23 Best Hikes In Sardinia

There are many incredible hikes in Sardinia, and hiking in Sardinia is a fantastic experience. Along the trails, you’ll soak up the spectacular scenery and nature of Sardinia, and breathtaking views.

I am a keen hiker and never miss a chance to hit the trails – it is safe to say that I go on a hike almost every weekend. I prefer coastal hikes that end at one of the many gorgeous beaches in Sardinia, but I won’t say no to inland trails that take me to the top of mountains and through magnificent forests, in one of Sardinia’s nature reserves.

And lately, I have a new favorite: hikes that pass through impressive archeological sites in Sardinia, or that visit one of the many abandoned mines on the island.

Let me stress that while Sardinia is world-renowned for being a top summer holiday destination, and many visit Sardinia to enjoy the glorious Sardinian beaches, Sardinia is also home to lush vegetation and abundant mountains with a vast number of trails.

I’m eager to share with you my favorite hikes in Sardinia, by area. I hope I can help make your Sardinia hiking dreams come true! At the end, you’ll find a few additional tips to help you make the most of your hikes around the island.

The Best Hikes In Sardinia

Best Hikes in the South of Sardinia

Sella del Diavolo Hike – Cagliari

If you are spending a long weekend in Cagliari, you will want to go on this hike.

The Sella del Diavolo hike is definitely one of the best hikes in Sardinia, and easily accessible even if you don’t rent a car for your Sardinia trip: the trailhead is behind Calamosca Beach, one of Cagliari’s urban beaches (just at the back of Calamosca Hotel), which you can reach by bus (hop on line 11) from the center of Cagliari.

It’s a well-marked trail on mostly rocky terrain. The hike takes around 2 hours from start to finish, with little elevation gain and incredible views along the way. The beginning of the trail faces Calamosca beach, where you can see impressive views of the watchtower and lighthouse below.

From the top of Sella del Diavolo, the view encompasses the Gulf of Cagliari and Poetto Beach, the most popular beach in Cagliari, and there are some interesting ruins (a watchtower and a small necropolis) you can admire.

This is an out-and-back hike that is easy enough for the whole family and that you can do year-round. However, I don’t recommend going during the hottest hours in the summer months.

While this is an easy hike, you will need hiking shoes, a hat, and water for the duration of the hike (there are no fountains along the way). As it is in the city, it’s one of the few hikes that you can do alone.

Local Tip: There is an alternative trail that goes up to the Sella del Diavolo. The trailhead is near the parking lot in Marina Piccola, a small tourist harbor where the Poetto Beach starts. It’s a slightly more challenging hike, and it takes you all the way to the Poetto Tower, one of the many Aragonese towers scattered along the coast of Sardinia.

The Roman Road to Su Cordolinu

The Roman Road to Su Cordolinu is a stunning and fairly easy out-and-back hike that anyone and everyone will enjoy. It’s one of the best hikes in Sardinia that is suitable for the whole family, along a very well-marked trail that is easy to follow and wide enough so that you’ll also see bikes on it.

You will find the trailhead in Pinus Village, a quaint summer residence about an hour’s drive from Cagliari. It follows an ancient Roman Road along the Sardinian coastline that will take you out to the Su Cordolinu island.

The trail takes nearly four hours to complete (for a round-trip journey). It takes longer if you stop along the way for photos (the coastal views are breathtaking).

Make sure to bring food and water, as there are no kiosks where you can stop along the way, and Su Cordolinu is the perfect spot for a picnic. There’s a lovely pine forest behind it that provides great shade on warmer days.

If you want to extend the hike a little, consider walking just a bit further to Chia Beach to see its glorious Aragonese watchtower.

You can easily hike the Roman Road independently. If you don’t have transport or would rather join a guided tour, you can consider this half-day hike that includes transportation to the trailhead.

Hike from Cala Cipolla to Tuerredda

Drive around one hour from Cagliari and past Chia Su Giudeu beach, and you’ll arrive at the lovely coastal cove of Cala Cipolla. The trail will begin pretty much there and lead you to Tuerredda— one of south Sardinia’s best beaches.

It will take you about 4 hours to complete this 14 km (8.7 miles) hike (one way), on a trail that is well-marked. You will walk by Capo Spartivento, an old lighthouse that has been turned into a swanky boutique hotel.

