Sardinia – 8 days self-guided walking package

8 Days
  • 18
  • English,
  • Train, Bus, walking
  • Oliena
  • Cala Gonone
  • 2
  • 3
  • selected 3*
  • some meals included
  • Self-guided
  • Luggage transfer included

Highlights

Experience the wild beauty of Sardinia on this invigorating walking adventure, where dramatic island landscapes and rugged inland wilderness meet the sparkling Mediterranean. Towering white cliffs rise over 800 meters above the sea, while crystal-clear waters shimmer in deep shades of blue.
The journey winds past thousands of prehistoric Nuragic towers, climbs Monte Tiscali to reveal a hidden Nuraghe village, and follows jagged ridges of the Supramonte Mountains. Walk through narrow, dramatic footpaths in the spectacular Gola di Gorropu gorge before heading to the Gulf of Orosei, with 40 km of breathtaking coastline.

Please note that this is a walking experience for seasoned mountain walkers only. The limestone terrain is challenging, requiring strong map-reading skills, a quality compass, a fully charged phone, and GPS navigation. Waypoints and tracks can be provided on request. This journey is not only a trek through Sardinia’s landscape, but an adventure that awakens your wild side.

Level of difficulty 2 = Moderate day walks of 3-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) in hilly to mountainous areas using well-maintained, sometimes stony paths.

Comfort level 3 = Good hotels, inns, B&Bs, agriturismo (farmhouses) with en-suite private bathrooms, often well-located and serving good meals. 

Highlights

  • Spectacular views of the Supramonte Mountains and the Gulf of Orosei
  • Wild open spaces to enjoy your wild side
  • A dip into the deepest canyon in Italy, crystal clear, turquoise sea, wonderful for swimming
  • Small, family-run hotels set in remarkably panoramic places
  • Tiscali Ancient Nuragic archaeological site, filled to the brim with local culture and folklore
  • Friendly people and great local food including cheese, ravioli, a wild assortment of desserts, honey and Cannonau wine
  • Stress-free luggage and routing

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrive in Sardinia and relax

    Arrive at Cagliari or Alghero airport and take a local bus to Oliena, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel near the Su Gologone spring. Settle in and prepare your walking shoes for the adventure ahead. Relax with a glass of Cannonau wine and sample the traditional Sardinian “carasau” bread, soaking in the serene surroundings.

  • Day
    2

    Monte Corrasi round walk (10 km)

    Begin the day with a climb up Monte Corrasi, offering stunning views of the calcareous Supramonte Mountains and surrounding valleys. The trail is well-marked and gradually ascends to a plateau, providing a moderate but rewarding hike. Return via an alternate route to experience a new perspective of the landscape.

    Challenge: 5 hours, 11 km, 825 m ascent, 815 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    3

    From Monte Maccione to Su Gologone spring (15 km)

    Walk through Holm oak woods at the base of the towering Supramonte cliffs. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Oliena and Guthiddai valleys. For a rewarding challenge, climb the Scala di Sovana to Punta Cusidore. The day concludes with a visit to the limestone source of Su Gologone, Sardinia’s most important water spring, set within a dramatic narrow canyon.

    Challenge: 7 hours, 15 km, 395 m ascent, 990 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    4

    From Rio Flumineddu to Tiscali via ovili huts and return via (11 km)

    After a short transfer to Rio Flumineddu, follow the Scala de Surtana valley to a limestone plateau with restored ovili huts, showcasing traditional Sardinian craftsmanship. Continue the climb to Monte Tiscali and explore the remains of a hidden Nuraghe village within a natural cave oasis. Descend through the wooded gorge of Surtana to the Flumineddu river for transfer back to the hotel.

    Challenge: 5 hours, 11 km / 7 mi, 700 m ascent, 700 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    5

    Gola di Gorropu walk or alternative route to Silana (15 km)

    Venture into Gola di Gorropu, Italy’s deepest gorge, with vertical cliffs over 350 m high. Scramble over boulders and take in the dramatic scenery. Short transfers to the start and end of the walk are included.

    Alternative: Walk from Suttaterra to Dorgali along a mountain ridge, with sweeping views of the Gulf of Orosei and the Supramonte range. This route is moderate with gentle elevation changes.

    Challenge: 4–5 hours, 11–15 km, 320–341 m ascent, 177–690 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    6

    Walk from Dorgali to Cala Gonone (11 km)

    Start just outside Dorgali and follow an old tunnel to Cala Gonone. The trail ascends Monte Bardia before a gradual descent through scenic valleys. Optional ascent of Monte Irveri (616 m) adds a rewarding viewpoint over the coastline.

