> Trek through Sardinia’s rugged interior in 5 days
> Stay in authentic guesthouses and mountain lodges
> Finish your hike on the stunning east coast at Cala Gonone
Sardinia offers countless trails for hikers, but this route brings together some of the island’s best highlights in just five days. Starting in the mountains around Oliena, you cross the wild Supramonte with its rocky ridges, oak forests and quiet valleys. Each night you’ll stay in small-scale, family-run lodgings like Terry’s House and the panoramic S’Enis Monte Maccione. The trek ends on the coast, where the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Orosei meet steep cliffs and hidden beaches.
This is a demanding hike, with rough terrain and steady climbs, but the reward is big. Expect sweeping views, silence broken only by the wind, and a real sense of remoteness. Along the way you’ll pass through authentic villages, enjoy hearty Sardinian meals, and experience the slower rhythm of island life. We take care of all the accommodations, so you can focus on the adventure and enjoy an unforgettable trekking holiday.
Nuoro is a vibrant mountain town, often called the cultural heart of Sardinia. Visit its museums, enjoy Sardinian cuisine, and get inspired for the journey ahead.
From Nuoro you begin in the historic center before leaving town on quiet lanes and countryside paths. The route descends gently through ridges and open valleys in the heart of Barbagia. You’ll pass Mediterranean scrubland, olive groves, and enjoy wide views of Monte Ortobene. The final stretch towards Oliena is especially scenic, with the Supramonte massif towering in the distance. A relatively easy day that mixes cultural charm with Sardinia’s rugged landscape.
Along the way, you’ll notice how the scenery changes with every turn—fields dotted with shepherd huts, the scent of wild herbs drifting on the breeze, and glimpses of traditional stone walls lining the paths. The tranquility of the countryside makes it easy to connect with the rhythm of Sardinian life, and occasional villages along the route offer a chance to see locals going about their day. As you approach Oliena, the contrast of fertile vineyards against the dramatic limestone cliffs creates an unforgettable arrival, perfectly blending nature, culture, and hospitality.
After passing through Oliena, one final climb awaits as you make your way up to your accommodation for the night. There’s a restaurant on site, so you can call ahead to reserve a table if you’d like, but please note that dinner there is at your own expense. Alternatively, you can pick up something for dinner in town before starting the ascent. Either way, it’s a rewarding finish, with a well-earned meal waiting at the top.
Important: this route includes a river crossing after roughly 10.5 kilometres, and it may be impossible or unsafe depending on the water level. Check the situation carefully before entering the water. If the crossing does not look safe, do not take any risks, turn around and choose route option 2 instead.
From the high edge above Oliena, the trail rolls through rugged limestone country with big views over the Supramonte. It passes below Punta Cusidore (1,147 m), Punta Nidos (1,348 m) and Punta Corrasi (1,463 m), then gradually loses height through quiet forest tracks, stony paths and open slopes. After the long descent, you reach the river, where conditions decide the next move: continue only if the crossing is safe, otherwise turn around.
After the river crossing, the first stretch can be unclear and overgrown, so stay sharp and keep checking the line. The route then climbs gently past Monte Coazza (330 m) towards Dorgali. Arrival is at your accommodation in town, where the wild silence of the gorge gives way to Sardinian stone streets, cold drinks and a well-earned sigh of relief.
Your last trekking day takes you from the mountain town of Dorgali down to the sea at Cala Gonone. The path starts gently, winding past countryside and rocky slopes before opening up to wide views of the Gulf of Orosei. As you descend, the scent of pine trees mixes with the salty sea breeze, reminding you that the coast is near. Reaching Cala Gonone feels like a true reward: a lively seaside village where your trek ends with cliffs, beaches, and the sparkle of the Mediterranean.
This descent is as memorable as it is symbolic, shifting from the rugged character of the mountains to the refreshing embrace of the sea. Along the way, you may spot goats grazing on rocky outcrops and hear the distant crash of waves long before they come into view. The landscape gradually softens, with Mediterranean vegetation giving way to dramatic coastal scenery. Arriving in Cala Gonone, the turquoise waters and bustling harbor provide a vibrant finale, where you can celebrate the journey with fresh seafood, a swim in the clear sea, or simply relaxing on the beach as the trek comes to its perfect close.
It’s time to leave Cala Gonone behind, carrying memories of rugged peaks, sweeping views, and Sardinia’s wild beauty by the sea.
