THE ‘TRENINO VERDE’>FROM MANDAS TO ARBATAX

>THE  MANDAS-ARBATAX  LINE
Called the most beautiful line in the world (Zappegno-Fratesi), it crosses the southern slope of Mt. Gennargentu, an unspoiled area of forests and wildlife .
It goes through numerous mountain villages, crossing beautiful countryside with colourful forests and vineyards, perfumed with lavender and rockroses.
There are opportunities for mountain excursions, trekking, speleology and nature study.
One suggestion: since the line is very long (160 km), it is better not to travel the whole route in one day.

>ALONG  THE  WAY

• Mt.Gennargentu
  Sardinia’s most important mountain, its Punta la Marmora summit rises 1834 metres above sea- level. The southern part is characterized by tacchi and toneri, typical calcareous plateaus or turrets giving the area a harsh, uneven appearance.
  The numerous wildlife includes the wild boar, mouflon, griffon vulture and the Sardinian deer, which inhabit the hilly areas and dense forests.
• Bettili and Montarbu Forests
  From the tiny mountain station at Bertilli, a path leads down to the Flumendosa Lake lying below.
  Between Seui and Gairo, excursions can be organized from the San Gerolamo station to Montarbu Forest, with its numerous springs and wildlife.
• Is Janas Grotto
  Near Sadali, its white colour and the size of its calcareous concretions are striking. Above Seui there are other grottoes, some unexplored, and the home of local wildlife.

Towns Passed Through:
Mandas, Orroli, Nurri. Villanovatulo, Esterzili, Sadali, Seui, Ussassai, Gairo, Villagrande, Strisaili, Arzana, Lanusei, Elini, Tortolì, Arbatax

>TAKING  THE  TRAIN

• From Mandas
  Mandas is a town in Trexenta 55 km from Cagliari.
  You can get there by car, train or bus from Cagliari.
  By car: take SS. 131 to Monastir and turn right on SS.128. You go through the towns of Senorbì and Suelli before arriving at Mandas, where the station is in Via Cagliari.
  By train: Sardinian Railway from the station in Piazza Repubblica. Leaving Cagliari at 6:45, you arrive at Mandas at 8:27 (see schedule)
  By bus: leaving Cagliari weekdays at 6:30 (see schedule)
• From Arbatax
  Arbatax is on the east coast, just south of the Gulf of Orosei.
  You can get there by car from Tortolì (5 km). To reach Tortolì from Olbia, take SS.131b south, exiting at Dorgali; then from Dorgali, go south on the SS.125, about 150 km in all). There is also a twice-weekly Tirrenia ferry (Wednesday and Sunday) from Olbia to Arbatax.

TIMETABLE
(from June 16 to September 15)

FARES

Notes:
On holidays: bus at 6.30 from Cagliari to Mandas and at 21.00, from Mandas to Cagliari

>WHO TO CONTACT
-Tourist Office: toll free number 800460220- tel/fax 070580246
–Stations: Mandas 070984234; Lanusei 078242659; Arbatax 0782667285