The trail also passes other beautiful beaches, like Pedra Longa and Cala Antoniareddu, one of the most secluded beaches in Sardinia that can’t be easily reached by car.

Personally, I would rank this trail as easy to moderate. However, it depends on the add-ons you choose to tack on to your journey. For example, you can hike up to the observatory, from where the coastal views are awe-inspiring.

It is essential to wear hiking shoes and to pack water and food for the duration of this hike.

The Cala Cipolla to Tuerredda trail can be exceptionally long if you want to hike it round-trip. My favorite way to hike this trail is to caravan with a friend and park one car at each trailhead. You can park one car a short distance from the observatory, off the SS195 road. Enquire with your hotel in Cagliari for guided hikes to Tuerredda.

From Masua Pan di Zucchero to Cala Domestica

This is one of the most strenuous hikes in Sardinia. The trailhead is by Masua Pan di Zucchero Beach, about a 1.5-hour drive from Cagliari. It’s where the mines of Porto Flavia (among the most famous archeological mines in Sardinia) are located.

This point-to-point hike is 12 kilometers long one-way (around 7.5 miles), and will take at least 4 hours to complete! The trail terminates at Cala Domestica, a charming cove in what looks like a fjord.

The Masua Pan di Zucchero to Cala Domestica is a narrow trail, one of the most technical trails in Sardinia. At certain points, the path squeezes down to just 50 cm (less than 30 inches) wide!

It’s definitely not an option if you are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo, as you’ll be walking along cliffs and through thick, oppressive Mediterranean bushes. Expect to have to navigate through branches more than once.

Once you get there, Cala Domestica has a Spanish watchtower that you can walk up to. The views from the watchtower are unparalleled! It’s backed by dunes and the remains of an old mining railway.

There are no facilities along this trail, so make sure to bring plenty of water and food for the hike. 

If you’re not a very experienced hiker, I recommend joining a guided group for peace of mind and safety. You will also need to wear excellent, sturdy hiking shoes and pack water and food for this hike.

My top recommendation for guided group tours is Cooperativa Santa Margherita. Their headquarters are located in Nebida, close to Masua. Get in touch with them via email at [email protected] or by phone at +3907811865860.

Sentiero dei Cinque Faraglioni (Nebida)

This is a fun hike that starts in one of the most impressive mining sites in Sardinia – the Laveria Lamarmora of Nebida. When I did it last May, I did not find it particularly challenging (though it is marked as a moderate to medium hike), although there are some steep downhill bits.

The overall hike is about 8.6 km (5.3 miles) with about 448 meters (about 1,470 feet) of elevation gain. The trailhead is in Nebida: from the parking lot, you can follow the steps down to the Laveria, and from there continue walking to Masua. It’s best to go with two cars, as walking back to the parking lot turns this into a very long hike.

Along the hike, you will see 5 gorgeous stacks of South Sardinia – the most famous one is the Pan di Zucchero. The views of the coast are breathtaking. The hike ends at the Masua beach, where, depending on the season, you can also go for a swim. I recommend packing a small towel and your swimsuit.

You will need hiking shoes as the terrain can be tricky and slippery in certain parts, and obviously, food and water for the duration of the hike.

The trail is mostly easy to follow, but you may want a guide to learn more about the beautiful nature and history of the area, and in particular that of Laveria Lamarmora.

You could also consider this guided hike from Nebida to Masua that includes transportation back to the parking lot (transportation from Cagliari is not included).

Is Cannoneris

Looking for one of the most moderate hikes in Sardinia? Is Cannoneris is an easy circular trail that will take you about 4 hours to complete.

Located in the southwestern part of Sardinia, right on the eastern border of Sulcis, you’ll find a lush and luxurious forest that is home to the Is Cannoneris trail. This ancient oak forest is one of the oldest in Europe.

The trailhead is close to Domus de Maria, about a 1.5-hour drive from Cagliari along SS195. You will find signs once past the village pointing you to the reserve. Drive past the small barracks and you will find a parking lot and a picnic area. The trail starts there, and it’s often marked with a red and white sign, sometimes painted on rocks.

With plentiful shade, it’s perfect for the whole family, even on warmer days. You might even see goats and deer along the trail!

