Customwalks: Guided walking tours in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Croatia.
Sardinia “Coast to Coast” Hiking tour Write a review
Sardinia is wild at heart, with a spectacularly rugged coastline and a mountainous interior. Our hikes are adventurous and rewarding. We take you off the beaten track to experience dramatic seascapes, explore breathtaking gorges, and swim from the island's famous white sandy beaches. You will start your adventure from laidback Olbia and spend two nights in charming Alghero, whose architecture and cuisine were influenced by their centuries-long trade with Barcelona. Bosa's enchanting pastel-colored houses and centuries-old warehouses welcome us as we make our way into the stony spine of the island, where you spend two nights in the verdant oasis of Sul Gologone. Sunsets that bathe distant limestone cliffs a soft golden hue are a memorable feature of our stay here. We end our coast-to-coast hike in Cala Gonone in another lovely four-star hotel that gives onto the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. During the week, you will no doubt appreciate the fresh seafood, local vegetables, and hearty meat dishes typical of Sardinian cuisine. The island also produces superb Cannonau reds (Grenache) and unctuous white Vermentino wines. This is a wonderful week of gorgeous hiking, fascinating history, and wonderful food and wine in beguiling Sardinia.
Sardinia “Coast to Coast” Hiking Tour Includes
Sardinia “Coast to Coast” Hiking tour itinerary Request full itinerary
Independent arrival in Olbia and check-in at the Hotel Panorama (or similar) in the historic old town. There are several daily flights to Olbia from Rome Milan, and other European hubs. Take some time this afternoon to explore Olbia’s charming city center. Dinner is on your own tonight to allow for a flexible and relaxed start to the trip. Hotel included. Dinner is not included.
Meet your guide(s) this morning at 8:00 a.m. for a 1-hour drive to Capo Testa: The Valley of the Moon. This little valley has impressive granite rocks shaped by the force of the weather over thousands of years. We hike through hidden coves where crystal-clear turquoise water is in vivid contrast to the surrounding golden-colored rocks and the deep green of the dense Mediterranean scrub. We transfer to the Medieval hamlet of Castelsardo for lunch. From there, we go to the lovely seaside town of Alghero. Ancient walls ring the town, and rusty canons still point out to sea. The town center is cobblestoned and a maze of narrow lanes connecting gracious piazzas. Dinner in our favorite local trattoria, where our welcoming hosts enthusiastically treat us to their seafood specialties, accompanied by a delicious Sardinian Vermentino di Gallura. The Hike: 5.2 km/3.2 mls. 252 metes/827 ft elevation gain and loss. Duration: about three hours. This hike has some boulders along the path that we negotiate, so it takes longer than usual to cover the distance. Overnight Alghero at the 4-star Hotel Catalunya (or similar). Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
We head up the coast this morning for an adventurous and wild walk high above the sea. Continue another hour down to the wide, sandy beach of Porto Ferro for a refreshing post-hike swim and lunch with a sea view. Afterward, we have a short drive back to Alghero, where you’ll have some free time to wander the colorful city streets before dinner. We’ll dine in a great restaurant featuring creative and delicious Sardinian dishes. The Hike: 9.6 km/5.9 mls. Elevation gain 304 meters/997 ft, elevation loss 399 meters/1309 ft. Overnight Alghero. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
After breakfast, we hit the road and head south along one of the most scenic drives on the island. Our destination is the beautiful coastal town of Bosa, where you'll find colorful houses in pastel hues, wrought-iron balconies, and narrow medieval alleys. Time for a mid-morning cappuccino and they we take you on a beautiful kayak trip down the Temo River with a local guide. We paddle through the old town, under the 16th century stone bridge, and gradually enter a wild and secluded part of the small river for an unexpected trip into the abundant flora and fauna of the small river. This is super easy kayaking so that novices will have no problems. After our aquatic adventures, we’ll have lunch with a wine tasting at a local wine cellar famous for its Malvasia wines. Afterward, we have a 1-hour transfer inland to Santu Antine, one of Sardinia's most important Nuraghe sites. Nuraghe are the ancient megalithic structures that the Nuragic civilization built as far back as 1,900 B.C. These impressive edifices are mysterious, intriguing, and unique to Sardinia. We then reach ”Su Gologone,” a welcoming 4-star hotel of whitewashed terracotta-roofed cottages set amongst a lush garden of hydrangeas, bougainvillea, and prickly pear. Each room is different, and the furnishings and materials are all local with colorful decorative flourishes. Overnight Su Gologone. Hotel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Transfer this morning to the trailhead, which leads us to the hidden ruins of the ancient village of Tíscali. Built inside a massive collapsed cave it is protected by natural walls but open to the sun and fresh rainwater. It consists of two groups of dwellings inhabited between the 15th - 8th centuries BC. Its origins are still unclear today, as the building technique differs from other Nuragic sites. Besides the ruins of Tiscali, the hike features expansive views over the rough and rocky spine of the island. This afternoon, there is time to relax by the hotel pool this afternoon. Tonight, you will dine on the delicate filo-like flatbreads and hearty, savory tarts the village women have made for centuries. The Hike: 6.4 km/4 ml. Elevation gain 369 m/1210 ft. Elevation loss 340m/1115 ft. Dinner tonight on the terrace. Overnight Su Gologone. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
