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Secrets of Sardinia Walking

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    W07SA
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
    , , and
  • Activity level
  • From $2120per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • GPX navigation files
  • Walk transfers
  • Agent App
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, wine lovers, bird spotting opportunities, art & history, swimming opportunities, vegetarian meals, coastal routes, high peaks, island exploring
      from 7 reviews

FLOWER says...
This was a really excellent holiday with some lovely walks through quite varied landscapes, ranging from moorlands to coastal cliffs and beaches. There ...
Read reviews »

Italy: Sardinia

Secrets of Sardinia Walking

  • The wonderful contrasting landscapes of undiscovered western Sardinia: forest carpeted mountains, craggy limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches
  • Rich in birdlife including grey mullets, herons and pink flamingos
  • Untouched headlands, sweeping coastal vistas, panoramic watch towers, beautiful quartz scattered shores
  • The quirky village of San Salvatore Sinis and the ancient site of Tharros

Stunning Sardinia immediately evokes images of sparkling emerald waters lapping idyllic white sand beaches, but away from the stylish resorts of the Costa Smeralda, the island remains relatively undiscovered, with a mountainous inner heartland contrasting with its wildlife rich marshes, remote headlands and picture perfect shores.

This 7 night self guided holiday takes you on an impossibly scenic discovery of western Sardinia's natural beauty, from the maquis scented slopes of the wild black Montiferru mountains to the prolific birdlife of the Sinis wetlands, and from rugged limestone cliffs dotted with panoramic watch towers to the picture perfect sand and white quartz beaches of the Sinis peninsula.

Of course Sardinia is also an archaeologist's delight, boasting a historical treasure trove of ancient settlements, including the fascinating Roman site of Tharros which spans no less than 2000 years of history. Other man made highlights include the early Christian basilica of San Giovanni and the quirky village of San Giovanni Sinis, reminiscent of the American wild west, which sits completely unpopulated apart from one week a year when a religious festival brings it to life.

Your accommodation for the week is carefully chosen family run hotels and B&Bs which highlight the very best of Sardinian hospitality, including a converted 18th century aristocrat's residence, which is now part of the 'Slow Food' movement and a hacienda style hotel surrounded by lush gardens.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Walking information

This holiday follows mainly sandy and stony coastal paths, agricultural tracks, and quiet country lanes. There are mainly gentle ascents and descents which are steeper on days 2 and 3, with a very short section of scrambling on day 2. Walking boots are essential throughout. There are clifftop walks on days 4 and 5 but these should not pose a problem for people with a fear of heights.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Arrive in Santu Lussurgiu

Arrive in the sleepy mountain village of Santu Lussurgiu. Explore its maze of winding alleyways that cascade down the hillside, before dinner.
Your stay at Antica Dimora del Gruccione

Day 2: San Leonardo Loop Walk (12km/7.5mi/4hr)

Head uphill with sweeping views over the Gennargentu mountains to the little village of San Leonardo, famous for its crystal clear spring water. Enjoy the Sunday market and a leisurely lunch in one of the many cafes, then it's an easy downhill back to Santu Lussurgiu, past the statue of Christ which keeps its panoramic watch over the village.
Your stay at Antica Dimora del Gruccione (Breakfast included)

Day 3: Santu Lussurgiu - Santa Caterina di Pittinuri (22km/14mi/7hr)

We take you to the Montiferru Mountain, then admire the coastal vistas as you descend through oak forest, olive groves and tranquil pastures to the spectacular turquoise bay of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri. Relax by the sea before we take you to your next accommodation.
Your stay at Is Benas Country Lodge (Breakfast included)

Day 4: Santa Caterina di Pittinuri to Putzu Idu (17km/10.5mi/5hr)

Your walk starts at Is Benas lagoon, home to grey herons and pink flamingos. Then follow a clifftop path to the pristine sands of Su Pallosu beach. There's the option to walk to Capo Mannu with its clifftop lighthouse and ancient Spanish watchtowers to enjoy far reaching sea vistas. End the day in Putzu Idu, a favourite spot for surfers.
Your stay at Hotel Raffael (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Putzu Idu to San Salvatore Sinis (20km/12.5mi/6hr)

Set off along the limestone cliffs of Su Tingiosu, rich in birdlife, before reaching the stunning beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi where fine grains of white quartz form the sands. From here head inland through artichoke and wheat fields to the quirky uninhabited village of San Salvatore Sinis, famous for its Roman hypogeum (underground temple) and as the film set for spaghetti westerns!
Your stay at Agritursimo Sannoranna (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Tharros and Capo San Marco (12.8km/8mi/4.5hr)

A peaceful wander through the idyllic countryside will lead you towards the coast where you can visit the 'outdoor museum' of Tharros. Extend your journey by heading towards Capo San Marco and walk through the ancient site dating back to the 8th century BC.
Your stay at Agritursimo Sannoranna (Breakfast included)

Day 7: San Salvatore Sinis to Cabras (10km/6.5mi/3hr)

Pass through artichoke fields, vineyards and olive groves to the Cabras lagoon, the largest in the area and the perfect stop for a Sardinian lunch of the local bottarga (cured fish roe) and Vernaccia wine! Continue to bustling Cabras itself, the main town on the Sinis peninsula.
Your stay at Hotel Villa Canu (Breakfast included)

Day 8: Leave Cabras


Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Antica Dimora del Gruccione, Santu Lussurgiu

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This lovely, family run 'albergo diffuso' (scattered hotel) comes with tastefully decorated rooms - with kettle! - in a traditional style reflecting the history of both the hotel and Santu Lussurgiu. There is a quiet courtyard inside the huge wooden gates that form the entrance as well as a charming garden with fruit trees. The dining area is in vaulted rooms on the ground floor and the food is of great repute locally, as the owner is a key member of the ‘slow food’ movement, which promotes the production of traditional foods in traditional ways. Guests are also free to make use of the hotel's bar and library.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Is Benas Country Lodge, San vero Milis

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Is Benas Country Lodge is set in the peaceful Sardinian countryside: lush Mediterranean gardens made of native and imported plants frame this elegant accommodation and ensure a relaxed stay.