The highest point of the trail is located at 979 meters (3,212 feet) above sea level. Make sure to wear the right gear for this hike and to bring water and food.

While you can hike this trail independently, if you want, you can consider this Is Cannoneris Nature Reserve walking tour that includes transportation from the nearby Chia.

Sa Spendula

This is a lovely, easy hike (so easy that even my mom, who’s not a fan of hiking, would do it) to a spectacular waterfall with a lovely natural pool at the bottom! You will find the trailhead in the parking lot of Campanas de Sisinni Conti, which is around a 45-minute drive from Cagliari, near the small town of Villacidro.

The out-and-back trail to Sa Spendula is very well-marked and follows a well-worn path.

Expect the first half of the trail to be easy and the second half to be a bit more strenuous: you’ll be hiking to the summit of Monte Margiani at 900 meters (about 2,953 feet). The hike to the peak is a steady uphill battle, though fairly short.

It will take you about 2 hours for this hike, and while there is lots of shade which is good in the summer months, you won’t find much water there in the hot season – so I recommend this hike in the winter and early spring months.

Bring water for the duration of the hike, a snack, and wear appropriate shoes.

Best Hikes in the Center of Sardinia

Sa Perda Stampada hike, Marina di Gairo

I have hiked the trail to Sa Perda Stampada twice in 1.5 years (once in the winter and once in late fall), and thought I’d add it to the list of my favorite hikes on the island since I enjoyed it so much.

The trailhead to the Sa Perda Stampada is by the camping site of Coccorrocci, a lesser-known beach near Marina di Gairo and not far from Tertenia, a nice coastal town on the east coast of Sardinia. It’s roughly a 2-hour drive from Cagliari along the SS125 to get there. Transportation in the area can be a bit lacking, so you will need your own car.

This circular trail is roughly 12.5 km (7.8 miles) and it will take you between 4.5 and 5.5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop and your level of fitness.

You can decide to go in whichever direction you prefer: the first time I hiked it, I left the Perda Stampada bit as the very last section of the hike, whereas the last time it was my first stop.

It’s a challenging hike, with a few steep ascents and descents that may be hard on your knees. But it’s also very rewarding: the view of the rugged coast along the hike is stunning.

Once you get to the Perda Stampada, a massive rock with a hole that looks like a window and that sits at 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level, the view of Coccorrocci Beach below is breathtaking.

Close to the camping site, you will find “Is Piscineddas”, a series of beautiful natural pools. You will find picnic tables in the area.

Local Tip: Not far from Marina di Gairo, you will find Gairo Vecchia, one of the ghost villages of Sardinia.

Hiking Gorropu Canyon

As Sardinia’s most impressive gorge, bordered by giant, 500-meter-tall (that’s more than 1,640 feet) limestone walls, Gorropu Canyon is home to some of the best hikes in Sardinia. It’s also one of the best places for rock climbing in Sardinia.

There are several hiking trails in the Gorropu Gorge. I have hiked a few of them, and each of them is incredible for a myriad of different reasons, but I have my two favorites.

The most epic route has the trailhead at Genna ‘e Silana pass car park. The out-and-back trail is approximately 8 km (5 miles). It takes around 2 hours to go down into the gorge and about 4 hours to hike back out. It is a truly difficult, steep hike out of the gorge.

Another slightly easier trail to try is the Sa Barva Bridge trail. The trailhead is about 15 km (9-3 miles) outside of Dorgali and will take you on a 14-km (8.7 miles) out-and-back hike crossing the Sa Barva bridge and continuing on a trail towards Gorropu.

You will walk along the Rio Flumineddu all the way to the mouth of the gorge. The hike will take you about 5 hours, depending on your speed and how often you stop.

There is a small admission fee to enter the Gorropu Canyon. Bring small change with you to pay. The parking lot at Rifugio Gorroppu is the only place where you can buy water or food, so make sure you have enough for your hike.

This is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Sardinia. Don’t be surprised to find a lot of people especially at weekends and on national holidays. You can hike independently, but you could also consider this guided hike to Gorropu from Dorgali or the one to Gorropu from Orosei.

I recommend reading my post How To Hike Su Gorropu Gorge for more detailed information on all the trails.

