The best MTB trails around Gùspini/Guspini

The Palazzo della Direzione building stands out in the midst of a now-abandoned village surrounded by nature; it is as contradictory as it is fascinating.

Montevecchio, also known as Gennas Serapis, is an ancient mining village now a hamlet of Guspini, nestled in the Geo-Mining Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia. Founded in the 19th century as the administrative center of the lead and zinc mines, it was established here. The village is home to the Montevecchio Mine information point and the Gennas Food and Wine Confraternity, a trattoria offering excellent food in a friendly, family-friendly atmosphere. They are usually open on weekends, but we recommend contacting them to check opening times, make reservations, and arrange for service. The owner is very helpful and is happy to welcome hungry travelers.

Built in 1915 and nearly 300 meters deep, the Amsicora Shaft was part of the Telle mine, between Montevecchio and Ingurtosu. Active for nearly a century, it is now an important symbol of industrial archaeology and workers' memory. In the 1990s, it was the site of a historic month-long occupation by miners in defense of workers' rights. Permanently closed in 1991, the site is now abandoned but retains an austere charm, immersed in the greenery and silence of the Arburese mountains.

The Posada di Pitzinurri is one of the official accommodations of the Santa Barbara Mining Trail, created from the renovation of an abandoned building in the former mining village of Ingurtosu. It offers 8 beds in shared rooms, with breakfast included and use of the kitchen. It is open year-round, but by reservation only: reservations must be made at least two days in advance online at this page: https://www.camminominerariodisantabarbara.org/prenotazioni-posada-di-pitzinurri/. Last-minute reservations can also be made by calling 0781 24132. There are no shops or restaurants in the area, but meals can be reserved directly at the time of booking.

This stretch connects the Portixeddu hinterland to the Pitzinurri area and winds through granite hills, Mediterranean scrub, and ancient mining routes, offering a bird's-eye view of the Piscinas dune system, the largest in Europe. The road is smooth, with a compact and even surface, but largely exposed to the sun: don't forget water and sunscreen!

It would also be very nice for the gentle slope that makes it feasible uphill towards Montevecchio. It's a shame that as of today (2/10/25) it is rideable but not very clean....it could be an interesting connection to go to/from the Crocorigas road or the Mines.

Pro tip: You don't have to cycle through the deep spot where the cars drive through; there's a footpath to the side in the bushes where you can cross with your bike almost without getting your feet wet.

The Montevecchio mine is an impressive example of how a place devoted to the consumption of natural resources can be abandoned and used for other purposes. Zinc, lead and silver were once extracted here, but today it is a tourist site devoted to art and culture.