Arkù indicates the arched shape of the summit that, when seen from Piscinas and Scivu, looks like a dolomitic tower. The mighty Monte Arcuentu, a popular trekking destination, is part of a mountain range that runs parallel for eight kilometres to the beaches of the wild and wonderful Costa Verde. It is part of the territory of Arbus, which is eleven kilometres away, and it is near the Montevecchio mines, once the economic reference point of the area and today an open air museum of industrial archaeology. From the summit of Arcuentu, the horizon disappears before your eyes: you will admire landscapes of the nearby mountains of Arci and Linas, from the gulf of Oristano to the Costa Verde and from the valley of Campidano to the peaks of Montiferru, Sette Fratelli and Gennargentu.

The rocks - tuff and basalt of volcanic origin - alternate with aiguilles and towers as you climb. Along the slopes, there are flowing torrents that have created deep, narrow valleys. The Italian Alpine Club's (Club Alpino Italiano - CAI) easy trail leaves from the mines and will take you to the summit, at 785 metres, in a spectacular landscape. Along the trail, you will be walking through woods of holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub, from broom to orchids. The prayers and meditation of Fra' Nazareno and Fra' Lorenzo, of the 20th century, are linked to this place. Fra' Nazareno's hut is situated along the trail and Fra' Lorenzo spent a month here every year for thirty years. It is probable that, while walking, through the vegetation and rocks, you will see deer, wild boar, weasels, hares, martens and foxes. At the top, you will witness the flight of the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, the buzzard and the Eurasian sparrowhawk, while in the background you will hear the song of chaffinches, robins and woodpeckers.

Punic oil lamps and a storage room containing coins were found in the mountain area, while a necropolis from the Roman period was discovered on the slopes. At the top, there is an ancient castle, which later became a monastery: you will see its ruins. The fortress, dating back to 1164 or earlier, was in a strategic position between the Giudicati of Arborea and Cagliari. It then became a monastery of the Vallombrosan order and flourished for three centuries before its decline and use as an arsenal. Some legends tell us about Arcuentu area: for example, there is the legend of Luxia Arrabiosa, the young woman from Guspini, whom a feudal lord wanted to marry. Lucia refused and he had her walled up alive in the mountain, along with a loom of gold. Today, shepherds say they can hear her singing as she weaves.