Top 8 Natural Monuments around Gerxei/Gergei

The most iconic residents are the small, wild Giara horses (Cavallini della Giara), considered one of the last wild horse breeds in Europe. These distinctive animals roam freely across the Giara Plateau Park, often gathering around the seasonal ponds known as Paulis. With a bit of luck, you can spot them nibbling on the green of the trees.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Giara Plateau Park is family-friendly, offering opportunities to see wild horses. The Botanical Garden of Tìara is also a great option, featuring a high concentration of plant species with informative plaques in Italian and English, making it an educational experience for all ages.

The region is dominated by the unique geology of the Giara Plateau, a vast basaltic formation. This plateau, 500-600 meters above sea level, was formed by ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago, resulting in steep cliffs of dark lava rock and a surprisingly flat top. The surface is dotted with striking seasonal ponds called Paulis, which fill with rainwater.

The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can explore various trails, including easy and moderate options like the 'Pauli Piccia Wild Horses – Ancient Cork Oak loop'. For more details and routes, check out the hiking guide for Gerxei/Gergei. Cycling enthusiasts can find routes like 'Giara ponies – Giara di Gesturi Plateau loop' in the cycling guide.

You can admire magnificent old cork oaks, which are very common in the area. A notable example is the Ancient Cork Oak, where you can appreciate the beauty and variety of the park's vegetation. The Botanical Garden of Tìara also features an interesting old tree with incredible thickness.

Yes, one of the main entrances to the Giara Plateau is located at Parco della Giara. Here, you'll find a large free parking lot and often a local guide on site. This spot is also known for having several feeding places where you might encounter the wild horses, though observing them in their natural habitat is often more rewarding.

Spring is particularly beautiful, as the seasonal ponds (Paulis) on the Giara Plateau fill with rainwater and are adorned with splendid white blooms of water buttercups. This is also a prime time to observe the Giara horses, as they often gather around these full lakes.

Yes, you can find places like the Ancient Stone Structure with Picnic Area. This site offers a blend of historical interest within a beautiful natural setting, providing a wonderful park environment ideal for a break or picnic.

The Giara boasts a rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic plants and over 25 wild orchid species. The landscape is characterized by cork oaks, holm oaks, and Mediterranean scrub, filled with fragrant plants like myrtle, helichrysum, and strawberry trees. The Botanical Garden of Tìara specifically showcases a very high concentration of plant species.

Yes, guided tours are available to enhance your experience on the Giara Plateau. While you can visit the Giara Plateau Park on your own, a guided tour can offer deeper insights into its unique ecosystem, geology, and the wild Giara horses.

The Giara Plateau is recognized for its unique ecosystem and conservation status, holding a 'Site of Community Importance' (SIC) designation. It's a vast basaltic formation known for its wild Giara horses, seasonal ponds (Paulis), and rich biodiversity, including endemic plants and wild orchid species. The park was specifically established to protect the rare Giara horses.