A 50-minute drive takes us to the mountain pass of Genna Silana for a hike rocky and wild hike down into the spectacular Gorropu gorge. After a long descent we reach the crystal clear waters of the gorge. Natural rock pools invite you to soak your feet in the bracingly cold water or you can take a full plunge if you’re brave enough! The white gray rock of the gorge narrows to 5 meters (16 ft) wide between sheer rock walls that rise up 500 meters (1,650 ft) high. You can chose to hike up the boulder strewn gorge for as far as you like, but eventually you turn around to exit the gorge on an easy trail that follows the river. Eventually, we get to a point where we take a Jeep for an adventurous (and painless!) ride back up the Genna Silana pass. Keen hikers can also choose to do the ascent back up to the pass. Afterward, a short drive takes us east to the seaside to the lively port village of Cala Gonone. Our hotel, the 3-star superior Cala Luna Hotel (or similar), is right on the waterfront, so you can relax with a cold drink on the terrace or walk 20 meters to the beach for a swim before dinner on your own. The Hike: variable length, 5,3 km down the valley 1h30’, about 2 km in the gorge 1hr. Overnight Cala Gonone. Hotel, breakfast, and picnic lunch included. Dinner is not included.
Our final day is all about the sea: we begin with a two-hour coastal hike to Cala Luna, where we’ll stop for a swim and a tasty lunch. We finish off our tour with a boat trip to experience some of Sardinia’s most spectacular and isolated bays and beaches (weather permitting, of course). Alternatively, you can enjoy the afternoon exploring the coast by sea kayak (optional activity) or you can choose to simply chill out and enjoy our hotel overlooking the lovely Cala Gonone beach. The Hike: 5.4 km/3.3 miles. Elevation gain 242 meters/794 ft, elevation loss 272 meters/892 ft. Overnight Cala Gonone. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
We offer one 1hr15 min transfer to the Olbia airport, arriving around 10:30 a.m. If you need to leave earlier, we can arrange a taxi for you (at your expense). Breakfast included.
Please note: Some details of the itinerary may change according to the departure date of your tour. Whenever we run a tour we make new discoveries. Sometimes they are good discoveries, like a wonderful new trattoria, and sometimes they are bad, like a trail has been washed away. The result is that we sometimes change our itinerary to improve it by adding new wonderful elements to the tour or by removing something that does not work anymore. Rest assured, our goal is to always provide you with the best possible experience. We will advise you of any changes to the original itinerary prior to departure.
Activity Level 3+ out of 5= Moderate Plus:
Level 3+ in general: This is a Moderate tour for fit hikers who will find the walks a satisfying workout, while less-fit hikers will find them challenging but do-able and have a great sense of achievement at the end of the week.
Level 3+ Terrain: Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent steep ascents and descents.
Level 3+ Actual hiking time: Between 3-5 hours per day, mostly in the morning but also in the afternoon.
Level 3+ Distances: Usually 8 - 12 kms (5 - 7 mi) per day. Max distance 12 kms (7 mi).
Level 3+ Surfaces: Trails are a mix of compact earth or dirt track, gravel roads, and very rocky, uneven wooded trails. You will also encounter centuries' old stone stairways, boulders, and rocky steps. The "+" that makes this a 3+ out of 5 activity rating indicates that the trails are more rugged and rockier than a normal 3 out of 5 moderate tour. You need to be an experienced hiker who is able to negotiate rocky, uneven trails and some short stretches that may require some people to steady themselves with their hands.
Level 3+ Footing: Good, but you have to pay attention to where and how you place your feet. Proper hiking shoes with thick soles with good treads are required. Sports sandals, running shoes, and tennis shoes are not adequate.
Level 3+ Hiking Poles: These are highly recommended but not required, and if you habitually use hiking poles, you will regret not having them.
Level 3+ tour other: This tour is appropriate for “sporty and fit” first-time hikers who enjoy walking and have good balance. People with hip and knee issues might find a 3+ tour challenging because of the terrain and the duration of the hikes.
Level 3+ list of tours : Amalfi is the easiest of this group, then Dolomites Lite, followed by the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Northern Greece Meteora & Zagori, and Andalusia.
Sardinia "Coast to Coast" Hiking tour Specifics: The terrain is often rugged but not technically difficult. Most of the trails are rocky, and some involve short sections of scree (loose rock) and boulders, with some steep ups and downs on uneven terrain. The trails are often in the sun, and we walk between 6 - 12 km (4 - 7 mi.) every day.
Compared to the Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre is the perfect example of a 3+ rated tour. Our most common comment about the Cinque Terre walk and other tours rated 3+ is “More challenging than I expected but I am glad I did it”.
