Sisinnio) phone coverage is not available. Wi-Fi is accessible at the Posada of Monti Mannu.

This is a not too long and, overall, fairly smooth STAGE. The only really challenging segment is the sharp climb from the church of Church of San Sisinnio (229 m a.s.l.) leads up to the junction with the paved municipal road Cariatzu (384 m a.s.l.).

Otherwise, the trail offers a pleasant walk on the right bank, first of the lake and then of the Rio Leni, with a gradual ascent to the nursery of Monti Mannu and the posada not far away.

STAGE 11: MANNU MOUNTAINS - ARENAS

Departure: Mannu Mountains
Arrival: Arenas
Distance: 15.6 km
Height difference: +712 m / – 467 m

From a naturalistic and scenic point of view, this is one of the most fascinating STAGES of the Cammino, thanks to the scenic power of the granite reliefs of Piscina Irgas, sculpted over time by watercourses.

Holm oak forests, Mediterranean scrub and numerous mining excavations alternate along the route, adding depth and character to the landscape.

The STAGE is challenging not so much because of the distance as because of the elevation changes to be faced. Some passages over rocky terrain, in the highest part of the climb to Punta Piscina Irgas, require attention and should be approached with caution, especially in bad weather, including near the waterfall. During rainy periods, the subsequent fords of the Rio d’Oridda.

 

STAGE 12: ARENAS - SU MANNAU

Departure: Arenas
Arrival: Su Mannau
Distance: 13.3 km
Height difference: +184 m / – 573 m

This STAGE marks the inauguration of a new section of great value, enriching the path both on the naturalistic and environmental level and on the historical and cultural level.

Holm oak forests in the limestone mountains, the great perennial spring of Pubusinu and the caves of Su Mannau represent the main natural treasures of the day. As a counterpoint, along the way emerges the mining heritage, marked by the mine of Gutturu Pala, with the “home of Karl Marx” attributed to its discoverer, and the mine-museum of Su Zurfuru.

The STAGE is easy and mostly downhill, a condition that allows you to take your time to visit the sites and testimonies encountered along the way.

STAGE 13: SU MANNAU - SAN BENEDETTO

Departure: Su Mannau
Arrival: Saint Benedict
Distance: 14.3 km
Height difference: +532 m / – 330 m

CAUTION
Phone coverage may be absent or intermittent at this STAGE.

The route goes through the holm oak forests again, until it reaches the Temple of Antas, a Punic-Roman sanctuary dedicated to the Sardus Pater.

From here we continue to an area heavily marked by mining, rejoining the large excavations and numerous mining structures of the mines of Baueddu, Malacalzetta e San Benedetto. This stretch makes the STAGE one of the most interesting for those who want to learn more about industrial archaeology.

A St. Benedict there is a food market with the following hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

STAGE 14: SAN BENEDETTO - DOMUSNOVAS-MUSEI

Departure: St. Benedict
Arrival: Domusnovas-Musei
Distance: 22.1 km
Height difference: +610 m / – 884 m

No longer able to travel the nearly 4.5 km of the old railroad track, built in the late 19th century on the slopes of these limestone-dolomite mountains to transport minerals, the route follows the valley floor until it enters the forest. From here, between dirt road and path, you reach the Marganai Houses, in a fascinating mountain setting, where it is possible to visit the Linasia Garden.

In this area, the mining legacy is still clearly visible, with numerous vestiges integrated into a particularly lush natural environment. One of the most striking passages of the STAGE is the underground crossing of about 800 meters, from north to south, of the St. John’s Cave, considered among the largest European karst cavities that were originally passable even by trucks, today accessible only on foot, horseback and bicycle. Also of considerable interest is the nuragic site of Sa Domu ‘e S’Orku.

The steep slopes from the Marganai Houses, along the hairpin bends of the mule tracks, require caution and sure-footedness.

