The Giara horses are believed to be descendants of breeds introduced by the Phoenicians or Greeks, though they have evolved distinct physical characteristics due to isolation.
The plateau's basalt rock is the result of lava flows that filled a valley millions of years ago, which subsequently became an elevated plateau as the surrounding softer rock eroded.
The 'paulis' are strictly seasonal; they are full of life in late winter and spring but completely dry up during the hot Sardinian summer.
The park preserves the 'sughera,' or cork oak tree, which is a major part of the local economy and ecology.
There are over 20 Nuragic sites identified on the plateau, indicating significant human presence in the Bronze Age.
The Giara horses rarely exceed 12 hands (120 cm) in height, classifying them as ponies rather than standard horses.
The park is home to specific amphibian species, such as the Sardinian tree frog, which rely on the temporary paulis to breed.
Parco della Giara is a high-altitude basalt plateau located in central Sardinia, characterized by a unique ecosystem formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The plateau sits at an elevation between 500 and 600 meters above sea level, covering approximately 4,500 hectares across the municipalities of Tuili, Gesturi, Setzu, and Genoni. It is most famous for its population of Giara horses, the last wild horse species in Europe, which roam freely across the terrain. The landscape features 'paulis,' which are temporary shallow ponds that form in basalt depressions during rainy seasons, supporting rare aquatic flora and fauna. The park's vegetation includes dense cork oak forests and Mediterranean scrub. Archaeological evidence within the park includes numerous nuraghi, the megalithic tower structures unique to Sardinia. The park is managed to protect its delicate biodiversity, which is particularly sensitive to human impact. Visitors primarily access the plateau via established trails that lead from the surrounding plains to the flat summit.
The edge of the plateau near the 'Sa Corona' viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Marmilla valley.
Bring significant quantities of water as there are no natural springs or potable water sources on the plateau summit.
Carry binoculars to spot the wild horses, as they are shy and tend to move away when approached.
Stick strictly to the marked trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem of the paulis and to prevent getting lost in the dense forest.
Do not attempt to pet or approach the horses directly, as they are wild animals; avoid visiting during peak midday heat in summer.
Open year-round, but specific trail access may be limited during periods of extreme fire risk in mid-summer.
Maintain silence near the horses and do not feed them; refrain from walking into the paulis when they contain water.
