Genoni: Discover the Giara Park
Ancient fossils, wild horses, and a plateau that time has barely touched.
This full-day experience in central Sardinia combines paleontological wonder with living nature, anchoring every stop around the remarkable Giara Park wild horses that have roamed this basalt plateau for centuries. The itinerary moves from museum halls into open scrubland, giving visitors a rare mix of indoor discovery and outdoor exploration. Suitable for all ages and rated easy, it is one of the most well-rounded family outings available in the Marmilla region.
The day opens at the Paleo Archeo Centro (PARC), a museum dedicated to the deep geological and biological history of Sardinia. Exhibits trace a period roughly 20 million years ago when a tropical sea covered much of the island, leaving behind fossilised sharks, crocodiles, and sea urchins preserved in the local rock. It is a vivid and accessible way to understand the island long before human settlement.
A second museum visit focuses on the Cavallino della Giara, the small indigenous horse breed that has become a symbol of this territory. Videos, photographs, and illustrated panels explain the breed's origins, its physical characteristics, and the ecological role it plays within the protected park. The afternoon then shifts entirely outdoors, with a walk across the Giara plateau through aromatic macchia vegetation in search of the horses in their natural habitat.
Tour Highlights
Guided visit to the PARC paleontological and archaeological museum in Genoni.
Exploration of the Civic Museum dedicated to the iconic Cavallino della Giara horse breed.
Walk through the Giara Park basalt plateau, a protected natural area of cork oaks and seasonal ponds.
Opportunity to spot wild horses roaming freely across one of Europe's most distinctive landscapes.
Deep dive into Sardinian prehistory, from Miocene sea life to ancient human cultures.
Easy difficulty rating makes this a genuine all-ages, family-friendly day out.
Itinerary
The day begins at PARC, where curated fossil collections and reconstructions bring Sardinia's Miocene era to life. Displays of shark teeth, crocodilian remains, and marine invertebrates illustrate a time when the island lay beneath a warm tropical sea.
The second stop centres on the small wild horse unique to this plateau. Multimedia exhibits cover the breed's documented history, its behavioural traits, and the conservation efforts that keep the population stable within the park.
The group moves onto the basalt plateau, a protected landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The terrain is flat and walkable, covered with cork oaks, wild peonies in season, and scattered seasonal pools called paulis.
The highlight of the afternoon is the walk in search of the Cavallino della Giara in their natural habitat. Sightings are common but never guaranteed, which adds a sense of genuine wildlife discovery to the experience.
What Is Included
Included
- Museum entry fees for PARC and the Civic Museum
- Guided walk in the Giara Park
- Local expert guide throughout the day
- Park access and visitor orientation
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals and beverages
- Private transport to meeting point
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Giara
Spaces on this tour are limited to keep the experience personal and respectful of the protected environment. Secure your spot and plan a full day among fossils, culture, and wild horses in central Sardinia.
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