Hiking in Sardinia: 5 Ways To Explore The Island On Foot

Sardinia, or Sardegna as it’s known in Italian, is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the eighth largest in Europe. It lies between the Italian mainland and Tunisia in North Africa. Thanks to the big variety in ecosystems, such as woodland, mountains, plains and rocky coastline, the island is sometimes called a mini-continent. It’s geographically very close to its French island sibling, Corsica, but it’s far less mountainous with the highest peak of the island reaching 1834 meters. Sardinia has a relatively small population (1.6 million) and large parts of the island are uninhabited, making it a great place to disconnect from the world.

Hiking on the island of Sardinia is a unique experience, offering diverse landscapes, rich history, and a distinct culture. The island's topography includes rugged mountains, deep gorges, lush forests, and coastal paths. Encounters with the island's ancient history and cultural heritage are common while hiking. Prehistoric stone structures called nuraghe are scattered across the island and provide intriguing stops along hiking routes. Traditional shepherds' huts, or pinnettos, dot the landscape, especially in mountainous areas, offering insight into the pastoral lifestyle. Ancient cave dwellings and tombs, such as the Domus de Janas, add a mystical element to hikes.

Trail markings and maps vary, with some trails well-marked and others requiring a good map or GPS. Guided tours are recommended for challenging routes like the Selvaggio Blu. Many trails pass through or near villages where accommodation, food, and water are available, though some remote trails require carrying supplies. Combining hiking with visits to local villages allows hikers to experience Sardinia's hospitality, cuisine (such as pecorino cheese and traditional pastries), and local festivals.

Below we share our top 5 of the best hiking adventures you can find in Sardinia.

Let’s start with the most spicy trek in Sardinia, and perhaps in the whole of Europe: Selvaggio Blu. The name means “Wild Blue” in Italian and the 45 km trek lives up to its name. It runs roughly from Pedra Longa to Cala Sisine on the central east coast of Sardinia and is actually more a mountaineering route than a walking route. Those who attempt it can expect loads of scrambling, bits of rock climbing and abseiling. The Selvaggio Blu stays as close to the Mediterranean Sea as possible, and you’re treated with stunning seascapes all along the trail. There is no habitation or even drinking water and you either bring all your supplies with you, or get it sourced from elsewhere and have supply drops en route. Unless you’re an experienced mountaineer, you should do this epic trek with a mountain guide.

The Cammino 100 Torri is an epic 1284 km trek around Sardinia, divided into eight routes and inspired by the island's historic coastal towers. It offers a mix of stunning coastal views, rugged mountain paths, charming villages, and bustling cities full of monuments. You’ll also see unique rural landscapes, salt pans, and mines. The entire journey is split into 70 stages, typically taking 45 to 60 days to complete, though you can tackle it in chunks.

You can do this trek on foot, by bike, on horseback, with a donkey, or even by canoe or sailboat if you’re feeling adventurous. Most of the route is on dirt paths and beaches, making it a favorite for hikers and trekkers from all over. You'll stay close to the coast the whole way, enjoying Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.

This trek is quite demanding due to the varying altitudes and hot summer climate, so good planning and preparation are key. Despite its challenges, it's a rewarding experience for both seasoned and novice walkers. The route is well-organized with essential services, accommodations, and clear signage, thanks to the Cammino 100 Torri Association.

Climbing Punta La Marmora, Sardinia's highest peak at 1,834 meters, is a rewarding one-day adventure. The trek begins from either Bruncu Spina or the Genna Silana pass, offering different levels of challenge. Expect a mix of rugged paths and rocky terrain, often surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. The ascent provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island, with vistas stretching to the sea on clear days.

The climb isn't overly technical but requires a good level of fitness due to steep sections and potential changes in weather. Along the way, you might encounter wildflowers, birds, and the occasional mouflon, adding to the scenic charm. The summit rewards climbers with a 360-degree view of Sardinia's diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to distant coastline. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts seeking a memorable and serene experience in the heart of Sardinia.

The latest hiking route in Sardinia is the 500 km long Santa Barbara Mining Route. A group of enthusiastic hikers and former miners created a long-distance hiking trail along the mining heritage in the little-visited southwest of the island. The full trek is 30 stages and combines the pristine coastline with mining sites and villages, giving a glimpse of mining life back in the day. To immerse even deeper into Sardinian culture, you can stay in local posadas, small family owned inns.

You probably haven’t heard of this route yet. That is because we designed this epic trekking route ourselves! The Via Selvaggia Sardinia is a combination of the most scenic trails that the island has to offer. The route traverses the impressive mountain range Supramonte twice, and passes some of iconic landmarks such as the Gola su Gorropu, with a depth of 400 meter one of the deepest gorges in Europe. The trail also follows the tail end of the Selvaggio Blu along the east coast. The nights will be spent in the charming villages, where you can enjoy Sardinian hospitality. The incredible food is a reason alone to do this hike. Although the Via Selvaggia Sardinia is not difficult, it is quite a tough one. 6 stages cover a distance of 117 km with nearly 5000 meters of elevation gain. You better train for this one!

You can go hiking in Sardinia year-round. However, the weather in winter time can be quite unpleasant, with more rain and wind at higher elevations. Some accommodations close their businesses in the winter months, and it may be hard to find a place to stay along the walking routes. The best months to go walking in Sardinia are April-June, September and October. The weather is generally stable and temperatures are pleasant. If you choose to go in July or August bear in mind it will be busy. It may be a challenge to organize places to stay, so book ahead of time. Plus during the summer months it can get very hot with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius.

The difficulty of hiking trails in Sardinia depends on the route. Generally, Sardinia is a very accessible hiking destination suitable for novice hikers. The weather is often great, which adds to the comfort. Especially along the coast there are plenty of places to stay, so there is often no need for bringing camping equipment. But, for those who are up for a tough, technical challenge, Sardinia can deliver too. In fact it is home to what many consider the toughest trek in Europe, the Selvaggio Blu. This very adventurous coastal trek involves lots of graded scrambling, abseiling from cliffs and skinny, exposed trails. Most people do this trek guided. In short, Sardinia has hiking routes suitable for every ability and taste.

At Bookatrekking.com you can book the self-guided Via Selvaggia Sardinia and many other treks. We take care of all the details for you, including arranging accommodations, organizing luggage transportation and providing you with relevant information well in advance of your trek. Find our offers here. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of trekking experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.