The Giara di Gesturi (Sa Jara Manna), is a plateau in central-southern Sardinia extending for over 4,400 hectares. The area falls mainly within the municipality of Gesturi and to a lesser extent, the municipalities of Genoni, Tuili and Setzu.
The geological nature of the plateau is linked to basaltic rock, with tabulate shape, resting above Miocene marls. The average height of the plateau is around 560 m. a.s.l. and there are only two elevations present: Monti Zepparedda (608 m) and Zeppara Manna (581 m). These two are the remains of two ancient volcanic cones whose craters can still be distinguished.
One of the unusual aspects of the Giara are the “Paùli“, small, temporary ponds which form due to rainwater, in the basins of the basaltic rocks.
There are about thirty Pauli of various sizes, with a depth which varies from thirty centimetres to around a metre. The most well know is the “Paùli majore“, almost a small lake and easily accessible in the south-western part of the plateau.
Unique habitats are associated with the Paùli, with the presence of a typical aquatic vegetation. The most characteristic species include the White water-crowfoot which in springtime cover the waters in the small ponds. The paulis are also home to a number of animal species such as the Sardinian tree frog and the European green toad, as well as two small crustaceans considered genuine living fossils.
In the driest parts of the plateau, the vegetation is like meadows and in other sectors we find forest areas with cork trees, downy oak, holm oak and wild olive (e.g. Scala Corte Broccia).
There are also several natural springs some of the most important being the Mitza Pistincu (to the southeast), Funtana Cannas and Sa Jana (to the north).
Another typical fauna species and exclusive to Sardinia and more so to this area is the “Giara horse”. These are wild animals and are currently at serious risk of extinction. As well as a small body and low stature, the horses have unique features, such as almond-shaped eyes and long manes. They weigh between 150 and 200 kg.
Thanks to these unique naturalistic and environmental features, the Giara has become part of the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) “Giara di Gesturi” (ITB041112) regulated by the Rete Natura 2000.
It can be reached easily from the town of Gesturi which is just 4 km away (car park).
