Places
Park·Moderate·Scenic·Popular

Monte Arcosu

Sardinia

This reserve in the Sulcis hills west of Cagliari protects the largest population of the endangered Sardinian deer subspecies, which had dwindled to just a few dozen animals before conservation efforts here helped it recover across the island. Dense cork oak and holm oak forest covers steep granite terrain cut by clear mountain streams, among the best-preserved Mediterranean forest in Sardinia. Wildcats, goshawks and Bonelli's eagles also inhabit the reserve's more remote valleys.

Duration
4 hours
Distance
9 km
Elevation
+450 m
Best season
April – October

Highlights

  • Stronghold of the endangered Sardinian deer
  • Italy's largest WWF nature reserve
  • Well-preserved Mediterranean cork oak forest

With your dog

Forest reserve trails, permits required in deer zones; dogs on leash, wildlife protection rules strictly enforced.