Cala Goloritze

The hike to Cala Goloritze is one of my most beloved hikes in Sardinia. It’s an 8 km (about 5 miles) out-and-back hike with roughly 500 meters (1,640 feet) of elevation gain. It takes you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and if you go in the warmest months, you have the bonus of spending time at a beach that can’t be reached otherwise.

The trailhead is located in Su Porteddu parking lot, on the Golgo Plateau above Baunei – it’s about 2 hours drive from Cagliari, but you could easily factor it in in your itinerary if you spend time in Tortolì or Santa Maria Navarrese.

The Cala Goloritze hike follows a downhill path that will lead you through the forest and to the beach. While the downhill slope is very enjoyable, as you walk back on the same trail, you will find that very steep.

Many will tell you this is the most challenging hike in the area, but I disagree as the terrain is not too harsh, and the trail is easy to follow.

It takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours to go down and between 1.5 hours to 2 hours walk up— depending, of course, on your pace.

My personal recommendation is to head down to Cala Goloritze early in the morning and enjoy a full day at the beach.

There are no kiosks or vendors there, so you have to bring all the food and water you need. There is a café in Su Porteddu parking lot, so you can snag some bottles of water and sandwiches before heading down to the beach.

You really don’t need a guide for this hike, as the trail is easy to follow. However, if you want one, you can book this guided hike that meets just at the entrance of Baunei.

Starting in the Golgo Plateau you will find many trails going to other gorgeous beaches in the area such as Cala Mariolu (more about that below), Cala Sisine and more.

Punta Salinas

This hike gives you a birds-eye view over the magnificent Cala Goloritzé and its famous pinnacle.

The trailhead is in the above-mentioned Su Porteddu parking lot, and it initially follows the same trail that goes to the beach. However, once the trail to Cala Goloritzé starts to descend, you will have to go a different way to reach Punta Salinas.

It is a circular trail about 9 km (5-6 miles) long and that takes about 5 hours to complete, though you should factor in at least 7 as you will stop along the way for views.

The trail is not marked and while for the most part, it is self-evident, there are bits where it is easy to get confused, so you are better off going with a guide. You should inquire locally in Baunei for a guide or get in touch with Trekking Sardinia, a local company that organizes guided hikes.

The hike is considered to be moderate to easy, but the terrain can be tricky and you will need good hiking shoes. You’ll have to bring enough water and food for the duration of the hike.

An alternative trail is also marked on WikiLoc and you can see it here – but it doesn’t return to the same place where you park your car so you’ll need two separate cars for this.

Cala Mariolu

I hiked to Cala Mariolu last spring and enjoyed the experience so much that I decided to immediately include it in this post.

It’s a 13 km (8 miles) out-and-back hike with 600 meters (1,968.5 feet) elevation gain. The trail finishes at one of the most acclaimed beaches in Sardinia. For this reason, I recommend this hike in the late spring and early fall months, when you have the chance of jumping in the sea as soon as you get there.

The trailhead is in the Golgo Plateau, further inside the plateau compared to the trailhead to Cala Goloritzé.

It takes about 3 hours to get down to the beach. The trail to go down is quite steep, but easy to follow. Most people take about 3 hours to walk back up along the same trail, depending on their pace. It took me 2.5 hours, but I am a better uphill than downhill walker.

This is a very challenging hike for expert hikers. It’s on a difficult terrain of stones and rocks, with a few bits on steep steps and on a very narrow trail that goes along the cliff. I would say it’s not suitable if you are afraid of heights.

You need appropriate gear for the Cala Mariolu hike. That means good hiking boots (hiking shoes and trail shoes won’t do) and a proper hiking backpack. I saw a few tourists on the trail walking in flip flops and I honestly keep wondering if they made it back alright!

I recommend heading out nice and early to enjoy a couple of hours on the beach before walking back up. Remember to bring at least 2 liters of water for the hike, and food and snacks. There’s a tiny kiosk in Cala Mariolu, but it only opens in the peak summer months.

This well rated hiking guided tour goes to Cala Mariolu. You will meet your expert local guide in Baunei before heading to the Golgo Plateau.

I have written a more detailed Guide To Visit Cala Mariolu that explains how to make the most of this protected beach.

Cala Biriala

I hiked to Cala Biriala last weekend and loved it.