As a point of reference, what is a 1 out of 5 Activity rating? A 1 out of 5 rated tour is a tour without any hiking. Walks would be in towns, cities, and villages, and the countryside walks would be on paved, or gravel/dirt roads, and occasionally on some packed earth trails. Elevation gain and loss would be negligible.
As a point of reference, what is a 5 out of 5 Activity rating? A 5 out of 5 rated tour is a tour that would be physically challenging and technically difficult even for very fit and experienced hikers. The hikes would have steep ascents and descents on narrow, exposed trails with challenging footing, such as on scree fields, or through rock falls and boulders. Distances would be up to 25 km/16 miles per day and feature ascents of over 1,000 m/3,200 feet in a day. A 5 out of 5 tour would also mean that you would be carrying a heavier-than-normal pack. None of our tours are rated 5 out 5. Our most challenging tours are 4.5 out of 5, and they are the Dolomites Alta Via (because of some exposed trail that requires some technical expertise) and our Republic of Georgia tour which has some long hikes with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain.
Getting There: We begin our trip in Olbia, which is easily reached by air from Rome and Milan plus a number of other European hubs. You can also get to Olbia by ferry from the Italian mainland.
Air: The closest airport is Olbia. For a complete list of Italian airports and a selection of low-cost airlines, see our "Transport Info" page.
Ferry: there are ferry connections with Civitavecchia (near Rome), Livorno (near Pisa), and Genoa with a three different companies, so see the latest schedules at the Direct Ferries website.
Getting Away at the End of the Trip: the trip ends after breakfast on Sunday morning with an hour transfer to the Olbia airport, arriving around 10:30 a.m.
If you book a trip with us you will receive detailed information about how to get to the start of your trip, or feel free to e-mail us with any specific travel questions.
5
This is my second hiking trip with Customwalks, and won't be my last. They create interesting and appropriately challenging hiking itineraries paired with wonderful hotels and excellent spots for lunch and dinner. Sardinia had quite a beautiful array of scenery and now I know I need to see more of the island. This hike is kind of the best of both worlds with some days being able to get that elevation but end in a pool or on a beach when you are done!
4.8
This was my 3rd trip with CustonWalks, and won't be my last - each is better! The team cares for both our pleasure and our safety! The intimacy of learning a region from literally walking where people have walked for 500-1000 or more years is very special and brings a deep sense of the culture. And the food comas every evening are very satisfying!
5
This was a superbly organised trip. The hikes were challenging in parts but at a pace that made them very do-able. Some scrambling over rocks but the views were worth it! Our guide Manu was friendly, professional and nothing was too much trouble, a credit to the company. I had never been to Sardinia before but I’m in love with the country. The hotels were lovely and there was free time built in to enjoy the facilities or explore the area and the food was out of this world. I recommend this tour to anyone who loves walking (and eating)
5
This is a spectacular trip guided by experts. Manu and Brett are delightful and knowledgeable. If you're looking for gorgeous scenery, challenging hiking, interesting history and archaeology, and delicious food, visit Sardinia. Highlights included a grotto adventure (accessible only by boat), bouldering in a spectacular canyon, swimming off the boat in the blue-green Mediterranean, and a cooking class. Oh yes, the beds were comfy after a day on the trail, and the company was excellent!
4.6
Another fabulous Customwalks tour...my 3rd in 3 different countries.The indefatigable Manu,(always with a smile);Brett’s dry humour and mastery of logistics ; a good itinerary; comfortable accommodation,excellent and plentiful food and a good group made for a great week. One less group lunch and an extra hour of walking per day would be my only recommended changes. Thank you for an experience that would be hard to replicate on your own. DK
4.6
Another fabulous Customwalks tour...my 3rd in 3 different countries.The indefatigable Manu,(always with a smile);Brett’s dry humour and mastery of logistics ; a good itinerary; comfortable accommodation,excellent and plentiful food and a good group made for a great week. One less group lunch and an extra hour of walking per day would be my only recommended changes. Thank you for an experience that would be hard to replicate on your own. DK
5
5
This was our 17th tour with Customwalks and just as enjoyable as all the others. There was a really nice variety of walks, each day's walk was different to the previous ones. The food and accommodation were good, I especially enjoyed the second hotel at Su Gologone which was very unusual and quite beautiful. The guides were phenomenal as always and ensured that we all had a trip to remember. In all a very nice introduction to Sardinia.
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This is my second hiking trip with Customwalks, and won't be my last. They create interesting and appropriately challenging hiking itineraries paired with wonderful hotels and excellent spots for lunch and dinner. Sardinia had quite a beautiful array of scenery and now I know I need to see more of the island. This hike is kind of the best of both worlds with some days being able to get that elevation but end in a pool or on a beach when you are done!
by Juanita E
This was my 3rd trip with CustonWalks, and won't be my last - each is better! The team cares for both our pleasure and our safety! The intimacy of learning a region from literally walking where people have walked for 500-1000 or more years is very special and brings a deep sense of the culture. And the food comas every evening are very satisfying!
by Randy
