The Heels of Ulassai: Hiking Among Caves and Monumental Waterfalls

The Tacchi (Heels) of Ulassai are spectacular limestone plateaus with vertical walls that rise like giant natural fortresses above the village. This territory offers an extraordinary network of trails, suspended between holm oak forests, mysterious underground caves, and the highest temporary waterfalls on the island.

Geological Fortresses and the Su Marmuri Cave

The Tacchi owe their name to the flat shape of their summit, resembling the heel of a shoe. Geologically, they are marine limestone sediments dating back to the Jurassic. At the base of these walls lies the Su Marmuri Cave, one of the largest in Europe, featuring enormous halls up to 70 meters high and a constant temperature of 10°C year-round. Local legends tell that the cave was the home of fairy creatures who protected the village from misfortune.

The Tacchi Loop and the Lequarci Waterfalls

The circular hike allows you to walk along the ridges of the heels and admire the Lequarci and Lecorci waterfalls, which activate only after heavy autumn or spring rains.

• Difficulty: E (Hikers).
• Elevation change: 400 meters.
• Hiking time: 3 hours for the entire loop.
• Length: About 7 km.

The departure is near the parking area of the Su Marmuri Cave. The trail climbs steeply until it reaches the summit of the tacco, which offers a spectacular view of the Valle del Pardu and the village of Ulassai. From here, you descend to the base of the Lequarci Waterfalls, which make a vertical drop of over 70 meters.

Flavors of the Tacchi: Fresh Gathulis

After walking on the Tacchi, there is no better way to recharge than tasting Gathulis, famous fried ring-shaped potato pastries with salted cheese ("sa fitta") and fresh mint, served hot, unique to the culinary tradition of Ulassai.

Logistics and Opening Hours

We recommend consulting the local tourist office before embarking on the hike to check the conditions of the trails and the flow of the waterfalls.