Sulcus, or in the plural Sulci, means grooves and furrows in Latin and is thus probably the eponym for this mountain landscape, which is characterised by narrow valleys, gorges, cuts and deep ravines
Secret paths cross this stunning nature with rich flora and fauna, wild and untouched. The Sulcis is one of only a handful of places where today you can still find Sardinian deer.
On former charcoal burners' paths, the route leads through largely untouched nature to imposing rock formations, gorges with steep rock faces over 100 m high, waterfalls or beautiful vantage points.
This beaitiful landscape shows us a different side each season: a sea of yellow in spring, thanks to blossoming mimosas and gorse, after that the light pink of the rock roses shines through, white tree heath or purple lavender also, accompanied by bubbling streams and small waterfalls.
From june onwards, the water almost completely vanishes and a sea of pink oleander blossoms appears in the riverbeds, as far as the eye can see.
In summer it gets too hot to walk and the plants retreat. The green tones of the forests remain, with old cork and oak trees, juniper and olive trees. Short hikes can only be made in the early hours of the morning or in the shade high up on the peaks.
In autumn after the first rains, nature recovers quickly and green up again. From november, the bright yellow, orange and red fruits of the Corbezzolo bring colour into the woods.
During winter, after the first rains, comes new green, with clover with yellow blossoms, rosemary, cyclamen or asphodel.
The commanding rock formations, gorges with rock walls of up to 1000 m height and the stunning panoramic views are a treat all year round.
The hikes described below have their starting points in the areas of Pula, Villa San Pietro, Sarroch, as well as in the south in Domus de Maria.
Some of them are not marked and maintained by official organisations and conditions may change after heavy rains or storms. They are to be done at your own risk and with the necessary equipment.
All starting points for the hikes in the area of the Pixinamanna forest station and the adjacent technology centre can be reached by any car as well as by the local bus.
The roads to the other hikes in the hinterland of Pula are partly unpaved (strade bianche), which are usually also passable for all cars, but are often excluded in rental car contracts.
All tours on the coast are accessible without restrictions.
There are a variety of hiking routes in this area with different character, length and for all levels.
You can walk through the variety of nature on well visible paths along the streams, you will come across forest paths and narrow, yet easily recognisable paths that lead to the peaks or back.
On the coast there are many possibilities for short or long hikes, macchia-lined paths and beaches offer you many options.
For many hikes you have to take forest roads into the valleys of Rio Lilloni (Villa San Pietro) or Rio Monti Nieddu (Sarroch). These are unpaved, but usually passable with normal cars. With rental cars, these are often excluded.
The road into the Rio Lilloni valley after Agriturismo Su Lilloni is often very washed out and requires cars with appropriate ground clearance and four-wheel drive is recommended.
The other tours are accessible with any car.
From Villa San Pietro we head into the valley of the Rio Lilloni with lots of opportunities for a short hike. Our described hikes lead into the more unknown side valleys. Varied macchia and wild oleander characterise the stream courses with rock formations shaped by the water. The second starting point for the tour of Is Maurreddus, however, is only possible with an off-road car.
From Sarroch, you pass the dam construction site in the direction of the forestale Monti Nieddu to reach the starting point for the hike to the gorge Is Cioffus with its steep walls up to 100 m high.
Beautiful views and unspoilt nature are also offered by the walks along the coast, in the hills and in the mountains of the first row.
© secretu.SARDU 2023
