The best running trails around Domunoas/Domusnovas

Nuraghe S'Omu 'e S'Orcu, meaning "the house of the ogre," is a Nuragic complex dating back to between 1500 and 900 BC. The imposing structure comprises a central tower, a bastion with an internal courtyard and cistern, and a rampart with five towers enclosing the Nuragic village. Traces of fire and smelting slag were found in one of the towers, evidence of metallurgical activity linked to the rich copper and tin deposits in the area. For more information on the site's history, services, and tours, visit the website: https://domusnovas.nuraghesomuesorcu.com/.

The evocative Grotta di San Giovanni is a geological and archaeological treasure, as well as the longest vehicle-accessible cave in the world. The cave is accessible from two sides, but the ticket office and information point are located at the main, southern entrance. Entrance is permitted only during cave opening hours. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of visit. You can find all the latest information on the website: https://www.grottasangiovanni.com/.

The cave is accessible from both sides, but the official entrance, where the ticket office and information point are also located, is the south one, on the opposite side. It is also possible to enter from this side by ringing the intercom and waiting for an operator to come and open the door for you. Entrance to the cave is subject to a fee and is only possible during opening hours. More information is available on the website: https://www.grottasangiovanni.com/

The Linasia Mountain Garden reconstructs the natural environments typical of the Marganai area over approximately 9,000 square meters. Located next to renovated mining buildings, it is home to numerous local botanical species, some of which are very rare, such as the Monte Linas helichrysum and the Sulcis pinnacle. Guided tours are available during certain times of the year. For information, please contact the Forestry Authority at +39 0781 20060.

Established in the early decades of the 20th century, the village still retains valuable buildings such as the church, the school, and the mine management building, as well as evidence of industrial archaeology such as the Zimmermann shaft structure and the compressor room. The village also has a grocery store, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Not far from the church, you'll also find a fountain where you can fill your water bottles.

During the first half of the 20th century, the village of Malacalzetta was an active mining center, with over two hundred miners, homes, offices, an infirmary, and a small washery. The origins of the Malacalzetta mine, located at the foot of the Marganai massif, date back to the Middle Ages, but modern mining began in the 19th century, with lead and zinc production continuing until 1986. Today, the site is immersed in the silence of the forest and preserves clearly visible remains: the large rooms where the workers lived, the lime kilns, and the washery arches in the Baueddu area.

Located at the top of the pass of the same name, at 685 meters above sea level, this small, well-maintained wooden shelter offers shelter from the sun and bad weather and can also be used as a bivouac or emergency shelter. Inside, there is a table and benches.

Perd'e Pibera Park is a vast forested area of over 400 hectares, rich in centuries-old holm oaks, strawberry trees, and yew trees, with reforested areas of conifers and broadleaf trees that encourage the return of native vegetation. It is an ideal place for hiking and outdoor recreation, thanks to marked trails and areas equipped with tables and benches. The park also contains the remains of the Perd'e Pibera mine, once used for molybdenite extraction. Today, the restored mining buildings house facilities for tourism and environmental education. From the park, you can reach the Linas massif and the Murru Mannu waterfall, the highest on the island.