The Giara di Gesturi is a strange and beautiful upland in the middle of southern Sardinia, a flat basalt plateau rising from the plains and covered in cork oak, scrub and small pools of water. It is best known for its wild horses, a small, sturdy breed that has lived on the plateau for centuries and is closely tied to this one place. The horses roam freely in herds and are often seen grazing quietly beside the trails, which makes the Giara one of the most charming wildlife experiences in Sardinia. Foals appear in spring, and the sight of them beside the mares is a highlight for many visitors. The landscape changes with the seasons. In spring, the seasonal ponds fill with water and flower in white, and the plateau is green and fragrant. In summer the ground dries out and the horses gather at what water remains. In autumn and winter the air is clear and cool, and the walking is easy. Tours usually combine a hike on the plateau with a visit to Su Nuraxi at Barumini, the island's UNESCO nuragic site, a few kilometres away, which makes a natural pairing of prehistory and nature. A guided hike helps you find the horses and understand the ecology, and some tours finish with a tasting of local food and wine.
What you see
The plateau is a mosaic of cork oak woods, open grassland, rocky outcrops and temporary pools, crossed by tracks that make for pleasant walking. The horses are small, usually dark and shaggy, and they are semi-wild, meaning they are free but used to people at a distance.
Look for them near the pools and in clearings, and watch for other wildlife such as birds, small mammals and tortoises. At the edge of the plateau, viewpoints look across the plains toward the surrounding hills, and the nearby villages of Gesturi and Tuili are good for a coffee stop.
Choosing how to do it
The easiest route for most visitors is a guided tour from Cagliari that pairs the Giara with Barumini, with transport and guide included. If you drive, you can explore independently on marked trails, although guides are better at finding the horses and explaining the landscape. Keep a respectful distance from the animals, never feed them and stay on the paths. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water, because there is little shade in places and no services on the plateau itself.
When to go
Spring is the most beautiful season, with flowering pools and foals, but crowds are still modest. Autumn and winter are good for clear air and comfortable hiking, with bright days and cool mornings. In summer the plateau is hot and dry, so choose an early start. Combine the Giara with Su Nuraxi and a long Sardinian lunch for a day that covers the island's wild nature and its oldest stone architecture.
Good to know
The plateau is a nature reserve, so keep your voice low near the herds, stay on the tracks and carry out any rubbish. A pair of binoculars helps with birdlife and with spotting horses at a distance, and a hat and sun cream are useful in the open areas. Children enjoy the game of finding the horses, and a picnic of local cheese and bread makes the day complete.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip from Cagliari that combines a walk on the Giara plateau, where the wild horses live, with a visit to the UNESCO nuraghe at Barumini.
Best time
Spring for flowers and foals; autumn and winter for clear air; early starts in summer.
How long
Plan a full day, including the transfer of about an hour each way from Cagliari.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and a layer, keep your distance from the horses and never feed them.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and nature lovers who want wild horses, easy walking and a bit of archaeology in one day.
- Families
- One of the best options on the island for children, with gentle trails and the chance to see foals in spring.
- Couples
- A quiet day on the plateau followed by a long lunch in the villages nearby.
- Pair with
- Su Nuraxi at Barumini, the Nora ruins or the Castello old town on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What are the Giara horses?+
A small, sturdy breed of semi-wild horse that has lived on the plateau for centuries. They roam freely in herds and are closely associated with this one plateau.
Will I definitely see the horses?+
Sightings are very likely but cannot be guaranteed, since the animals roam freely. A guide improves the odds by knowing where the herds gather.
Can I combine the Giara with Su Nuraxi?+
Yes. The two are close together, and many day tours from Cagliari combine them in a single full-day itinerary.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The trails are mostly gentle and the horses are a big draw, though there is little shade in summer.
What is the best time of year?+
Spring is the loveliest, with green landscapes, flowering pools and foals. Autumn and winter are clear and cool, and summer is hot and dry.