It’s a 7.5 km (4.6 miles) out-and-back hike with 380 meters (about 1,250 feet) elevation gain. The trail finishes at the marvelous Cala Biriala, where you can jump into the glorious transparent waters as soon as you arrive. That’s why this hike is best enjoyed in either May or mid-September (when I did it) or early October.

The trailhead is in Località Ololbissi, beyond the Golgo Plateau. To get there, you’ll have to pass the parking lots where the trailheads to Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu are located.

It takes 2 and 2.5 hours to the beach. The trail down is generally easy to follow, but it is very steep in parts, and the terrain can be challenging as it’s mostly stones, which can be tiring to walk on. Most people take about 2 hours to walk back up to the parking lot along the same trail. It took me 1.5 hours, but I much prefer walking uphill when I am hiking.

Let me stress that this is a very challenging hike, which you should not dare to do alone (in fact, you should consider going with a guide), and for which you absolutely need hiking shoes.

It’s also not suitable if you are afraid of heights and get vertigo, as there are some bits where you’ll need to scramble down some rocks and a metal ladder, barely holding onto a cable.

You will need a good hiking backpack where you can carry at least 2 liters of water, food, and snacks – there are no services whatsoever at the beach.

For this specific trail, I wholeheartedly recommend joining a guided hike such as this one, which includes pick up from Orosei, Dorgali and Galtellì. Having a guide will help you better tackle the trail’s many challenges.

Cala Luna

The hike to Cala Luna is a great mixture of incredible coastal views, forest and beautiful scenery all around. 

The trailhead is in Cala Fuili, a lovely small cove a short distance from the village of Cala Gonone. That’s where the road ends. You will have to take the stairs down to the beach and from there start following the trail, which is about 7 km (4.3 miles) one way: it’s an out-and-back trail.

Depending on your level of fitness, this is a moderate to difficult trail – there are lots of ups and downs and the terrain can be very uneven, especially after heavy rains. At the end, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches you can ever hope to see!

A hat, hiking boots, food, and water are a must for this hike as there is no water source and kiosk at any point during the hike. There’s a kiosk hidden in the vegetation once you get to Cala luna.

During the summer months, once you get to Cala Luna you will be able to catch a ferry ride back to Cala Gonone for a small fee. Leave one car parked there and one parked in Cala Fuili – or make use of the local shuttle to get back to the parking lot and get your car.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but you can also consider joining this small group trek to Cala Luna that includes pick-up from Cala Gonone, Dorgali, or Orosei.

Hiking Oasi Bidderosa

Bidderosa Natural Park is a protected area that is only open from May to October. The park is located a quick drive north of Orosei, and can be easily reached from Dorgali and Olbia too.

A restricted number of cars are admitted in the parking lot to the park— but there’s no restriction on the number of actual visitors.

You must reserve your admission and parking spot in advance and call at least 72 hours in advance to secure your spot. You’re welcome to call farther ahead if you wish! This is their website to book your spot. The website is only in Italian but it is rather self-explanatory.

Inside Oasi Bidderosa Natural Park, there are five spectacular coves, with numerous trails connecting them.

Hiking and biking in Oasi Bidderosa makes for a truly delightful day, You are welcome to explore the entire park, trails, and coves independently, or guides are available at Oasi Bidderosa to lead you on hikes and walks.

There is only one place in the park to buy food and water — the kiosk in cove #3. Plan accordingly.

Sentiero dei Banditi 

Not far from Scano di Montiferro and a short driving distance from Cuglieri, this moderate 6 km (3.7 miles) out-and-back hike puts together the pleasure of walking inside the thick woods of central Sardinia with the chance of getting to know more about the famous bandits of Sardinia.

That’s why this trail – albeit very easy to follow – is best enjoyed with a guide. It’s one of the most interesting historic hikes of Sardinia, during which you will get to learn a lot about the morphology of this part of the island as well as about its troubled past. 

The only company running the hike is the Associazione Turistica e Culturale Barbarighinu. Get in touch with them to enquire about their next departure. They also have English-speaking guides. You will meet your guide in the village and then drive to the beginning of the trail just outside Scano di Montiferro. It’s not the easiest one to find.

