A stage of good length and little difference in altitude, a transfer stage, without special sights, but flowing and on a good route.
A stage that should be avoided in the central summer months.
No water points, bring a good supply.
Leaving the centre of Calangianus, we continue on an asphalt road and soon begin a gentle climb (about 250 m height difference); a few kilometres later, we turn right onto a minor road and continue until we reach a wide pass, where the asphalt ends and we take a somewhat battered dirt road that descends steeply (about 350 m drop), mostly through woods. At the end, we meet the asphalt road again and follow it a little to the left before taking a dirt track to the left and following it on the flat; then the same 90° bend to the west and we tackle a quiet little climb (about 100 m height difference) that ends near a marble quarry; we descend the same slope (with a short interlude on a forest path), then return to the asphalt road and do not leave it again: at a roundabout, we take the first road on the right that passes the industrial area, then a small road on the left; with a final climb of little importance, we reach the centre of the village.
The Mediaeval period in Sardinia was marked by the presence of Giudicati (Judicates), autonomous orders that were ruled by a sovereign called Giudice.
There were four Giudicati: Cagliari, Torres, Arborea and Gallura. Their birth seems to date back to the 6th century A.D., when the local populations rebelled against the Byzantine misrule; although the version according to which the system of Giudicati was established after the numerous defeats inflicted by the Arabs on the imperial fleet seems more likely.
The Arab presence in Sardinia was countered by the intervention of Pisa and Genoa and the island became a de facto protectorate of the maritime republics. How the division of the Giudicati came about is unclear, it is a fact that three of them, Cagliari, Torres and Arborea (with its centre in Oristano), found the fulcrum of their power in the city centres, while the Giudicato of Gallura remained acephalous.
The Giudice relied on a central government organised in several ministries that had administrative and financial functions. Since their independence, the Giudicati were in thrall to the Roman curia, but managed to maintain their political independence even during the periods of Pisan and Genoese rule. They differed from other governments of the same era in that they were not patrimonial entities, i.e. owned by the sovereign: the Giudicati represented the people. The pact with the people, called Bannus-Consensus, allowed the people the right to revolt and they could legitimately kill their king. A complex system of power that lasted until the advent of the Aragonese.
In the village of Sant’Antonio, from the viewpoint of Lu Naracu - or “the nuraghe” (an archaeological site from the Nuragic period) - you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Gallura region (on a clear day you can even see Corsica).
Not far from the village of Sant'Antonio di Gallura, you can visit S'Ozzastru, a thousand-year-old wild olive tree estimated to be between 2,500 and 4,000 years old - some believe it is even older than 5,000 years.
Located in the village of Santo Baltolu di Carana, not far from Lago del Liscia, it is one of the oldest trees in Italy and Europe. With a height of 14 metres and a crown diameter of 21 metres, it is also called Su Babbu Mannu, “the great father”. Locals claim that the proximity of the tree has healing powers.
Not far away is another younger olive tree, about 2,000 years old, whose branches form a fascinating “green cave”.
Lago Liscia is an artificial basin created in the 1960s at the confluence of the municipalities of Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Luras, Arzachena and Luogosanto.
Lago Liscia, which supplies water to the whole of Gallura, is a very picturesque place that can be visited on board a typical tourist boat, reminiscent of the boats that sailed the long American rivers.
Peretta is traditionally made in this area, a pear-shaped stretched-curd cow's milk cheese.
It is also known as Provola Sarda and is eaten either raw or processed and is an excellent ingredient for many recipes.
B&B La Pitraia, in Sant'Antonio di Gallura. Tel. +39349 719 9399
Agriturismo Agliuledda, in Sant'Antonio di Gallura. Tel. +39079 669405
Aldiola Resort, 4 km outside Sant'Antonio di Gallura (on the track of the next stage). Tel. +39079 668026
The starting point is accessible by car.
The starting point can be reached by bus, starting from the city of Olbia.
Here is the LINK to check the timetable.
The starting point is NOT accessible by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
