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

Jan Bakker
Jan Bakker
04 Jun 2024 10 min read
Hiking in Sardinia: 5 Ways To Explore The Island On Foot
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Many islands in the Mediterranean Sea, such as Crete and Mallorca, are great for walking adventures in spring and autumn and Sardinia is definitely one of them. The island is huge and is a perfect combination of rugged mountains and a picture perfect coastline. All across the island you can find exciting trails, both inland and close to the sea. Some follow the cultural heritage and others take you deep into the impressive mountain ranges.

As Sardinia is not well-known as a place for hiking, it is sometimes hard to find the right kind of hike. At Bookatrekking.com we did the research for you and made a list with the 5 best hikes you can do on this breathtaking island.

What and Where Is Sardinia?

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 it located between the Italian mainland and Tunisia in North Africa. Thanks to the big variety in ecosystems, such as woodlands, mountains, plains and rocky coastlines, 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 on 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.

What and Where Is Sardinia?

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What Is Hiking In Sardinia Like?

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 nuraghi 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.

What Is Hiking In Sardinia Like?

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1) Selvaggio Blu

Let’s start with the spiciest 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. Running 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, it’s highly recommended to undertake this epic trek with a mountain guide.

1) Selvaggio Blu

2) Cammino 100 Torri

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 the 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.

2) Cammino 100 Torri

3) Climbing Punta La Marmora

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.

3) Climbing Punta La Marmora

4) Santa Barbara Mining Route

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 consists of 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.

4) Santa Barbara Mining Route

5) Our Top Choice: Via Selvaggia Sardinia

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!

5) Our Top Choice: Via Selvaggia Sardinia

When Is the Best Time for Hiking in Sardinia?

You can hike 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 for hiking 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.

Via Selvaggia Sardinia

You won't find this route anywhere else. We designed the perfect 6-day trek that combines the most beautiful mountains and coastline on Sardinia: the Via Selvaggia Sardinia.
Day
1

Arrival Fonni

Fonni is the highest town in Sardinia and a great place to gear up for your trek across the Supramonte range. Check out the beautiful murals!

B&B La Dolce Sosta (Fonni)

Info
B&B La Dolce Sosta (Fonni)
Day
2

Passo di Correboi - Passo Ghenna Silana

Duration: 07:50 h
Distance: 23 km
Ascent: 830 m
Descent: 1070 m
From Fonni you'll take a taxi to one of the highest mountain passes in Sardinia, Passo di Correboi (1246 m). From here you head east into the Supramonte mountains. You stay at higher altitudes, though the trail goes up and down through barren rocky terrain and pine forests. Make sure to carry enough water for the day (at least 3 liters)! You finish the day at another mountain pass, Passo Ghenna Silana.

Hotel Gorropu

Info
Hotel Gorropu
Day
3

Passo Ghenna Silana - Rifugio Gorropu

Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 20 km
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 940 m
From your accommodation on the Ghenna Silana pass, you descend in a northern direction towards the Flumineddu river. When you reach the river you'll be at the entrance of one of the deepest gorges in Europe and a truly iconic landmark on Sardinia: the Goroppu Canyon. On either side the limestone walls are 400 meters high and at some places, it's as narrow as 5 meters. At the gorge you'll cross the river again and you follow the Flumineddu downstream through the forest. Close to the hill called Monte Tundu, you cross the river again and continue across farmland to the brilliant Rifugio Gorropu.

Rifugio Gorropu (Dorgali)

Info
Rifugio Gorropu (Dorgali)
Day
4

Rifugio Gorropu - Cala Gonone

Duration: 05:20 h
Distance: 15.3 km
Ascent: 680 m
Descent: 790 m
From Rifugio Gorropu, you'll traverse the coastal mountains via Dorgali. If you're up for it, you can climb the 917 hill Monte Tului. Enjoy wonderful views across the Mediterranean Sea. Just before you arrive in your sweet spot for the night just south of Cala Gonone, you can go for a dip at a secluded picture perfect little beach. It's a bit of a climb to the accommodation, but the views are worth it.

Hotel Turismo Rurale Villa Maria Caterina

Info
Hotel Turismo Rurale Villa Maria Caterina
Day
5

Cala Gonone - Dorgali

Duration: 07:20 h
Distance: 20.3 km
Ascent: 1100 m
Descent: 960 m
More seascapes today! You'll pass the coastal town of Cala Gonone, which has a great beach and it's tempting to stay here the rest of the day. However, it a long hiking day and north of the town you'll ascend the steep coastline to the ridge that connects with its highest point Monte Bardia (881 m). From this point you'll enjoy magnificent views across the Supramonte mountains, Dorgali and the central east coast of Sardinia. A steep descent takes you to Dorgali, a charming village that's your place for the night.

B&B da Miranna (Dorgali)

Info
B&B da Miranna (Dorgali)
Day
6

Dorgali - Oliena

Duration: 07:45 h
Distance: 23.5 km
Ascent: 900 m
Descent: 860 m
Although it's a long day, most of the route is very doable. The first half you'll mostly walk on country tracks without too much climbing or descending. Around half-way, after you cross the river Fiume Cedrino, the trail goes up towards the barren ridge line of the northern Supramonte. Stay below the ridge, as you pass several cave systems underneath the impressive rock walls. You'll contour the hillside in a roughly westerly direction until the final descent to the pretty village Oliena.

B&B Corte San Lussorio (Oliena)

Info
B&B Corte San Lussorio (Oliena)
Day
7

Oliena - Orgosolo

Duration: 06:20 h
Distance: 15.2 km
Ascent: 1120 m
Descent: 1040 m
Head back up the way you came yesterday for 1.5 km until you reach the trail junction. Turn right (south) and ascend up the ridge that eventually reaches the highest point in the Supramonte range, Monte Corrasi (1463 m). Take a small 5 minute detour to climb to the highest point. Descend the ridge for a couple of kilometers and turn right, descending further towards the Oliena - Orgosolo road. There's a fantastic spot where you will spend your final night.

Affittcamere Jannas (Orgosolo)

Info
Affittcamere Jannas (Orgosolo)
Day
8

Departure from Orgosolo

It's time to bid farewell to the Supramonte mountains, looking back at a brilliant hike across some of Sardinia's most beautiful landscapes.
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Did you know that we can book all overnight accommodation for the Sardinia for you? Check out all our options here.

Map of Via Selvaggia Sardinia

Check out the Via Selvaggia Sardinia map that was created with Komoot. A Sardinia hiking classic is born!

Are the Sardinia Hiking Trails Difficult?

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.

Are the Sardinia Hiking Trails Difficult?

At Bookatrekking.com, we not only book your accommodation and luggage transport, we also send you on your way with a comprehensive hiking guide with the most important information for your Sardinia, including interactive Komoot maps. Browse all our options here and turn your dreams into reality.

Packing List for the Sardinia

No matter where you go hiking or for how long, bringing the right equipment is of utmost importance. For your hike, the first thing you need is a good backpack. The size of it will depend on the number of days you will be trekking, the season and the clothes you take with you. If you have luggage transport, the comfort level of your daypack is most important. We have compiled a packing list with a few essential items of clothing you should bring and some extras you might find useful:
  • Essentials

  • Extras

Where Can I Book the Via Selvaggia Sardinia?

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.

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