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Sardegna

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Vivere la campagna

Mountains - the Linas Massif

Shrubs of rock rose in the Linas Massif

In the western region, the province of Middle Campidano is dominated by the Linas Massif, originated 600 - 300 million years ago, in the Palaeozoic age. Along with the Sulcis, it is one of the most ancient lands above sea level in Europe, of special geological, faunistic, floral and historical/mining interest. The Linas extends in the north with Mount Arcuentu, reaching the coasts of Arbus, and in the south towards the mounts of Oridda-Marganai; it borders the plain of Campidano in the north-east.
Several peaks offering great views exceed the height of 1000 m, with 1236 m of Peak Perda de sa Mesa, the highest of the whole range, partly comprised within the territory of Villacidro and Gonnosfanadiga.
Remarkably interesting from a geo-morphological point of view, the complex is grooved by a number of canyons where streams flow. In their descent towards the valleys, they frequently create spectacular and powerful waterfalls, such as those in Piscina Irgas and that of Muru Mannu, the highest in Sardinia, measuring 72 m.
Crystal-clear schist and pink granite prevail in the mountain landscape, rising at the heart of a rich metalliferous area that has been extensively exploited since ancient times, as confirmed by the numerous ruins of mining plants scattered throughout the area: Montevecchio in Guspini-Arbus, Ingurtosu in Arbus, Perd’e Pibera in Gonnosfanadiga and Canale Serci in Villacidro.
The air is scented by thyme and helichrysum green bushes, looking like dots among peaks of pink and grey granite. The forest heritage mainly consists of evocative, thick ilex groves and typical shrubs of Mediterranean maquis, with splendid exemplars of arbutus, tree heath, Phyllirea and big maples. At lower heights, the vegetation is marked by shrubs of rock rose, lentisk, wild olive, heath, broom and, in the rocky areas, euphorbia. The wettest areas, especially in proximity of watercourses and falls, are characterized by willows and oleanders.
Among the other species, a good 45 are endemic to Sardinia, such as Helichrysum Montelinasanum, Euphorbia, Amygdaloides, Poa Balbisii, Scilla Obtusifolia, Aristolochia Tyrrena, Silene Nodulosa, Festuca Morisiana, Veronica Brevistyla.
A number of birds of prey dwell in these places: the buzzard, the peregrine hawk, the kestrel, the sparrowhawk and even a few exemplars of royal eagle, nesting in the highest and most remote needles. Also, there are Sardinian deer, mouflons and even Speleomantes.
A thick entangle of paths entering the woodland towards the highest peaks and the numerous waterfalls offers an opportunity of relaxing walks into the forests.

  • Columnar basalt Columnar basalt (Guspini)
    In the village centre, near the Zeppara hill, a rare rocky monument appears: the columnar basalt. It is a rare geologic formation, generated by basaltic effusions, possibly dating from the end of Miocene – beginning of Pliocene (about three million years ago), following volcanic eruptions...
  • The falls of ‘Muru Mannu’ Falls of ‘Muru Mannu’ and ‘Sa Spendula’ of Mt. Linas (Villacidro-Gonnosfanadiga)
    The falls of Muru Mannu, 72 m high, are the most imposing of the Linas Massif, but also the highest in the Island. They stem from the stream Muru Mannu, named Rio Cannisoni downstream. It can be reached by following a trekking route of medium difficulty, lasting about 2 hours...
  • The falls of Piscin’Irgas Falls of Piscin’Irgas (Villacidro-Gonnosfanadiga)
    The falls of Piscin’Irgas are undoubtedly among the most spectacular ones in Mount Linas. Surrounded by imposing granitic rocks grooved by the stream Oridda, they precipitate from a height of about 60 m. They are accessible through a trekking route of medium difficulty...
  • Deer inside the forest Forest of ‘Croccorigas’ (Guspini)
    The state forest of Croccorigas, extending in the area between Montevecchio and Ingurtosu, is marked by the presence of thick ilex groves and cork oaks, making an ideal habitat for many deer colonies, whose exemplars may be easily met during walks and excursions...
  • Panoramic view over Campidano plain and Mount Arcuentu Mount Arcuentu (Arbus)
    Along the road connecting the hinterland to the coast, the landscape is marked by a long series of varied ridges, consisting in a regular succession of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, making the granitic massif of the Arbus region...
  • ‘Sa Spendula’ ‘Sa Spendula’ (Villacidro)
    ‘Sa Spendula’ simply means ‘the waterfall’, as no other name was ever needed to define it. It represents the most characterizing monument of Villacidro. Known in whole Sardinia, it has always been welcomed by visitors coming to the small town...
  • The lake along Rio Leni The lake on river Leni (Villacidro)
    The artificial lake is named after one of the major watercourses flowing into it, i.e. the stream Leni. The lake is comprised in the territory of Villacidro and represents one of the main basins of Middle Campidano. Created following the construction of the dam of Leni, it is characterized...
  • Woodland inside the park of Perd’e Pibera The Park of ‘Perd’e Pibera’ (Gonnosfanadiga)
    The Park of ‘Perd’e Pibera’, located in the territory of Gonnosfanadiga, is the widest Municipal Park of Middle Campidano. Forests of ilexes and century-old oaks alternate with recently restored buildings, once related to a molybdenite mine that was widely exploited during the fascist period...
  • Detail of a wild olive tree in the Park of San Sisinnio The Park of San Sisinnio (Villacidro)
    A natural spectacle of magnificent beauty is offered by this Park of millenary wild olive trees, in the territory of Villacidro, a real treasure among the many riches of the environmental heritage of Middle Campidano. These beautiful trees surrounding the rural church represent the most important...
  • High peaks in the park of Villascema The Park of Villascema (Villacidro)
    A wide area at the foothills of Linas mountain range, crossed by the stream Leni, flowing into the vast artificial basin downstream: such is the park of Villascema, hosting the most varied species of Mediterranean maquis. The prevailing species is ilex; thanks to the cool and shady climate...