By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Transforming a Rugged Isle into a Hiker's Paradise
A new initiative aims to turn a rugged corner of Sardinia into an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. Known for its pristine beaches and striking granite cliffs, Sardinia has traditionally been a hotspot for the elite. However, beyond the glamour of Costa Smeralda, much of the Mediterranean's second largest island remains a rugged and untamed wilderness, ripe for exploration.
The Santa Barbara Mining Route
A group of hikers and former miners is enticing adventure seekers to Sardinia's southwest coast by offering free lodging along the scenic 500km Santa Barbara Mining Route. Named after the patron saint of miners, this 30 stage route traverses dunes, lush forests, craggy outcrops, and nearly 150 abandoned mines, providing ample opportunities to engage with local Sardinians and savor the island's renowned cuisine.
A Deep Dive into Local Culture
Giorgio Pedulla, a 26 year old data analyst from Milan, spent five days hiking the trail in March. Reflecting on his experience, he said, "Before my trip, I didn't know anything about the history of that part of Sardinia. On this hike, you really manage to get into the culture and the life of the people who live there."
Pedulla utilized the Leg's Go In Cammino initiative, which began in October 2023. It offers free accommodation for up to three consecutive nights to visitors under 35. Registered hikers receive vouchers for local inns, campsites, and bed and breakfasts. After the free stay, the cost is €20 per night at posadas and €28 at private accommodations.
Attracting a Younger Crowd
"We wanted to decrease the average age of our visitors from retirees to people in their 20s and 30s. It's also crucial for us to educate people about the history of this trail," explained Margherita Concu, the association's 30 year old secretary and a seasoned hiker who has traversed the entire 500km trail. "We want people to learn about this community, a place even some Sardinians are unaware of."
The initiative has been successful, with 1,199 hikers in 2023 and 1,521 so far this year. Since its opening in 2017, 196 hikers have completed the entire trail, often taking a month to do so. Finishers receive a handcrafted trophy symbolizing Santa Barbara, created by a local artisan.
Culinary Delights and Ancient History
Hikers can indulge in Sardinia's famous cuisine, sampling dishes like bluefin tuna pasta in Carloforte, sweet onions in San Giovanni Suergiu, and spiny artichokes in Masainas. The trail also offers a glimpse into the island's ancient history, with sites reflecting Sardinia's complex past and susceptibility to external forces.
The region has been inhabited since 6000 BCE, with documented mining activities starting in the Bronze Age. Roman occupation in 138 BCE introduced advanced mining techniques, but after the Roman Empire's fall, the mines were largely abandoned.
Revitalizing a Historic Trail
In the 12th Century, Pisan Count Ugolino della Gherardesca developed silver mines in Iglesias, the trail's starting point. Subsequent centuries saw the mine’s fortunes rise and fall, with significant activity in the 19th Century and a decline in the 1960s. To honor this heritage, activists established the Historical and Environmental Geomining Park of Sardinia in 2001, creating jobs and preserving the history of the mines.
Even Italians familiar with Sardinia find the trail enlightening. Pedulla remarked, "I'd seen the touristic part with crowded beaches, but had never seen this more real part of Sardinia." He and his friends enjoyed connecting with locals and experiencing their hospitality.
Connecting with the Community
Pedulla's journey included a visit to Masua, facing the Pan di Zucchero sea stacks, and a tour of Porto Flavia, a 1920s mining facility. He cherished the connections made with locals, noting, "It seemed like everywhere we stopped, everybody had a cousin."
For Jiseon Moon, a 33 year old interpreter from Bergamo, the trail offered solitude and a chance to reset. She discovered the trail through her husband, who is making a documentary about Sardinia's identity. Moon appreciated the trail's excellent phone and internet connectivity, which provided a sense of security. She reflected, "It was just nothing else other than nature. You see the mountains and the sea, and it was just so soothing."
A Journey of Discovery
From stunning landscapes to rich cultural experiences, the Santa Barbara Mining Route offers a unique adventure for hikers. Whether seeking connection or solitude, the trail provides an opportunity to explore a lesser known side of Sardinia, steeped in history and natural beauty. Moon summed up her experience, saying, "The Sardinian people were so warm and welcoming. I was by myself, but I was really never alone."