Walking in Sardinia: an introduction

Walking in Sardinia

 

Sardinia: a hiker’s paradise

Sardinia, a Mediterranean island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient history, is also a walker’s dream. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to pristine coastal paths, there’s something for every hiker to enjoy.

Our guidebook to walking in Sardinia is your perfect companion.

The best time for walking in Sardinia

The ideal time to visit Sardinia for hiking is during the spring (April-May), when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Or walk in the autumn (September-October) when the forests are ablaze with colour.

The temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. However, hiking is possible year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm.

Sardinia boasts numerous world-class walking routes, such as the Selvaggio Blu, catering to all levels of experience. Here are a few of our favourite walks:

Ascent of Punta la Marmora (Walk 11)

At 1834m/6016ft, Punta La Marmora is not only the highest summit in the Gennargentu massif but the highest elevation on Sardinia.

Nevertheless, it is not a prominent peak and, were it not for the cross on top, one would hardly be able to locate it on the long summit ridge.

The classic ascent to the roof of the island starts out at the rifugio and follows the crest of a ridge. The panoramic views from the top, out over the rugged mountain landscape, are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see most of the island.

Walking through the Foresta Demaniale Montarbu to Monte Tonneri (Walk 15)

The state forest of Montarbu is situated miles from anywhere in the wild highlands of the Barbagia Seulo. Its beautiful mixed woodlands cover the limestone plateau of Monte Tonneri.

The rocky northern escarpment of this mountain drops precipitously to the deeply-etched Flumendosa Valley.

The walk initially follows the shady valley of the Riu Ermolinus, before climbing through oak woods to Pizzu Margiani Pobusa. At 1324m/4343ft it’s the highest peak in this area. From up here there is a stupendous panoramic view over the wild highlands of eastern Sardinia.

Grotta di San Giovanni circular walk (Walk 18)

Culminating at Punta San Michele (906m/2972ft), the southern flanks of the Iglesiente rise steeply from the Cixerri rift valley. The historic town of Iglesias (‘Churches’), for which the mountain range was named, is spread out along these foothills.

Your starting point is the Grotta di San Giovanni, a 850m/yds-long limestone cavern. The walk begins with a steep and rocky climb to the Punta San Michele, from where there are splendid panoramic views.

Then you follow a track to the forestry station of Marganai, before descending through a wooded valley. Your return is through the cave.

Walking from Cantoniera Porto Conte to Punta del Giglio (Walk 22)

This pleasant walk leads through pines and coastal macchia (now under EU ‘Natura 2000’ protection) to the cliffs at Punta del Giglio, from where you enjoy a magnificent view of the opposite limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia.

A special botanical feature of the area around Porto Conte is the dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis). This flourishes in luxuriant abundance but is rarely encountered elsewhere on the island.

Tips for walking in Sardinia

Plan ahead: Check weather forecasts and ensure you have the necessary equipment.
Pack essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
Wear appropriate footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are essential.
Respect the environment: Leave no trace and follow local guidelines.
Be aware of wildlife: Sardinia is home to diverse wildlife, including wild boar and mouflon – a type of wild sheep. Be cautious and respect their habitat.

How to get more out of your trip

Learn basic Sardinian phrases: A few basic Sardinian phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
Embrace the local culture: Take the time to experience Sardinian cuisine, music, and traditions.
Enjoy the scenery: Sardinia’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and soak in the atmosphere.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Sardinia offers an unforgettable experience. With its diverse landscapes, challenging routes, and friendly locals, this Mediterranean island is a true walker’s paradise. Buy our guidebook to walking in Sardinia.

More Articles

Walking on the Costa Brava

  Discover the Costa Brava The Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern [...]

Walking in Western Crete

  Western Crete – an unspoiled haven for walkers Western Crete, a rugged and unspoiled [...]

Walking in Corfu

  The diverse landscapes of Corfu Corfu, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is not [...]

Walking in the Picos de Europa

  Conquer the Picos de Europa! The Picos de Europa, a dramatic mountain range in [...]

Walking in the Azores

  Discover the best walking trails in the Azores The Azores, a stunning archipelago in [...]