WARNING
To cross the Cave of St. John you must present yourself at the north entrance, ring the bell and qualify as a CMSB pilgrim: an operator will arrive to open it. The cave is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and there is a €5 entrance fee. Alternatively, an outside variant is available.

STAGE 15: DOMUSNOVAS-MUSEI-ORBAI

Departure: Domusnovas-Musei
Arrival: Orbai
Distance: 16.7 km
Height difference: +384 m / – 178 m

Crossing the Cixerri Valley, the route develops among the agropastoral farms that characterize this fertile plain, until it reaches the Natural Park of S’Ortu Mannu, where majestic centuries-old olive trees can be admired. The subsequent ascent up the hills leads into the forest complex of Monte Cadelano, which is home to the mining village of Orbai and abandoned facilities associated with past mining activity.

HOSPITALITY INFORMATION
It is currently not possible to stay overnight in the mining village of Orbai. For this reason, it is recommended to follow the variant of STAGES 15-16 from Domusnovas–Museums up to Rosas.

STAGE 16: ORBAI - ROSAS.

Departure: Orbai
Arrival: Rosas
Distance: 18 km
Height difference: +480 m / – 555 m

It is a pleasant and informative STAGE, linking two important mining sites and enhancing a significant heritage, including industrial archaeology and evidence of the classical period.

The route follows comfortable dirt roads, mule tracks and paths, almost always surrounded by forest and Mediterranean scrub, with generally smooth and rewarding walking.

STAGE 17: ROSAS - NUXIS

Departure: Rosas
Arrival: Nuxis
Distance: 13.1 km
Height difference: +320 m / – 378 m

STAGE opens the descent to the plains of the Lower Sulcis, an area where many traces of past mining activity are still clearly visible.

Along the way, we pass through the lead, zinc and copper mine of Sa Marchesa and encounter several limestone quarries that are now disused. You then intercept the route of the railroad that connected the Cixerri valley with the areas of the Lower Sulcis, continuing as far as theIsland of Sant’Antioco.

You pass under one of the railroad bridges and walk on smooth dirt roads and mule tracks; in the last section, the route shifts to paved roads to the finish.

STAGE 18: NUXIS - SANTADI

Departure: Nuxis
Arrival: Santadi
Distance: 20.6 km
Height difference: +567 m / – 627 m

STAGE of strong cultural-historical and geological-landscape value. Along the way, one encounters the large barite quarry of the Rio Bacchera and the onyx quarry of Tattinu (Roman-era quarry), which is currently neither visitable nor visible from the road.

The stretch is especially notable for the presence of important archaeological evidence: from the Sacred Well of Tattinu to the Byzantine church of Saint Elias, to the Museum of Santadi. The itinerary also touches on the Tomb of the Giants Sa Fraigada of Barrancu Mannu, considered among the most relevant nuragic sites in Sardinia.

The path also passes through the typical landscapes of the granite batolite of the Lower Sulcis, with large rocky blocks and tafoni that distinctly characterize this area.

STAGE 19: SANTADI - IS ZUDDAS

Departure: Santadi
Arrival: Is Zuddas
Distance: 16 km
Height difference: +105 m / – 133 m

WARNING
During the fall and winter months, some accommodations may be closed. If you cannot find availability, it is recommended that you contact the CMSB Foundation at least 3 days in advance to arrange a transfer service to Santadi or Piscinas.

In addition to the landscapes marked by the vineyards of Carignano, the STAGE offers several points of great interest. Along the way, important archaeological emergencies are encountered, such as the Menhir of Su Terrazzu, the Necropolis of Pani Loriga and the Treasure Cave. There is no shortage of traces of mining activity, with the mine of Su Benatzu, while the most distinctive element of the day is related to underground karst phenomena, with the Caves of Is Zuddas.

