Carignano Trails, a seasonless itinerary through the most authentic Sulcis region.

The "I Sentieri del Carignano del Sulcis" itinerary along the Santa Barbara Mining Trail in southwestern Sardinia was created to showcase the authentic soul of this region, where coastal landscapes, archaeology, mining traditions, and ungrafted viticulture intertwine, creating evocative places deeply rooted in history. This all-season route combines scenic beauty, gastronomy, and wine, and is best experienced on foot, following paths once used by mine workers and now transformed into privileged access routes for exploring, at a leisurely pace, a still little-known part of the island.

Carignano del Sulcis, the heart of the itinerary's identity - The star of the trail is Carignano del Sulcis DOC, a red wine with a strong territorial identity, whose vineyards provide a natural backdrop for hikers and pilgrims. Characterized by a deep ruby color, it offers aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and Mediterranean scrub; on the palate, it is enveloping and structured, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. Produced from ungrafted vines that have withstood environmental (extreme winds) and historical challenges over the centuries, Carignano del Sulcis embodies the resilience and agricultural soul of the region. At the table, it pairs perfectly with traditional dishes, from red tuna (from Carloforte or Portoscuso) to meats and typical gastronomic specialties such as roast suckling pig, ricotta or cheese ravioli, civraxiu bread, fish soup, and pardule.

"With the Carignano Trails, we want to offer an experience that unites nature, culture, and community," comments Mauro Usai, President of the Santa Barbara Mining Trail Foundation. "Wine becomes the common thread and key to understanding the area, to be experienced step by step in every season of the year."

The stages of the Trails: between history, sea, and community - The Carignano Trails are part of the Santa Barbara Mining Trail and wind between the city of Carbonia and the island of Sant'Antioco.

The route takes travelers along a map of experiences: from wineries, custodians of local winemaking knowledge, to the island of Sant'Antioco, which combine hiking and nature. Along the way, it leads to the Phoenician-Punic archaeological site of Pani Loriga in Santadi. Among the sites that tell the story of Sulcis Iglesiente's labor traditions and history are the 17th-century Tonnara of Portoscuso, a symbol of maritime history, and the Grande Miniera di Serbariu, now converted into a cultural center, which showcases the historical and industrial dimension of Sulcis. The MuMa - Hotel and Museum of the Sea, recounts the life of communities linked to the Mediterranean.

The Carignano Trails are a marked route suitable for everyone, and there's even a free app that guides pilgrims along the way. Along the route, there are also various forms of local hospitality, such as posadas, accommodations managed directly by the Santa Barbara Mining Trail Foundation where you can stay overnight.