A medium-length stage, mainly on carriage roads or secondary roads.
At the start we enjoy the view of Lake Liscia and at the finish the one of Parco di Monte Casteddu (Monte Casteddu Park).
This stage should be avoided in the central summer months.
No water points, bring a good supply.
The first part involves crossing a small river; be careful not to slip.
You will come across several gates that have to be opened (and closed again, always).
The signposting is patchy and not always there: it is good to follow the GPS track.
We leave the village of Sant’Antonio in the direction of the Liscia dam. We walk parallel to the road, then after the Stazzu Campo di Idda we leave the asphalt and have to climb over a drystone to continue, crossing the hill of Pirrigheddu: the stretch is untracked and we have to walk by eye, monitoring the GPS track; we then walk a short distance on an old abandoned railway track.
We then leave the path to return to the road and follow it almost to the dam. Then we take the path to the right, which is signposted but not very visible: it is poorly marked and we have to be careful. So we descend (about 100 m drop) towards the Liscia river, through a steep and rugged section, then we continue on the road for a little more than half a kilometre, then we turn off and cross the river. The Liscia riverbed is only a few metres wide and there are no crossing points: the only option is to take off your shoes.
After the ford, we take a long track through the forest and come across a water source. We continue for a few kilometres to Stazzo Capriuleddu, where we return to the asphalt road; nearby there is a herb shop run by two Milanese people.
We leave the tarmac road and climb again (about 250 m height difference), crossing the ridge to the west, along a maze of lanes and small roads overgrown with Mediterranean scrub; the route is not clear and it is easy to get lost. We have to cross fences to reach the park of Fonte Filetta, which has many seats where we can rest, in addition to a water fountain.
From here we continue without any problems to Luogosanto. Before reaching the centre of the village, we extend the stage to the Parco di Monte Casteddu, from where we have a fantastic view of the Gallura landscape and the Capanna delle Riunioni, located in a Nuragic site.
The bandiera dei Quattro Mori (flag of the Four Moors), the symbol of the region of Sardinia, has become one of the most iconic coats of arms of the Sardinian people.
Its origin is attributed to the period of Aragonese rule, with the first attested example dating back to 1281. The 15th century Vulgate records that this coat of arms was created after the Battle of Alcoraz in 1096, which the Aragonese won against the Moors, leaving the heads of four Moorish rulers on the field. The representation of these heads became part of the Aragonese flag. After the unification of the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile, the Aragonese symbol remained as the island’s coat of arms and became official during the reign of Charles V.
Above the town of Luogosanto is the Parco di Monti Casteddu (Monti Casteddu Park).
The park is a natural area characterised by a large holm oak forest and numerous granite boulders that have become spectacular sites for bouldering: Hundreds of boulders of varying difficulty attract climbers from all over the world.
The park is named after one of the three granite peaks that overlook the village of Luogosanto. The area is home to the Capanna delle Riunioni, a huge round hut from the Nuragic period, whose roof has been reconstructed from wood and branches. The Capanna delle Riunioni is characterised by a fireplace in the centre and is surrounded by up to 40 stone seats. Political meetings were held here.
In the Crisciuleddu Valley, there is a centuries-old cork oak that is 20 metres high and has a circumference of almost 4 metres: it is classified as one of the monumental trees of Italy.
In the territory of the municipality of Luogosanto there is the Castle of Balaiana, a defensive structure that controlled an important communication route of the Giudicato of Gallura.
It was built in the 11th century during the reign of Constantine I and has architectural features that date back to Pisan masters. The few remains of the castle, of which the tower and a wall are left, are located on a promontory of granite rocks. Not far away is the church of San Leonardo, built of local granite.
Located in the deepest part of Gallura, the Eremo di San Trano is still an oasis of tranquillity: it was built in the 13th century on the site where Saints Nicholas and Trano lived as anchorites between the 4th and 5th centuries. The landscape, characterised by granite rocks, formed the backdrop for the small cave, now integrated into the hermitage, where the two saints lived.
The hermitage, which sits above a huge granite plateau, reflects Franciscan simplicity with its single nave, granite floors and beamed roof.
Piatto tipico della gallura è la zuppa gallurese: pane raffermo bagnato con brodo di carne, ricoperto di formaggio vaccino e cotto al forno.
Chiamata anche suppa cuata (“zuppa nascosta”), ha l'aspetto di una lasagna ed è comune trovarla servita con il pane carasau e ricoperta da pecorino stagionato. Un piatto semplice e sostanzioso, che con pochi poveri ingredienti riusciva a sfamare la pancia e soddisfare il palato.
A typical dish of Gallura is zuppa gallurese: stale bread soaked in meat broth, covered with cow’s milk cheese and baked in the oven.
This soup, also called Suppa Cuata (“hidden soup”), looks like a lasagna and is often served with Carasau bread and topped with seasoned pecorino cheese. A simple and hearty dish that uses just a few ingredients to fill the belly and satisfy the palate.
B&B Casa di Pietro, in Luogosanto. Tel. +39340 484 6828
Hotel Ristorante San Trano, in Luogosanto. Tel. +39079 657 3026
There are several accommodation options in Luogosanto.
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!