    Challenge: 5 hours, 11 km, 486 m ascent, 958 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    7

    Cala Luna beach and back to Cala Gonone by boat

    Today you can choose among different activities and a couple of walks. From Cala Gonone you can choose between several boat trips (like the to the double sea cave Bue Marina, which you will also pass if you return from Cala Luna by boat) . Another option is to visit the Nuraghe Mannu site. You can also go diving, kayaking and fishing

    Walk Cuccuru su Corvu to Cala Gonone: Optional transfer to the start of the walk from where you climb to ‘Sedda e s’Atta, that offers spanning view on the gulf. You then descending into a canyon full of large rounded boulders. You continue following the river bed until the famous Cala Luna beach  ( which can only be reached on foot or by boat) Take a refreshing swim and picnic lunch before continuing along the coastal trail to Cala Gonone.

    Walk Cala Gonone to Cala Luna. Starting from the harbour of Cala Gonone you follow the coastal road until the end and at Cala Fuili you enter the winding coastal trail that in a  short while brings you to the beautiful beach of Cala Luna. You can return the same way you came or take a boat back. This beach can only be reaches on foot or by boat

    Challenge: 4–6 hours, 9–16 km / 5.5–10 mi, 405–569 m ascent, 402–946 m descent

    Breakfast
  • Day
    8

    Departure

    After breakfast, your self-guided walking holiday comes to an end. Contact us to arrange further services worldwide

    Breakfast

The Cost Includes

  • 7 nights' accommodation with breakfasts
  • 5 dinners
  • Luggage transfer from day 1 to day 6
  • Transfer from Oliena square to Monte Maccione(day 1)
  • Transfer from Su Gologone to Sant'Elene (day 3)
  • Transfer to Ponte Flumineddu (morning) and from Ponte Flumineddu (afternoon)(day 4 and 5)
  • Transfer from Hotel Sant'Elene to Old Tunnel (day 6)
  • Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
  • Access to the trip on GUIBO navigatio app
  • 24-hour telephone assistance

The Cost Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Monterosso and from Bonassola
  • Trains, busses or boats wherever necessary (except those specifically mentioned)
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Tourist taxes

Accommodation and varies

All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. We choose comfortable *** hotels where all rooms have private en-suite bathrooms.

You can find below the standard hotels for this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked. 

Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way

Hotel Monte Maccione*** (Oliena) - is a simple hotel, located at the base of Monte Corrasi in a restored old farm abandoned. It has an amazing view of Gennargentu National Park by its terrace. Rooms are basic and functional, but clean and comfortable. Breakfast is good served on terrace. Cuisine is very recommended that offers traditional dishes. 
 
Hotel Sant'Elene*** (Dorgali) -  is located 3 kilometres from Dorgali, in the center of Barbagia area and gate for Gulf Of Orosei. Hotel is a family run, offers spacious and bright rooms with rustic style with air contioning, TV, private bathroom with shower. Wifi is free in the hall. Breakfast is various and natura.
 
Hotel Oasi*** (Cala Gonone) - overlooking Gulf Of Orosei with an amazing view and 5 minutes by walk from seafront. Hotel has a garden, a terrace and spacious and clean rooms, with a little bit dated furniture. The restaurant offers typical dishes. 
 
Extras on request:
  • Transfer to Cuccuru su Corvu
  • Additional nights before, during or after the walk
  • Single Room Supplement(s)
  • Solo Traveller Supplement
  • Transfer from airport to Monte Maccione/Oliena
  • Transfer from Cala Gonone to airport
 

Payment and Cancellation

Payment: deposit of 20% per person within 7 days of confirmation and balance 60 days before departing from Australia.

Cancellation:

  • cancellations once deposit paid  20% of the tour cost;
  • cancellations from 60 to 15 days  before departure date: 40% of the tour cost;
  •  cancellations from 14 to 9 days before departure date: 70% of the tour cost;
  •  cancellations from 8 to 0 days before departure date: 100% of the tour cost;

Technical Information

A note on the self-guided adventures and Fitness preparation:

Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. You should be comfortable reading maps, referring to route notes, and having a good sense of direction (or be willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, you will get the hang of it after the first couple of days, as most of our first-time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly, and we provide a 7-day service hotline in case of any problems. A certain level of the unknown comes with self-guided trips; however, with a systematic approach, potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self-guided journey is something that, once experienced, is sought repeatedly.
Fitness preparation: The concept behind most of our trips is active holidays; the fitter you are, the more quickly you will adjust and enjoy yourself. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations consistently before departure and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months following release. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed, comfortable, and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time rather than make it to the next hotel. While the day is when the most exciting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimise every situation you encounter. At a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic exercise: running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note that the best training is the activity you will be doing: walking up and downhill and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure to an appropriate amount (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, day pack, clothing, etc.) gives familiarity and comfort whilst walking. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’ rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’ to avoid problems.