The Santa Barbara Mining Trail is an enchanting trekking route in Sardinia that traverses places of extraordinary natural and historical beauty, providing a unique experience for nature, history, and culture enthusiasts. Named after Santa Barbara, the patron saint of miners, this trail winds through the Sulcis-Iglesiente-Guspinese region, one of Italy’s most significant mining areas. Now, you can explore it while enjoying up to 3 free nights' accommodation along the way: here’s how to enjoy a free holiday in Sardinia in 2024.
The Beauty of the Santa Barbara Mining Trail
The Santa Barbara Mining Trail spans approximately 500 kilometres, passing through over 30 municipalities and touching on the most significant sites of Sardinia’s ancient mining activities. The route is divided into 30 stages, each offering walkers the chance to explore old mines, abandoned mining villages, museums, and natural wonders such as mountains, forests, lakes, and the beautiful Sardinian sea.
The trail stages are well-marked and equipped, making the hike accessible to both experienced walkers and beginners. Key locations include Iglesias, Carbonia, Arbus, and Buggerru, each with its own history and attractions to discover.
Walkers can enjoy spectacular natural landscapes: breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and pristine coastlines. The variety of natural environments along the trail offers rich biodiversity, with the chance to spot numerous species of native flora and fauna. Hikes along the trail also provide the opportunity to immerse oneself in tranquil, rejuvenating environments, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
An initiative to promote sustainable tourism
The Santa Barbara Mining Trail promotes sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to explore the area on foot, thereby reducing the environmental impact compared to mass tourism. The accommodations along the route, often managed by local communities, contribute to the sustainable economic development of rural areas. Additionally, the trail encourages the preservation of the region’s historical and natural heritage, raising visitor awareness about the importance of environmental protection.
To further promote sustainable tourism, the “Leg’s go in Cammino” initiative has been launched within the context of the Santa Barbara Mining Trail. By promoting slow tourism and encouraging visits to the villages and communities along the trail, the project supports the economic development of rural areas, sustaining local businesses and creating job opportunities.
"Leg’s go in Cammino" also plays an important educational role, raising participants' awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and environmental heritage and adopting sustainable practices.
Requirements for travelling for free with “Leg’s go in Cammino”
"Leg’s go in Cammino" is a successful model of how tourism can be used as a tool for enhancing and preserving local heritage while simultaneously promoting economic development and community well-being.
It is possible to benefit from free accommodation along the route, up to a maximum of three nights, but certain requirements must be met.
- The first limit is age; the initiative is exclusively for those under 35.
- Additionally, it requires the purchase of a hiking pass from the CMSB foundation at a cost of €5 and a donation of an amount of your choice.
Free nights can be booked through the initiative’s website, choosing from one of the 14 available sections and 24 affiliated accommodations. This opportunity is, however, limited to the period from 15 September to 15 December 2024, in order to encourage tourism outside the summer season.
Beyond the natural beauty, walking the Santa Barbara Mining Trail offers the chance to meet others with similar interests and share travel experiences. Sharing the path with other walkers can foster social bonds, mutual learning, and the exchange of stories and knowledge.