Sardinia is now a popular destination for hikers. The hiking trip to Sardinia's east is wild and relaxing at the same time. Wild because the landscape is characterized by rugged karst rocks. And relaxing, because the Sardinians have perfected “la dolce far niente”, sweet idleness.
Details about the walking holiday in Sardinia
With every day in your hiking boots, you can take in the breathtaking landscape and the Italian attitude towards life. The varied natural landscapes ensure absolute hiking pleasure, be it the blooming macchia, the Gulf of Orosei or the bathing bays of Ogliastra.
From Santa Maria Navarrese it goes to the high plateau of Golgo and the bay of Cala Goloritze. A circular hike to the bay of Cala Mariolu follows. You can reach the holiday resort of Cala Gonone by boat. The hiking tour is completed with circular hikes to the rocky bays of Cala Fuili and Cala Luna as well as a hike around the rock massif of Monte Irveri. Daily hikes of up to six hours leave you plenty of time to take a refreshing dip in the sea.
The highlights of the East Coast of Sardinia walking tour:
Impressive Coastal Walks: Sardinia's east is wild and scenic - routes are mostly along the coast, affording magnificent views of the sea.
Orosei Natural Park: Sardinia's largest natural park, the Golfo di Orosei is a scenic gem on the Italian island. The mighty limestone slabs protrude almost vertically from the sea and form striking landmarks in the turquoise water.
Enchanting macchia: A fragrant blooming splendour awaits you in the spring months in the macchia of Sardinia. Between the spring and autumn blossoms, the macchia forests exude the aroma of rosemary, laurel and other Mediterranean herbs.
Grotta del Bue Marino: This stalactite cave is located at the foot of the Supramonte in the Golfo di Orosei. It owes its name to the monk seal that took shelter at high altitude and was baptized, Bue Marino. Enjoy the mystical atmosphere!
Worth knowing about the hiking tour in Sardinia
On the day of your arrival in Santa Maria Navarrese, you should take a dip in the nearby bays of the Ogliastra. This is followed by sunny days peppered with hiking tours between nine and 18 kilometres. Three circular hikes also lead to the highlands of Sardinia. The hiking trails often lead over rocky and stony terrain and therefore require good surefootedness.
The small coastal town is in a picturesque location between the cliffs of the Golfo di Orosei and the long sandy beaches of the Ogliastra. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach or a swim in the sea to get in the mood.
A scenic path above the coast takes you to the impressive limestone peak of Pedra Longa. You soon turn inland and climb up narrow paths below impressive rock faces to the first mountain peaks. Again and again, you have breathtaking views of the turquoise-blue sea. Past flocks of sheep and through the fragrant maquis down to the high plateau of Golgo.
A very special highlight awaits you today with the hike to the spectacular bay of Cala Goloritzé! You hike through a gorge with a view of the impressive cliffs and a 120 m high rocky peak that is reflected in crystal-clear, sparkling water. After a bathing break in a wonderful bay, you start your way back to Golgo to the cosy rifugio.
You hike the wildly romantic plateau of Golgo to the rock arch of Arcobaleno, the destination of your hike. Here you have wonderful panoramic views of the deep blue sea far below you. In addition, adventurous and sure-footed hikers can climb further down steep paths over juniper wood ladders to the bay of Cala Mariolu.
After a short transfer from Cala Sisine beach, hike uphill among carob trees and holm oaks, admiring the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. Your path leads across an endless karst plateau to the dreamlike bathing bay of Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. The ship takes you to the holiday resort of Cala Gonone, where you will spend the next few days by the sea.
A wonderful hike takes you over the small, hidden rocky cove of Cala Fuili to Cala Luna. On a shady hiking trail through forest and cliff terrain past hidden caves and gorges. After a refreshing dip in the sea and a rest in a beach bar, the boat takes you back to Cala Gonone with the option of stopping at the fascinating stalactite cave of Bue Marino.
Hike from the coast up to a pass from where there are wide views of Sardinia's interior. You circle the rock massif of Monte Irveri and reach the idyllic sandy beach of Cala Cartoe. Along the cliffs, you have a fantastic view of the entire Gulf of Orosei. Relive your hiking week high above the coast.
ca. 3,5 to 6 hours
17 km
630 m
630 m
Day
8
Departure or tour extension
Route information
You hike on beautiful hiking trails along the coast and in the highlands. However, Sardinia consists mostly of limestone rocks, so it is very often on rocky and stony terrain where sure-footedness is required. You should bring a good level of fitness for hikes of up to 6.5 hours.
Transfers to Santa Maria Navarrese: Cagliari Airport € 265 per trip (up to 3 people), € 285 (up to 8 people), duration approx. 2 hours. Olbia Airport € 279 per trip (up to 3 people), € 309 (up to 8 people), duration approx. 2.5 hours.
Return transfers from Cala Gonone: Cagliari Airport € 335 per trip (up to 3 people), € 359 (up to 8 people), duration approx. 3 hours. Olbia Airport € 185 per trip (up to 3 people), € 279 (up to 8 people), duration approx. 1.5 hours.
Return transfer from Cala Gonone to Santa Maria Navarrese: €159 per trip (up to 3 people), €239 (up to 8 people), duration approx. 1.5 hours.
Advance notice is required for all transfers, and transfers are payable in advance.
Information
Arrival / Parking / Departure:
Cagliari or Olbia airport.
Parking: free parking spaces in the hotel or near the hotel, no prior reservation.
Important information:
Visitor's tax, if due, not included in the travel price
Due to the accommodation in the Rifugio, single rooms are only available in limited numbers.
2x boat trip to Cala Gonone, approx. €10 per person/trip