Hiking in Sardinia

Hiking in Sardinia

Those keen to hike in Sardinia are spoilt for choice – whether in the mountains or along the paradisical coast. After all, despite reasonably well-signposted routes, there’s a treasure trove of discoveries along the way. From the wild, rugged Supramonte massif to the rolling, forested hills of Gennargentu. Sardinia’s mountains might not be as high as those on neighbouring Corsica, but they more than make up for it with the solitude of their untouched wilderness. New routes and sights await discovery, and sometimes even rare species of flora and fauna.

Supramonte

One of Sardinia’s most beautiful hiking regions is without a doubt the imposing, rugged Supramonte massif, which runs from Nuora to Baunei on the east coast. Today, the Supramonte remains one of the most unpopulated and wildest areas in Europe. Routes are often interrupted by narrow ravines, imposing lime fortifications, expansive plateaus and mysterious gorges. In Supramonte di Baunei, hikers can marvel at the Su Golgo plateau and the Voragine di Golgo, a deep chalk cavity shrouded in legend.

Note:

Only experienced and well-equipped hikers should attempt to explore the Supramonte alone.

Gennargentu

The gentle mountains: in the mixed foliage forests of the soft, hilly Barbagia region, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Germany’s sub-alpine mountain range – the only difference being that it’s considerably quieter here. Stretching 1834 metres, Punta La Marmora is the highest peak in the Gennargentu, and indeed the whole of Sardinia. From here, hikers can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding coasts. The Gennargentu is also home to Gola di Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons. It is part of the Gennargentu National Park and lucky visitors might even meet mouflon and golden eagles along the way.

Marmilla

Perfect for relaxed walks with children. The Giare are impressive table mountains in Marmilla. The completely flat plateau boasts untouched nature and numerous animal species, such as Sardinian wild horses.

Sarrabus

Exhale. The Sarrabus mountains in south-east Sardinia remain one of the most secluded and untouched areas on the island. At the heart of the mountains lies the Monte dei Sette Fratelli Nature Park, which offers abundant picnic spots and well-marked hiking routes. This is also one of the last few homes of the Sardinian deer.
 

Along the coast

The diverse coastal areas are also well worth exploring on foot: the Mediterranean’s most imposing cliffs in the Gulf of Orosei, for example, are undoubtedly one of Sardinia’s trump cards when it comes to scenery. 
 
Or would you prefer to take part in an organised hiking tour? Excursions are offered by several companies in many regions of the island. As well as Italian, guides usually speak German or English.

You can book a guided tour with Campagna & Mare, the active holiday organiser.

Our tip:

Those who want to explore Sardinia’s interior without long hikes can simply take the magical Trenino Verde, or ‘Green Train’ through the very heart of the island.