Known as Sa Jara Manna in Sardinian, the Giara di Gesturi is a basaltic plateau covering 45 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 500 to 600 meters. Its territory is divided among the municipalities of Gesturi, Genoni, Tuili, and Setzu. What makes the Giara unique is its distinctive ecosystem, which serves as the habitat for the famous Cavallini della Giara—one of the few remaining populations of wild horses in Europe. These wild horses belong to an endemic species, characterized by their small size, with males standing between 125 and 135 cm at the withers. They live in small family groups consisting of one male and up to eight females. Spotting them is not difficult, though they tend to keep their distance from humans as they are truly wild animals.
The flora of the Giara consists of Mediterranean scrub and cork oaks, the latter notable for their “flag-like” inclination shaped over time by the strong Mistral winds. Another distinctive feature of the Giara is the Paulis, which are seasonal water basins that form in the terrain’s depressions. These basins host various species of endemic flora and are crucial to the Giara’s ecosystem, serving as watering spots for the wild horses. The best time to visit the Giara is in spring when the Paulis are still full of water and the flora is lush and vibrant with color.
From Isili, the Giara can be easily reached via Genoni, where a beautiful museum dedicated to the Cavallino della Giara is located. Alternatively, access is also possible from Gesturi.
For guided tour information:
PARCGENONI