STAGE 20: IS ZUDDAS - MASAINAS

Departure: Is Zuddas
Arrival: Masainas
Distance: 22.2 km
Height difference: +541 m / – 588 m

The STAGE is marked by the presence of the barite quarries and numerous archaeological features, including the Domus de janas of Su Cungiau de Tuttui and the nuraghi Nuraghe Moddizzi, Nuraghe Murrecci e Nuraghe Corongius Longus.

The reliefs that dominate the built-up area of Masainas are covered by a particularly lush vegetation cover, with splendid specimens of juniper. In places, the forest gives way to panoramic views, with vistas reaching as far as the sea.

The most strenuous passage is the uphill tear at the beginning of the STAGE, necessary to climb from the Is Zuddas Caves (102 m a.s.l.) to the saddle of Mount Moddizzi (374 m a.s.l.).

STAGE 21: MASAINAS - CANDIANI

Departure: Masainas
Arrival: Candiani
Distance: 19.4
Height difference: +233 m / – 270 m

The STAGE leads from the plains of the Lower Sulcis to the southern end of the southwestern coast of Sardinia.

Along the way there are ponds full of life, white dunes and the beautiful beach of Porto Pino, which makes this stretch particularly evocative. Traces of the mining past also remain evident in the initial part, along with evidence of the territory’s older history: starting from the Nuraghe Nuraxi Mesu and you arrive under the presence of the Nuraghe Arresi, which dominates the town of Sant’Anna Arresi.

STAGE 22: CANDIANI - TRATALIAS

Departure: Candiani
Arrival: Tratalias
Distance: 24.2 km
Height difference: +250 m / – 252 m

The STAGE leads from the plains of the Lower Sulcis to the southern end of the southwestern coast of Sardinia.

Along the way, we cross ponds full of life, white dunes and reach the beautiful beach of Porto Pino, which adds a fascinating coastal stretch to the itinerary. In the first part there is no shortage of traces related to mining, along with evidence of the oldest history of this area: we start near the Nuraghe Nuraxi Mesu and you arrive under the gaze of the Nuraghe Arresi, which dominates the built-up area of Sant’Anna Arresi.

STAGE 23: TRATALIAS - SANT'ANTIOCO

Departure: Tratalias
Arrival: Sant’Antioco
Distance: 15.5 km
Height difference: +97 m / – 77 m

This is a STAGE of limited length, allowing time to visit the area’s historic churches, from the Romanesque Santa Maria di Monserrato e Santa Maria di Palmas to the early Christian basilica of Basilica of Sant’Antioco.

The pace naturally tends to slow down also to enjoy the naturalistic heritage related to the avifauna that populates the wet compendium of the salt pans of Sant’Antioco. The result is a fascinating itinerary that accompanies back to the southwestern coast of Sardinia.

STAGE 24: SANT'ANTIOCO - CARBONIA

Departure: Sant’Antioco
Arrival: Carbonia
Distance: 23.4 km
Height difference: +140 m / – 68 m

The STAGE takes place largely along a former route of the Ferrovie Meridionali Sarde (FMS), now almost completely converted into a bicycle and pedestrian path. For about half a century, between the early 1920s and the early 1970s, this line ensured the movement of people in the area and the transport of coal from the Great Mine of Serbariu to the port of Sant’Antioco.

Although it is one of the longest STAGES of the entire camino, it is generally smooth and easy to navigate, with no particular technical difficulties.

STAGE 25: CARBONIA - NURAXI FIGUS

Departure: Carbonia
Arrival: Nuraxi Figus
Distance: 24.6 km
Height difference: +290 m / – 284 m

From the dimension of industrial archaeology to that of classical archaeology, the STAGE accompanies among the coal mines of the Serbariu Mine, encountered at the start, and the mine of Nuraxi Figus, which marks the arrival. Along the way, the territory presents itself as a true open-air archaeological park, where one walks following the traces of nearly 5,000 years of history.

CAUTION
There are no restaurants or pizzerias at this STAGE. A grocery store is available, which is useful for buying dinner necessities and stocking up for the next day.

