Trekking in the Giara Park from Tuili: Wild Horses and Ancient Landscapes
Walk through one of Sardinia's most pristine plateaus and encounter Europe's last wild horses in their natural habitat.
This guided Giara Park trekking experience takes you across the Gesturi plateau, one of the most ecologically significant basalt tablelands in the Mediterranean, where free-roaming horses, rare marshes, and centuries-old shepherd huts create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe. The trail is accessible to all fitness levels and covers 6 to 7 kilometres with just 50 metres of elevation change.
Departing from Tuili, the route winds through dense cork oak forests, open meadows dotted with seasonal wildflowers, and shallow basalt pools known locally as pauli. These wetlands attract diverse birdlife and serve as watering points for the iconic Giara horses, giving trekkers a genuine chance to observe them at close range.
Along the way, guides draw attention to the Pinnettos, dry-stone shepherd shelters that have punctuated this plateau for over a thousand years. These structures are living evidence of the agropastoral traditions that shaped inland Sardinia and add cultural depth to what is already a remarkable natural setting.
The pace is unhurried and deliberate, with frequent stops to observe flora, fauna, and heritage sites. This is not a race to a summit but a mindful walk through a protected area where the landscape and its inhabitants set the rhythm.
Tour Highlights
Encounter the Giara horses, a native breed that has roamed this plateau freely for hundreds of years and represents one of Europe's last wild horse populations.
Explore the seasonal basalt marshes of the Giara plateau, unique wetland habitats that support rare amphibians, birds, and endemic plant species.
Trek through cork oak and holm oak forests that cover the plateau's interior, providing shade and shelter to a wide variety of native wildlife.
Discover ancient Pinnettos, traditional dry-stone shepherd shelters scattered across the plateau and tied to a pastoral way of life stretching back millennia.
Observe diverse birdlife and local flora typical of the Sardinian macchia, with a knowledgeable guide on hand to identify species throughout the walk.
Enjoy panoramic views from the Gesturi plateau edge, where the basalt escarpment drops away to reveal the rolling agricultural landscape of central Sardinia.
Itinerary
The group assembles in Tuili, a small village at the foot of the Giara plateau. The guide provides an introduction to the park's ecology, geology, and cultural history before the ascent begins.
The trail climbs onto the basalt plateau, where the landscape opens up into wide cork oak woodland and grassland. The guide points out characteristic plant species and explains the formation of the basalt mesa.
The route passes alongside the seasonal wetlands known as pauli, which are prime habitat for the Giara horses. This section offers the best opportunities to observe the horses at close range in their natural environment.
The group pauses at one or more ancient Pinnetto shelters, where the guide explains their role in the transhumance traditions of inland Sardinia. This is an opportunity to rest and take in the surroundings.
The final stretch follows paths back through the forest, with views across the plateau and the surrounding valleys. The guide concludes with observations on local conservation efforts before the group descends to Tuili.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional licensed trekking guide
- Park entry and trail access
- Introduction briefing and route explanation
- Wildlife and flora interpretation throughout
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Food and beverages
- Transport to and from Tuili
- Personal trekking equipment
Important Information
Ready to Walk the Giara Plateau?
Secure your place on this guided trek through one of Sardinia's most protected natural areas. Places are limited to keep the experience intimate and the impact on the park minimal.
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