They say Sardinia- one of the most wanted Italian island is pure magic, boasting some of the most spectacular Mediterranean landscapes. Hiking trails in Sardinia are considered one of the best in the whole Europe. You would not believe if I say the mountains are high enough to host a ski slope with significant ski lift.
The island is a combination of hot climate, coastal hiking trails and crystal clear sea waters, it was on my travel list for a long time, so I decided to go on a 2 weeks adventure and to get some hiking training.
Best hiking trails in Sardinia.
Sardinia island is breathtaking. The coastal routes and challenging mountain paths and spectacular. One of the most popular hiking trails in Sardinia is the Selvaggio Blu (my favourite!). This challenging, one-day or multi-day trek takes you through some of the island’s most remote and rugged terrain. Starting in the Gulf of Orosei, the trail winds its way through steep cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters – the scenery is unreal.
How to get around Sardinia?
While there is public transport on the island, you will not be able to explore all the gems of the island.
RENTING A CAR is the best way to explore the island and its adventurous character: undiscovered, majestic hiking and canyoning trails, wild beaches and stunning landscapes! It also gives you lots of time flexibility.
I highly recommend RENTALCARS.COM – the world’s largest online car rental service, operating in 160 countries. They have best rates and offers from most rental companies, so you can filter your preferences and get the best deal. It’s been years since I have been using this platform and again the rental was hassle free. Perhaps Sardinia car rentals rates are not the cheapest, but nothing is on the island. I paid 400 Euro for 7 days, including full coverage /I always go for full coverage/.
Medical coverage in Italy.
This is very important – after few years of traveling I can tell you one thing – consider your medical insurance as the most important thing when planning your trip. I used to think I’m fit and experienced and things will always go fine for me. I faced most extreme situation in at least expected circumstances. That’s why I’m going to be a SafetyWing fan for the rest of my travels.
Selvaggio Blu - the most spectacular Mediterranean hiking trail.
Selvaggio Blu is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sardinia (and Europe) and after following number of trails in the region I absolutely AGREE. The dramatic views of the Mediterranean sea are magnificent. Whole trail leads along the eastern cliff coast, so it’s quite challenging regarding the lenght and temperatures if hiked in summer season.
SELVAGGIO BLU – can be one-day or multi-day hike.
STARTING POINT: The trail starts in Santa Maria Navarrese and leads north direction for 35 kilomteres! Santa Maria Navarrese is a magnificent port town, the starting point of the trail is located near the beautiful cliff restaurant Sa Cadrea. Drive up Via Pedra Longa Street to reach the restaurant. There is a tiny parking next to the restaurant, where you can leave your car free of charge. On the left side of the restaurant, there’s the main gate with a big sign Selvaggio Blu, which is a starting point for your adventure.
The first stage leads from Santa Maria Navarrese (below port) to Punta Pedra Longa – a popular viewing spot with some stunning beaches around. There is a spacious car parking in Punta Pedra Longa and a nice restaurant to stop for lunch or water purchase. The place is quite crowded, you’ll see a lot of cars and many people drive there to spend a day on the nearby beaches.
The trail from Santa Maria to Punta Pedra is almost 5 km long and takes 1.5h to hike this distance. The path is well maintained and it’s difficult to loose way. I hiked this route in August in 40 degrees, stopping a lot for photos, and it was one of the most scenic trails I’ve experienced. Don’t be surprised to meet some goats on the way 😉
Second stage takes the trail from Punta Pedra Longa (the rocky peninsula) further up north to reach incredible beach spots like: Cala Fenile or Cala Punta del Pecoraro.
Highly recommended & affordable Catamaran tours across Sardinia coast:
Hiking Cala Fenile.
Cala Fenile is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sardinia, you’ll find people hiking, running and swimming.
It’s a 5 kilometre trail near Baunei and it’s considered as moderate level.
It’s not possible to reach the trail by car but there’s a trail from Pedra Longa.
Hiking Punta la Marmora 1834m - the highest peak of Sardinia.
Punta la Marmora is the highest peak (1834m) and one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Sardinia. Can you imagine there is a ski slope in this Mediterannean island! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the ski lift at the starting point for my hike in the Gennargentu Massif mountains.
There were only few people on the trail and I hiked in summer months, which is high season for Sardinia.
PUNTA MARMORA: 1834 metres.
HIKING TIME: 4-6hours both ways, depending on a fitness level.
STARTING POINT: Ski lift bottom station. You can leave your car in front of a barries on a side road.
There are a few hiking trails to the top of Punta la Marmora. The most popular is probably the one I chose, leading from the bottom station of the ski lift. To reach the starting point you need to drive all the way up to the bottom ski lift station: Bruncu Spina. There is a clear path along the ski lift taking you to the bottom station. Once you approach the hill the ski station is on your right and Punta la Marmora hiking trail is on your left. The route leading to the highest mountain is very pleasant, it’s an easy 4-6h hike both ways, depending on your fitness level, with extremely rewarding views of Sardinia’s coastal line and mountain massif.
Gorropu Canyon hiking.
Gorropu Canyon is located in the mountain region of central Sardinia and it’s located between Barbagia and Ogliastra. It is considered the deepest canyon in Europe. There is €5 admission fee but there are no facilities, so you need to take enough food and water to sufficient for the day, especially if you want to spend 5-6 hours hiking. It gets extremely hot in the summer season. It was 40 degrees outside but the feeling is even hotter in the canyon area.
Gorropu Canyon is a massive attraction due to a number of hiking trails varying in length and difficulty. It is possible to hike alone but there are lots of guided tours if you prefer to be accompanied by an experienced leader.
Dorgali hiking trail.
Dorgali trail is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Sardinia and spreads between two popular beaches: Cala Luna and Cala Gonone.
I did only partial trekking along this beautiful coastline. The starting point for me was Grotte di Cala Luna near Spaggia di Palmasera beach (it wouldn’t be my favourite beach but it’s not overcrowded and it offers comfortable facilities: cafes, umbrella sunbeds, etc.). You need to take a short drive from Drogali toward Cala Luna.
Cala Luna coastal hike to a stunning beach.
If you’re looking for a coastal hike, the Cala Luna beach trail is the perfect choice. Starting point is at the small village of Cala Gonone, the trail takes you along stunning cliffs before ending on the gorgeous white sand beach of Cala Luna. This is a great option for those who want a shorter hike with plenty of opportunities for swimming and beach time.
You can drive up to the beginning of the hiking trail leading north direction. There isn’t any parking but you can park along the tiny sandy path on the way to the hiking route. I was aiming to explore Grotte di Dorgali on the way, marked on Google maps but it actually doesn’t exist ;))) The trekking route is almost flat, leading along the coastline.
You should be aiming to reach Grotta su Sentiero, which is only about 1.5km from Cala Luna your starting point. It’s near a stunning beach Cala Oddoana (on the photo) – pleasant but not the one you should be on in amazing Sardinia.
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