Best Hikes in the North of Sardinia

Hiking Punta Giglio & Porto Conte

Porto Conte Regional Park is one of the most beautiful places to go hiking in Sardinia. You will find it a 25-minute drive from Alghero, one of the nicest cities in Sardinia. If you don’t have a car, you can also get there by bus – line 9321 takes you there in about 45 minutes from the center of Alghero.

Five different trails inside Porto Conte will all lead you to the peak of Punta Giglio. The paths are well-marked and easy to follow.

To give you a rough estimate, the trails usually take around 1.5 hours to complete. It’s a popular spot not only for hiking, but also for running, and off-road biking in northern Sardinia.

What’s interesting is that some of the paths will weave through nature, and other tracks will take you around inactive military sites.

This hike Porto Conte comes highly recommended. It’s a half-day tour that lasts 5 hours and also goes to the beautiful Oasi Naturale Le Prigionette.

Hiking in Asinara National Park

Floating off the northern tip of Sardinia lies the tiny island of Asinara, only 52 square km. This remote, rural island is entirely overrun by the wild flora and fauna. There’s nothing but donkeys, boars, foxes, sheep, and deer and a few park rangers!

Asinara has been many things in the past – from a leper colony to a high-security prison; however, in 1997, it was officially made into a national park, which is highly protected and filled with a variety of hiking and biking trails, and no cars are allowed on the island.

If you want to explore the whole island, you can stay for a couple of days in Cala d’Oliva, the only village where you’ll find accommodation.

You can discover the hikes on the official national park website. My personal favorite is the simple 1.3 km (0.8 miles) point-to-point trail that goes from Cala d’Oliva village to the lovely Cala Sabina beach.

The longest trail is the Lighthouse Path, which begins in Cala d’Oliva and ends at the Lighthouse in Cala d’Arena. The trail clocks in at nearly 18 km (11.1 miles) long!

The most popular trail is the 11.2 km (about 7 miles) Granite Trail that starts in Fornelli, on the southern tip of the island, and crosses the Santa Maria plain, coming across three granite quarries and ending near Cala Sant’Andrea.

There’s also the Water Trail, which begins and ends at Fornelli’s pier and follows a coastal route totaling 7 km (4.3 miles). You’ll wander past wells, dams, springs, and the sea.

Lovers of history will appreciate the 5.5 km (3.4 miles) Path of Memory, which leads you on a journey through Asinara’s past and brings you to quite a few important cultural sites.

The Holm-Oak trail begins in Cala d’Oliva and leads you through beautiful inland areas like the White Houses, meandering through forests and springs. It’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque hiking trails on the island of Asinara.

Cala Coticcio Hike, Caprera

The short hike to Cala Coticcio is one of the most popular in northern Sardinia, as it leads to the picture-perfect, tiny cove of Cala Coticcio, in Caprera island (part of La Maddalena Archipelago).

The trailhead is located by the Arbuticci parking lot in Caprera: it’s roughly a 25-minute drive from La Maddalena town.

This is an out-and-back trail of about 3.2 km (less than 2 miles) one way. It is considered moderate to challenging, depending on your level of fitness. The walk down to the beach takes about 1 hour – with stops to admire nature and the views. It will take more or less the same amount of time to walk back up.

As the beach is highly protected, access is only allowed on guided tours led by local guides and you also have to pay a small fee to La Maddalena National Park. The tour lasts about 5 hours of which around 3 are spent at the beach.

My favorite guide for this hike is Eleonora Amoroso: she’s an excellent local guide, speaks great English and she knows the area like the palm of her hand! You can send her a WhatsApp message to book your spot at +393355829321 – make sure to contact her well in advance as she is super popular.

Mount Teialone Hike, Caprera

Mount Teialone is the highest peak in Caprera and in the Maddalena Archipelago, and from there you can enjoy stunning views. It’s a spectacular spot for sunset, and when the breeze is blowing a very pleasant place even on the hottest summer evening.

The trailhead is on the road to Arbuticci parking lot – you will find it marked by a sign.

This out-and-back trail is just 3.4 km in total (2.1 miles) and takes no more than one hour to complete. I’d classify it as easy to moderate, but that depends on how fit you are. You pretty much have to walk uphill on the way to the Teialone Fort, and downhill on the way back, crossing the Mediterranean scrub.