STAGE 26: NURAXI FIGUS - CARLOFORTE

Departure: Nuraxi Figus
Arrival: Carloforte
Distance: 11.9 km
Height difference: +136 m / – 250 m

The route externally skirts the industrial area of Portovesme and then enters an area marked by the ancient local seafaring culture, where fishing and tuna processing have built a centuries-old history, still alive and recognizable even today in the gastronomic tradition.

This particularly original STAGE alternates between an easy walk on land and a short ferry crossing. The sea passage allows us to read on the land the traces of the infrastructure and human labor that for more than a century made possible the transportation of minerals from the mines on the southwest coast of Sardinia, including railways, depots, docking points, boats and steamship ports.

STAGE 27: CARLOFORTE - CAPE SANDALWOOD/BECCO

Departure: Carloforte
Arrival: Cape Sandalwood – Beak
Distance: 15 km
Height difference: +510 m / – 431 m

MOMENTALLY NOT PERFORMABLE
Drive the 28 bis variant from Carloforte a Portoscuso.

The STAGE traverses the central part of the volcanic island, entering its cultural-historical and natural heritage, in a landscape that still bears the signs of the work and presence of the Ligurian Tabarchinians, who have settled here for almost 300 years. The path passes through windswept vineyards and vegetable gardens, pine forests that cover even the steepest slopes and, in the final part, along the cliffs between Cape Becco e Cape Sandalwood. In this stretch you reach the lighthouse built in 1864, considered the westernmost in Italy.

The cliffs are also a nesting area for the Queen’s hawk. Traces of the mining past of theSt. Peter’s Island, among tracks marked by ore carts and the former ochre and manganese mines of Becco.

STAGE 28: CAPE SANDAL/BECCO - CARLOFORTE/PORTOSCUSO

Departure: Cape Sandalwood – Beak
Arrival: Carloforte – Portoscuso
Distance: 17.8 km
Height difference: +300 m / – 379 m

MOMENTALLY NOT PERFORMABLE
Drive the 28 bis variant from Carloforte a Portoscuso.

This STAGE, at the end of the day, returns by sea to the mother island after crossing the southern part of theSt. Peter’s Island. The route passes, in the Mediterranean scrub, the Mount Burial, then runs between the beach and the dune of La Caletta. It then enters the interior, between cultivated fields and stretches left to wild vegetation, until it reaches the few flat areas of the island and the wetland area that precedes the return to Carloforte, where the small system of ancient salt pans, valuable from an environmental and productive point of view, stands out.

It is an ideal conclusion to two intense days between the western and eastern ends of St. Peter’s Island, walking step by step among open skies, volcanic rocks, emerald transparencies of the sea and the caruggi of the historic center.

STAGE 28a: CARLOFORTE - PORTOSCUSO

Departure: Carloforte
Arrival: Portoscuso
Distance: 18.6 km
Height difference: +412 m / – 412 m

It is a STAGE that, at the end of the day, takes you back by sea to the mother island, after a smooth walk on theIsland of San Pietro to discover its historical and cultural heritage, mainly related to the sea economy, tuna fishing and mining transport routes.

However, the real surprise of this small island, inhabited by Genoese communities for almost 300 years, is its naturalistic richness, along with an authentic and “zero kilometer” gastronomic tradition built on the products of the sea and the land.

STAGE 29: PORTOSCUSO - BACU ABIS

Departure: Portoscuso
Arrival: Bacu Abis
Distance: 19 km
Height difference: +365 m / – 285 m

After STAGES related to the culture and economy of the sea, the path re-enters the land of mines following the spectacular volcanic cliffs of the southwest coast, until it reaches the Bacu Abis Mine, where mining began in the Sulcis coal basin.

