Plan your trip
The Santa Barbara Mining Trail Foundation suggests starting in Iglesias, but everyone is free to begin wherever they prefer. You can leave from home and use public transportation to reach your chosen starting point. You can get to Sardinia by ship or plane and travel to your starting location by train, bus, or private transfer services.
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1
Request the credential
The pilgrim's passport
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2
Choose the best time
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons
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3
Book the tickets
It's better to book in advance
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4
Book the accommodations
At least the first six stops
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5
Pack your backpack
Let the adventure begin!
How to get to Iglesias
To reach Iglesias, the starting point of the trail, you can fly to Cagliari - Elmas Airport and then take a train to Iglesias directly from the airport (about 50 minutes). You can also reach the stops at Carbonia and Villamassargia by train.
PLEASE NOTE: until April 2027, the Decimomannu–Iglesias/Carbonia railway line will be undergoing modernization works. Trains on this route will be replaced by buses.
PLEASE NOTE: Bicycles can only be loaded onto buses if they are packed.
Getting around between stages by bus/train
Use our search tool below to check bus and train schedules and plan your travels between the different stages of the route, or to reach starting points, airports, and train stations.
ARST tickets can be purchased from authorized resellers, via the DropTicket, TabNet, and Around Sardinia apps, or on board buses with a surcharge.
How to prepare your backpack
All the essential equipment you need to tackle the journey safely and comfortably, organized by category.
Clothing Backpack
Backpack and Shoes
Essential
Backpack and Hat
Essential
Backpack T-Shirts
Backpack Pants
Backpack Jacket
Recommended Backpack
Backpack
Water and Food Backpack
Water
Essential
Sunscreen Backpack
Essential
Snack Backpack
Water Filter Backpack
Recommended Backpack
Mineral Salts Backpack
Safety and Navigation Backpack
Backpack with blister plasters
Essential
Offline Maps for the Backpack
Essential
Trekking Pole Backpack
Powerbank Backpack
Front
Personal Medicine Backpack
When to go
Plan the Right Moment
Fair
January
Fair
February
Good
March
Excellent
April
Excellent
May
Hot
June
Intense heat
July
Intense heat
August
Good
September
Excellent
October
Excellent
November
Good
December
Winter in Sardinia
In Sardinia, winters are generally mild and harsh cold is rare. With appropriate clothing, this trail can be enjoyed comfortably even during the winter season.
Practical tips for the area
Ticks and wild animals
You may encounter wild animals and, in some areas, ticks. It is recommended to stay on marked trails, wear long pants in areas with tall vegetation, and check your body at the end of each stage. The animals present are generally shy and do not pose a danger if observed from a distance and not disturbed.
ATMs and payments
Many towns along the route have only one ATM or none at all. Always carry enough cash for 2–3 days.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number: 112
- Medical emergency: 118
- Fire brigade: 115
- Coast Guard: 1530
Before each stage, it is advisable to check your phone’s battery level and save the emergency numbers. In case of need, always provide your location as accurately as possible, indicating the stage of the route and the nearest landmarks.
Water along the way
Along the route, water is rarely available between one stage and the next. We recommend always starting out with enough water to complete the stage (at least 2 liters per person, and at least 3 liters per person in summer).
It is always possible to refill your water supply at each stage.
We are working to provide a more detailed map of water points and will soon add specific information for each stage of the route.
The official guide and printed map
Third edition, updated as of June 2026, featuring new variants and all the essential information you need to plan your journey: how to purchase the Credential and obtain the Mìnera Card, when to set out, what to bring, maps, elevation profiles and gradients, a detailed route description, where to stay, and the main sites to visit.
Come visit us at our office
Opening hours of our offices at Via Cattaneo no. 70 in Iglesias (SU)
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
The external box for collecting credentials purchased online (at least 2 days in advance) is always available.