There are several viewpoints along the way. A favorite one will give you stunning views of Cala Coticcio. You will also be able to walk inside the ruins of an 18th century fort from where the views are stunning.

This is an easy hike to do independently. Bring enough water for the hike, and for a romantic experience pack a picnic and a bottle of wine too.

Long Distance Hikes in Sardinia

Selvaggio Blu

Of the long-distance hikes in Sardinia, my favorite is Selvaggio Blu. Goat herders used to walk the trail now known as Selvaggio Blu, and you will see it is very narrow, rocky, and difficult.

The Selvaggio Blu trail begins in Pedra Longa, close to Baunei, and travels to Porto Cuau (translated to “hidden harbor”). It will bring you past the stunning beaches of the Gulf of Orosei: Cala Goloritzé, Cuile Piddi, Bacu Maduloru, Cala Sisine, Cala Luna, and Cala Fuili.

This is a challenging hike that will take 7 days and cover a total of 45 km (almost 28 miles) along the east coast of Sardinia, on what you may know as the Baunei Coast. You will walk by ravines, along cliffs, and through forests. There are even some spots of the trail that require a bit of abseiling.

You can’t hike Selvaggio Blu by yourself because you’ll need help with food, water, and navigation on your journey. The most reliable company that organizes this guided hike is Cooperativa Goloritzé.

You can also book your Selvaggio Blu guided hike online. This guided tour includes everything: mountain guide, meals, transfers, and equipment. You’ll have to get your own medical and travel insurance.

Sentiero Sardegna

Sentiero Sardegna is Sardinia’s section of Sentiero Italia, the “Grand Italian Trail,” an 8,000 km (4971 miles) long hiking trail crossing all of Italy. This trail leads up the highest peaks in Sardinia and along the most arduous trails on the island.

To hike Sentiero Sardegna you’ll need to spend at least 3 weeks on the trail. It’s not a loop, so you can decide to start either in the north – the trailhead is in Santa Teresa di Gallura; or in the south where you’ll find the trailhead in Castiadas.

As I’ve never done this hike myself, I recommend checking out Sentiero Sardegna’s website. You can download maps and a book that details all the ins and outs of the Sentiero Sardegna trail. Unfortunately, the information is only available in Italian.

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara is one of the longest hiking trails in Sardinia. It is a circular route that totals 500 km (about 310 miles) and covers the Sulcis Iglesiente region in the south of Sardinia. It starts in Iglesias, a small town about one hour drive west of Cagliari.

The trail comprises 30 different stages, with each stage totaling around 16 km (about 10 miles). There are all sorts of trails, some moderate and others classified as hard. You can decide to walk all of them, or just do a few stages at a time.

What’s amazing about this trail is that you can add on visits to ancient archaeological sites or picturesque Sardinian villages at any stage. Just a small amount of the path is paved road; the majority of the trail is on dirt roads.

Another thing to know about the Cammino di Santa Barbara is that you can plan everything via the trail’s official website, which is very detailed. It even shares information on how to get to the trailhead by bus from Cagliari.

When to Go Hiking in Sardinia

I recommend avoiding hiking in Sardinia during the hot summer months – by all means, don’t come to Sardinia in August and go for a hike! However, some of the most idyllic hikes do lead you to beaches, so if you can handle the heat, you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

That being said, the best time to hike in Sardinia is during the spring or fall – I love hiking in Sardinia in October. Winter in Sardinia can be a good time to hike, but the hours of daylight will be shorter, so it’s more challenging to tackle longer trails. 

Final Tips for Hiking in Sardinia

When you go hiking in Sardinia, you need to wear good hiking boots. I’ve seen people on the trails with flip-flops – that’s a twisted ankle waiting to happen!

I also recommend wearing layers and bringing a windbreaker jacket as Sardinia does endure strong mistral winds. Make sure to carry your sunglasses, a hat (in the summer) or beanie (in the winter) and apply a good sunblock as the sun can be fierce no matter the season.

Many hikes mentioned in this post are not loops. You might want to consider booking transportation or joining a group so you’re saved from having to hike all the way back out.

If you’re going on a long or strenuous hike in Sardinia, getting travel insurance is a must – make sure your insurance covers adventure sports too!