With its stark beauty, crystal clear waters, golden beaches and undulating limestone ridges, it’s easy to see why Sardinia is considered one of the Mediterranean’s finest gems. Based in the Dorgali area, we explore on foot the idyllic forest-framed coastline of the east and the rugged rocky mountains in the west, walking through valleys, gorges, peaks and spectacular turquoise bays. In addition to its serene natural beauty, Sardinia is also a place of great historic interest and during the week we have the chance to visit the famous monolithic monuments built by the Nuraghi peoples, one of the main prehistoric Mediterranean civilisations.
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
This is a moderate walking week with some free time to relax and to enjoy the excellent local food and wine. All walks take around 5 to 6 hours and require a moderate level of fitness. Walking is on a variety of dirt tracks, gravel and some tarmac. There are also rocky sections that may require some scrambling and in less visited areas be aware paths may be overgrown and rougher underfoot. A few steep ascents and descents should be expected. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Our week begins at the Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
We start with an orientation walk through an old path around Monte Tului (916m), which boasts one of the most beautiful views of the Gulf of Orosei along with the mountainous inland around Dorgali. (approx. 5 hours walking, ascent 600m descent 600m, 13km).
On our drive above the Flumineddu Valley, we enjoy stunning views until we arrive at the Gorropu Gorge - also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. Its high, narrow, vertical walls reach 200 metres making it the deepest and roughest natural gorge in Europe. Over millions of years, the Flumineddu River has eroded the landscape to create the incomparable natural beauty of the gorge. There is a chance to paddle on the river, if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre - payable locally (approx. 6 hours walking, ascent 415 meters -420 meters, 15km).
We begin with a drive to the site of the renowned Giants Tomb, the Sardinian megalithic gallery grave built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization. We then continue on to the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the most famous of the Nuraghes villages. The Nuraghes, cone tomb-like towers positioned around the island, are the symbols of Sardinia and of its unique ethnicity. The Nuragici people, who built these towers, are considered as the most accomplished, yet mysterious, civilisation in the Mediterranean. We explore this Nuraghic village of Serra Orrios and its complex arrangement of circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age. After this we have time for a quick coffee stop before driving on to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. Weather permitting, we will have lunch on the beach. After this we visit the 'Grotta degli Ispinigoli' home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day with a visit to a wine factory (cantina) for wine tasting and a short talk about the local wines.
Today is free to explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the leisurely Sardinian lifestyle. Horse riding can also be arranged for you (price and all the details to be agreed locally with the hotel); alternatively, you can take an optional wonderful boat trip to Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting).
After a short transfer, we start our rewarding (and perhaps the most challenging) walk to the deserted village of Tiscali. Tiscali is built in a huge cave inside Monte Corrasi and it is speculated that its inhabitants hid here from the Romans. We also make an essential visit to the karstic springs of Su Gologone, where an imposing mass of mineral water carves shapes into the rocks as it gushes out of the impressive gorge. (approx. 5 hours walking, ascent 430m descent 480m, 12km).
We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large caves and perhaps watch the rock climbing. The walk back to Cala Gonone starts through a vast forest and gulleys, with occasional views of the coast. At the end of the walk at Cala Gonone we will have time for a very welcome drink and the opportunity for a swim before we return to Dorgali (approx.5 hours walking, ascent 310m descent 310m, 10km).
End Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 5pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 5pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. As this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available from our customers, but here are the comments that have been received from previous Exodus travellers.
The bast holiday we have had with Explore or Exodus
The walk on the first day was cold and very windy and I was unsure what to expect - but after that we were lucky with perfect sunny weather. Every day was very different with some challenging walks and very interesting archaeology. The countryside was very green with colourful flowers and the sea very blue. The sea was pretty cold in early May but a brief swim was very refreshing in the clear water. The hotel was family run and very friendly with hot showers and homely food. Our leader Albert was great - although it would have been nice to have learned a bit more about Sardinian culture. Our group spanned 30 years in our ages - which made for a really good mix of people. I really enjoyed Sardinia and this holiday.
We had a super time on this holiday. Sardinia is a beautiful island, the walking was very enjoyable and the hotel used was perfect for this trip.