Looking out over the coastal landscape, in a panorama that reaches as far as the limestone cliffs of Masua, the route passes by the industrial archaeology of the Seruci Mine to the more ancient archaeology of the nuragic settlement of the same name Nuraghe Seruci, traversing in just a few kilometers the traces of some 3,500 years of the territory’s history.

STAGE 30: BACU ABIS - IGLESIAS

Departure: Bacu Abis
Arrival: Iglesias
Distance: 14.7 km
Height difference: +300 m / – 198 m

With this last STAGE, the Camino closes by returning to the starting point of the entire itinerary.

More than 40 percent of the route follows former rail routes that connected Iglesias a Calasetta e Monteponi a Portovesme, offering a smooth walk rich in historical memory.

WARNING
For safety reasons, the tunnel in the locality Funtana Coberta has been closed. It is therefore advised to detour via the mining village of Normann.

STAGE 30 - 1st variation: BACU ABIS - IGLESIAS

Departure: Bacu Abis
Arrival: Iglesias
Distance: 23.3 km
Height difference: +600 m / – 498 m

The variant for Seddas Moddizzis, which increases the length of the STAGE by about 9.5 km, provides an opportunity to delve into an important heritage of industrial archaeology. Along this route you can visit the Asproni Mining Village and the San Giovanni Mine, from whose galleries you can access the striking Cave of Santa Barbara.

Please note that, temporarily and due to renovation work at the Asproni Mining Village, visiting or simply passing through is possible only by reservation by contacting 331 7726838 or 347 3213028. Alternatively, it is possible to continue on the main path by deviating to the right before reaching the village.

STAGE 30 - 2nd variation: BACU ABIS - IGLESIAS

Departure: Bacu Abis
Arrival: Iglesias
Distance: 14 km
Height difference: +496 m / – 392 m

An additional variation involves covering the last 2.3 km of the STAGE following the route of the ancient procession that connected Monteponi a Iglesias.

Immagine

From the crystal-clear sea of Sant’Antioco to the dense forests of Marganai, from the white dunes of Piscinas to the spectacular caves of Is Zuddas, an unforgettable journey of discovery in southwestern Sardinia, amid evocative disused mines, tunnels overlooking cliffs, ghost villages and ancient railroads that get lost in the woods.

Devotional fil rouge is the cult of St. Barbara, patron saint of miners, whose churches dot this splendid historical and nature itinerary. A loop trail from Iglesias winds along the tracks and paths trodden by miners throughout 8,000 years of history, from the Neolithic to the 20th century.

Third updated edition with new variants and hospitality, all useful information: when to start, what to bring, maps, elevations, elevation differences, route description, where to sleep, places to visit. Plus, stories and testimonials from those who have worked in the mines.

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Journey diaries

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Tra Posadas e antiche tradizioni: il Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara

"Buon cammino", gli auguro nella mia testa, sperando che possano riempirsi gli occhi e l'anima della stessa bellezza di cui ho fatto io il carico.
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Questo cammino mi ha insegnato che la vera bellezza non sta solo nei paesaggi, ma nelle connessioni che si creano lungo il percorso e nella forza che scopriamo dentro di noi, passo dopo passo.
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Insights

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Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara: esplorando la biodiversità

03/07/2023
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Blog
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17/03/2026
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Immagine

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara

With the free Cammini d’Italia app, you can plan and walk the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara in total safety, being able to plan the STAGES in detail and walk the route thanks to the built-in GPS technology that supports your orientation during your adventure.

⠀Inside the app you will find many other paths present in Italy. Thanks to the georeferenced tracks of many routes you will be able to study the itinerary that suits you best and also download the GPX tracks of the individual STAGEs offline.

The app also includes a complete digital map of all the paths surveyed to date on our portal, giving you a wide range of choices among the many paths in the Belpaese.

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Cammini d’Italia is the perfect app for those who want to explore the beauty of Italy on foot, discovering hidden places surrounded by nature. Download it for free today and start planning your next adventure!

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