Giara di Gesturi: Sardinia’s Plateau of Wild Horses
DescrizioneDiscover the Giara di Gesturi, a basalt plateau where wild horses roam free among cork oaks and ancient ponds. A rare, timeless Sardinian wilderness. del post del blog.
SARDEGNA
Region: Sardinia
Province / Nearest City: Province of South Sardinia / nearest town Gesturi (6 km)
Attraction Name: Giara di Gesturi – The Wild Horse Plateau
Address: Centro Visite Giara di Gesturi, Viale della Giara 24, 09020 Gesturi, SU
Distance from Major City: ~65 km from Cagliari (about 1h 15 min by car)
How to Get There:
By car: From Cagliari, follow SS131 to Villamar, then SP197 and SP23 toward Gesturi. The Visitor Center provides maps and trail access.
By public transport: Trains and buses connect Cagliari to Barumini; from there, a taxi or shuttle can reach Gesturi.
What Makes It Unique in the World: The Giara is a basalt plateau rising 550 meters above sea level, home to Europe’s last truly wild horses: the small, dark-maned Cavallini della Giara. These miniature horses, barely over 1.20 m tall, have roamed free here for millennia. Seeing them drink from seasonal ponds (paulis) under cork oaks and strawberry trees feels like entering a prehistoric landscape.
Local Story / Fun Fact: Legend says the horses descend from ancient Phoenician or Carthaginian breeds abandoned on the plateau centuries ago. In truth, they are likely a unique native population, perfectly adapted to the harsh, rocky environment.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) is magical, when the paulis fill with water and wildflowers carpet the plateau. Autumn is also pleasant, with mild weather and fewer visitors.
Nearby Food & Stay: Just below the plateau lies Barumini, famous for its UNESCO site Su Nuraxi. Here and in Gesturi you’ll find agriturismi serving malloreddus pasta, local cheeses, and wines. Overnight stays in rural farmhouses offer both comfort and authenticity.