Walking in the Basque Country

  Discover the magic of the Basque Country The Basque Country, a captivating region nestled [...]

Walking in Fuerteventura: an introduction

  Fuerteventura: a walker’s paradise Fuerteventura, the second-largest of the Canary Islands, is a hiker’s [...]

Walking in Tenerife: an introduction

  Walking in Tenerife: a paradise for hikers Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, [...]

A guide to climbing Teide on Tenerife

  Conquering Tenerife’s Teide: a guide to summiting Spain’s highest peak Tenerife, the largest of [...]

Walking highlights of Malta & Gozo

  The islands of Malta and Gozo Malta and Gozo, two small islands in the [...]

Walking highlights of Mallorca

  A hidden gem in the Balearics The Balearic island of Mallorca, often associated with [...]

The highlights of walking in Andalucía

  Walking through Andalucía Andalucía, with its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes, is a [...]

An introduction to walking in the Dolomites

  Walking in the Dolomites The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a mountain [...]

Walking highlights of Paxos

  Walking on Paxos: a guide to the Green Island Paxos, a small island in [...]

Walking the best trails in Southern Cyprus

  Hiking the mountains and coastline of Southern Cyprus Southern Cyprus, with its diverse landscapes, [...]

Walking in Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri

  An introduction to walking in Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri The Amalfi coast, a UNESCO [...]

The crystal-clear waters of Zákynthos

  The underwater beauty of Zákynthos In our guidebook Zákynthos, A Complete Guide with Walks, [...]

Too hot to walk on Zákynthos?

  Walking on Zákynthos in the summer Sometimes the summer heat on Zákynthos makes walking [...]

Walking in Sardinia: an introduction

  Sardinia: a hiker’s paradise Sardinia, a Mediterranean island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear [...]

Walking in Corsica: an introduction

  Corsica: a walker’s paradise Corsica, a Mediterranean island known for its rugged beauty and [...]

The Timanfaya guided walk on Lanzarote

  Exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape: the Timanfaya guided walk Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, [...]

Walking in the Southern Peloponnese

  A walking odyssey in the Greece The southern Peloponnese, in Greece, is a hidden [...]

Walking and eating in and around Nice

  Nice: a perfect destination for winter walking Nice, a vibrant city on the French [...]

Cider houses of the Basque country

  Sagardotegiak – Basque cider houses The beautiful Basque coastal city of San Sebastián (or [...]

Discovering the flysch in the Basque Country

  Discovering the flysch rock formations When walking in the Basque Country, don’t miss the [...]

A Roman town in Provence

  Glanum – a Roman town in Provence If you are walking in Provence you [...]

Walking in Gran Canaria: an introduction

  Gran Canaria: a continent in miniature Gran Canaria, the third-largest of the Canary Islands, [...]

Walking in La Gomera: an introduction

  La Gomera: a walking wonderland La Gomera, one of the smaller Canary Islands, is [...]

Walking in La Palma & El Hierro: an introduction

  La Palma and El Hierro: hiking havens in the Canary Islands La Palma and [...]

Walking in Lanzarote: an introduction

  Lanzarote: a volcanic paradise for walkers Lanzarote, the easternmost of the Canary Islands, is [...]

Buy Sunflower: this is why…

  Over 40 years of experience in each guide Sunflower has been producing guides for [...]

Walking in Madeira: an introduction

  Madeira: a stunning destination for walkers Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean off the [...]

Walking on the Canary Islands

  The Canary Islands: a paradise for hikers The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago [...]

The Titsa bus service on Tenerife

  Navigating Tenerife: a guide to the Titsa bus service Tenerife, the largest of the [...]

Walking and eating in and around Avignon

  A culinary and walking adventure in Provence Provence, a region in southern France renowned [...]

Walking in the Tatra Mountains of Poland & Slovakia

  A walking adventure in the Tatra Mountains The Tatra Mountains, straddling the border between [...]

Walking in Eastern Crete in October

  Eastern Crete in October: a walker’s paradise Eastern Crete, with its rugged mountains, pristine [...]

The Southern Peloponnese – a walkers’ paradise

  A Walking Odyssey in the Southern Peloponnese The southern Peloponnese, Greece, is a hidden [...]

See all articles