The Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara is a roughly 500 km ring trail split into 30 stages that crosses the Sulcis-Iglesiente-Guspinese area, following the old mule tracks and mining railways. It starts and ends in Iglesias, entirely within the Parco Geominerario Storico e Ambientale della Sardegna, a UNESCO-recognised site. You don't need to be an expert hiker: it's walked one stretch at a time, one village after another, with each stage built for a single day.
The two stages that meet in Portoscuso
Portoscuso isn't just a place you pass through: it's where one demanding stage ends and another, equally long, begins. Whichever direction you're walking, you'll very likely need to sleep here.
Carloforte → Portoscuso
You cross the island of San Pietro, through the history of its Ligurian fishermen and the tuna trap, then take the ferry back to the main island: you reach Portoscuso in the late afternoon, ready for a real shower and a bed — not a bunk.
Portoscuso → Bacu Abis
The route follows the volcanic cliffs of the south-west coast, past tafoni carved by the wind into red rock, with views over the white cliffs of Masua, all the way to the Bacu Abis mine and the Nuragic remains around it.
Why stop with us
Villa Red Melons is in Portoscuso, steps from the sea and close to the centre where the stages begin and end. Our two rooms have an independent entrance and a private bathroom: after 18 km, that's exactly what you need. If you're arriving late because of the ferry, just message us ahead and we'll work it out. There's also private parking, handy if someone's meeting you by car for the next day's leg, and a garden to dry out boots and backpacks.
Practical tips
- Maps, GPX tracks and up-to-date stage information are on the official site camminominerariodisantabarbara.org.
- Both stages touching Portoscuso are rated demanding: carry plenty of water (at least 2 litres), use sun protection even outside summer, and wear boots already broken in.
- If the ferry from Carloforte runs late, just let us know — it happens, and we'll work around it.
Message us on WhatsApp to tell us about your stage and book a room: +39 347 915 5119.