Marganai

The Marganai Forest covers 3,650 hectares across Iglesias, Domusnovas and Fluminimaggiore. Holm-oak woods, planted forests, limestone and schist slopes and seasonal streams shape this massif, which forms part of the broader Monte Linas–Marganai–Montimannu landscape.

Why it matters

Marganai is a large state forest in the Iglesiente, with elevations ranging from roughly 200 to 1,000 metres. Its native holm-oak woods and Mediterranean scrub coexist with pine plantations and other forest plantings. The forest’s geology and vegetation make it an important natural counterpart to the mining landscapes of the surrounding region.

What to notice

Streams including Sarmentus, sa Duchessa and Oridda cross the massif. The forest agency records holm-oak woodland, including mature stands, as well as plantations begun in 1914 with stone pine, Aleppo pine and radiata pine. Wildlife reported in the area includes wild boar, wildcat, hare and fox; the regional tourism authority also lists peregrine and golden eagles, and reintroduced deer and mouflon.

Context and history

The forestry administration acquired the state forest in 1979, and it is managed by Fo.Re.S.T.A.S. The forest is part of the planned Monte Linas, Marganai-Oridda and Montimannu natural park established under regional law. About 450 hectares in its northern area fall within the Monte Linas conservation site. Human activity has shaped the massif through forestry and mining, traces of which remain near sites such as Sa Duchessa and Gutturu Pala.