This was an excellent trip! The walking was quite hard occasionally because of some rocky terrains but I am in my 60's and not the fittest for my age ....so no problem! The weather was very changeable- I believe more than usual- so waterproofs are a must in September. The sights we visited were stunning! Tiscali and the Stalactites were amazing. Our guide Alexis was superb. He clearly takes his job very seriously and has a good knowledge of the region. He is also very sociable and humourous. Like all holidays a lot depends on the group...this group were exceptionally nice. I can really recommend this holiday if you want a good mix of interesting archeological sights and walking. The food and wine was rather good too!
From the initial booking of the holiday to arrival in Sardinia, from the first greeting of our Exodus Rep to the final goodbye, Exodus delivered. We were well fed (Italian like to feed you, and you'd certainly not go hungry at Hotel S'adde), we were organised, informed and cared for. Our Exodus Rep was knowledgeable of the area, he had scoped out restaurants, bars and gelato establishments and was available to assist and make our trip relaxing and enjoyable. Sardinia delivered on many fronts too, exciting landscapes, mountain tracks, beaches and caves, boat trips, wine tasting and local cuisine - it has something for all. For us the holiday was made memorable because of the location and because of the group of people also on the trip, always someone interesting to talk to. So well done Exodus, another excellent holiday delivered - in the immortal words of Arnold Schwarzenegger 'I'll be back'
Another superb Exodus trip. A great way to explore a beautiful country. Sardinia is an idyllic place with amazing beaches & stunning mountain scenery.
A special mention must go to the Hotel S'Adde for their warmth and hospitality in general but for their food in particular. I have dietary requirements and I usually expect to eat a limited range of food (and/or have to remind staff at every meal), especially when in a small town off the beaten track. But Michaela and her team had my diet nailed from day 1 and went above and beyond to produce fantastic, appetising alternatives every time. Frankly, you should have this as a USP in your marketing of this trip!
An excellent place for serious walking on mountain terrain, with sea and beaches within easy reach.
Was on the 16th Sept. departure for Walking in Sardinia - proved to be a good time of year 25*C and plenty of sun but also some shade and gentle breeze. Lovely time to arrive as it was the weekend of the annual Dorgali festival, with small groups of singers and musicians touring the streets, street stalls, wine tastings etc. etc. Nice atmosphere and the town felt safe to wander any time of day. Local people were polite & helpful. Walks were on the strenuous side for me - but I enjoyed the challenge and on the few occasions I needed advice or assistance it was available immediately from our leader and/or other members of the group.
Excellent walking in an unspoilt, wild part of Sardinia. Walks are varied and interesting and reasonably hard going. If you like craggy, rocky landscapes with lots of up and down, this would suit you. Also enjoyed the cultural day visiting archeological sights, it made a good contrast and I was keen to find out more about bronze age Sardinia.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
This 7 night guided walking holiday includes:
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 1 wine tasting and 5 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 (we're open until 5pm today) or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Complete our holiday enquiry form - we'll get in touch when it's most convenient for you
Speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 - we're open until 5pm today
Use our live chat to ask us a question
| Departing | Tour only | Including flights |
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| 5th Sep 2020 | £1099 | £1349 | Tour only: £1099 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 12th Sep 2020 ° Guaranteed departure |
£1099 | £1299 | Tour only: £1099 Including flights: £1299 |
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| 19th Sep 2020 | £1099 | £1299 | Tour only: £1099 Including flights: £1299 |
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| 26th Sep 2020 | £1099 | £1299 | Tour only: £1099 Including flights: £1299 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights |
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| 17th Apr 2021 | £1149 | £1299 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1299 |
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| 1st May 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 8th May 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 15th May 2021 | £1149 | £1299 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1299 |
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| 22nd May 2021 | £1149 | £1399 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1399 |
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| 29th May 2021 | £1149 | £1399 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1399 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights |
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| 5th Jun 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 19th Jun 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights |
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| 28th Aug 2021 | £1149 | £1399 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1399 |
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| 4th Sep 2021 | £1149 | £1399 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1399 |
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| 11th Sep 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 18th Sep 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| 25th Sep 2021 | £1149 | £1349 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1349 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Oct 2021 | £1149 | £1299 | Tour only: £1149 Including flights: £1299 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
7 nights 3-star Hotel S'Adde, all rooms en suite
8 days land only/ flight inclusive
4 days centre-based walking, 1 day sightseeing
Altitude maximum 910m, average 400m
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for Walking in Sardinia. Simply complete the form below (fields marked * are mandatory) and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 01606 720199 to discuss your requirements in more detail (we're open until 5pm today) or contact us via live chat for help and advice.
