• 5 days Walking
  • Wild & Spectacular scenery
  • Walking tour of Cagliari
  • Prehistoric Culture
  • Swimming
Walking, Culture & Swimming in Sardinia

General Information

This 8 day trip is divided between two fabulous locations, one on the eastern side of the island and one on the south coast. The first four days are spent exploring the area around Oliena & the Supramonte Mountains, renowned for their pastoral traditions and wild, unspoilt terrain. We walk inland to discover the delights of the Sardinia ‘macchia’’, aromatic herbs and wild plants, and we also walk along the coast along a cliff path with spectacular views out to sea. We taste traditional dishes such as ‘porceddu’ (roast suckling pig),  ‘gnocchetti sardi’ (hand-made local pasta) and ‘mirto’, the potent liqueur made from myrtle berries. Our hotel is justifiably world famous for its restaurant, gardens and original art work. The next three days are spent near Villasimius on the South Coast. Here we stay at a comfortable, family-run ‘agriturismo’ (converted farm) and walk in the “Sette Fratelli” Nature Reserve. A walking tour of Cagliari is also included with time to shop for local specialities.

Walking & Terrain

Walking in Sardinia tends to be either on good, wide farm tracks or over rockier terrain. This contrast makes for more interesting routes.The easier terrain allows one to admire views or stride out. The rockier terrain, although challenging, is not dangerous and is often the only way to discover some of the island’s hidden delights. There are some steep ascents and descents, which we tackle slowly with lots of time to catch our breath! The rewards will more than repay your efforts. The walking here requires a moderate to good level of fitness.
ITINERARY

Day One Supramonte Mountains

Arrive at Olbia airport and transfer by private minibus to our hotel at the foot of the Supramonte Mountains (1hr 30 mins).

Day Two Walk to Oliena

Introductory talk on the mysterious island of Sardinia. We then walk from the hotel to the nearby village of Oliena with a picnic lunch en-route. Our walk takes us through typical aromatic Sardinian ‘macchia’ along good farm tracks with fabulous views towards the coast and inland. Arriving in Oliena we walk through town enjoying the sights en-route. After an ‘aperitivo’ we return by minibus to the hotel. (c. 8 miles)

Day Three Boat Trip & Coastal Walk

We travel by minibus to the small port of Cala Gonone. From here we board our boat which takes us first to the Grotta del Bue Marino, a cave renowned for its extraordinary limestone concretions, then on to Cala Luna, a spectacular crescent-shaped beach fringed with pink oleander. Here we enjoy a beach picnic and then walk back along a rocky coastal path back towards Cala Gonone. (2 hrs 30 mins). Those preferring to relax and enjoy the sea are able to stay longer on the beach and catch a later boat back to the port.

Day Four Nuragic village of Tiscali

Today we walk to the Nuragic village of Tiscali, hidden in the cavernous interior of a mountain. We picnic in the beautiful valley of Lanaitto before returning to the hotel for a free afternoon with which to relax, read and enjoy the hotel facilities (pool, aromatherapy massage, gym, extensive library)

Day Five Nuoro and Barumini

We depart in the morning for our next destination, an agriturismo near Villasimius in the south of the island. En-route we visit a fascinating museum of arts and crafts in Nuoro, and picnic at the impressive Nuragic fortress at Barumini.

Day Six Nature Reserve Walk

We drive to the start of our walk in the Seven Sisters Nature Park. Here we walk along clear forest tracks with spectacular views of the south-west coast. (7 miles)

Day Seven Cagliari

Morning’s walking tour of Cagliari, including a visit to the excellent National Archaeological Museum. Lunch at a fish restaurant before returning to Villasimius for an optional afternoon on the beach or shopping in the town.

Day Eight Departure

Return to Olbia airport by private minibus (3 hours).

Please contact us for suggested departure dates for this trip