All 18 rooms at Is Benas Country Club are decorated in a country style and are equipped with en suite facilities, TV and air conditioning.

The property feature its own outdoor pool. You can relax on the terrace, which is complete with sun loungers and parasols. Ideal after a day spent walking!

The onsite restaurant offers a delicious mix of Sardinian and Italian cuisine, accompanied by a vast selection of local wines. Is Benas has been collaborating for years with the nearby vineyards of Evaristiano winery to produce its very own local wine: the Summum.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Raffael, Putzu Idu

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The Hotel Raffael is just a short walk from the white sand beach and close to the hills and salt-water ponds that make this location so peaceful. There's a lovely outdoor pool set in immaculate Mediterranean gardens, as well as bar, restaurant and spacious and modern rooms.

From the terrace there are views across the bay to the Montiferru Mountains.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Agriturismo Sannoranna, Cabras

Nestled within the heart of the Sinis region, Agriturismo Sannoranna has five spacious and traditional rooms all with their own private bathroom. Unwind on the veranda before enjoying an array of traditional dishes.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Villa Canu, Cabras

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Situated in central Cabras, the Villa Canu dates back to the late 1800s when its cool ground floor rooms were used to store bread, wine and wheat. Today this family run hotel comes with pretty bedrooms decorated in traditional Sardinian colours as well as a lovely outdoor pool and renowned fish restaurant, which is just 150m from the hotel.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


FLOWER, 27/05/2023

This was a really excellent holiday with some lovely walks through quite varied landscapes, ranging from moorlands to coastal cliffs and beaches. There were also great opportunities to see wildlife, including flamingoes. The hotels were all very good and welcoming. We went in late May/early June, which was a good time of year to be there. The temperature was just right for walking and it wasn't too busy, but plenty of bars and restaurants were open.


GOUGH, 23/05/2023

This was our first visit to Sardinia. We were provided with a good insight to the country and to the the lifestyle. The walks were varied with interesting contrasts of landscapes. Staff at all stages were helpful and operated very efficiently.


GOSCOMB, 13/05/2023

This was an enjoyable walking holiday taken in the first half of May 2023. We were very fortunate to be there at the same time as three other couples from the UK which made our time there particularly enjoyable. The walks were interesting and well chosen though we struggled with the walk on day one because of indistinct paths due to undergrowth. The walking App (Ride with GPS) was pretty good (save Day 1). It is worth noting that many places to eat or take refreshment on the walking routes are in fact closed during this time of you, as other reviewers have also commented.

All the hotels were comfortable and reasonably well chosen. Perhaps the hotel at Santu Lussurgio deserves some caution as the fixed five course meals there are on the expensive side, as is the accompanying wine. Overall, bearing in mind that all the hotels are on a B & B basis only, this turned out to be quite an expensive walking holiday though very enjoyable all the same.


Ms Wall, 29/04/2023

Sardinia is beautiful but I don't recommend walking, especially in early May, when the island holiday season has not really started.


Dr Evans, 22/04/2023

We had a lovely time. We went in late April. We wouldn’t recommend this particular holiday until May as Sardinia is basically closed until May 8th. Cafés and bars that would have given useful sustenance were firmly shut. Two of the better-located seaside hotels were closed and the alternative hotels involved a trek inland and no sea access which would have been nice to view sunsets, go bathing before supper. The Sat Nav guidance is great but lost voice prompts when we were diverted off the usual path by hotel switches. We only went wrong once and that was solely due to hubris on my part. We did this in trail-running shoes but stout walking boots might have been more sensible. Be prepared to clamber over boulders and navigate flood-damaged stony steep downhill paths on the mountain sections on walks 1 and 2. The bird life was magnificent with Flamingos , Stilts, Calandra Larks, Marsh Harriers and Tawny Pipits a highlight. The organisation and taxi transfers were faultless.


Mr Sainsbury, 03/09/2022

If you enjoy walking and don't mind doing it in hot conditions, this holiday in Sardinia is very good. Beautiful scenery and coastline, delicious food and cold beer. Hotel staff are energetic, courteous and very helpful. Rooms are clean and comfortable.


Mrs EVANS, 07/05/2022

This holiday was in an unspoiled corner of Sardinia. At the time of our visit in May, the wild flowers were absolutely spectacular, which made the holiday for us, along with the profusion of birdsong. Most of the walking was level, on large tracks and easy to follow but at other times it was essential to have the GPS app to help with route finding. Some of the walks had little shade and could be quite uncomfortable in the heat of summer, though fine in May. All the local people were extremely friendly and welcoming and the accommodation and food were very good.



Dates and prices

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.

This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels

All breakfasts

Briefing at the start of your holiday

Agent supplied navigation app for your smartphone

Luggage transfers between hotels

GPX navigation files

Walk transfers

Agent App


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Aug 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Apr 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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13th Apr 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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20th Apr 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
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27th Apr 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
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29th Apr 2024 US$2270 US$267 Tour only: US$2270
Single supp: US$267
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th May 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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7th May 2024 US$2160 US$267 Tour only: US$2160
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11th May 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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14th May 2024 US$2240 US$267 Tour only: US$2240
Single supp: US$267
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18th May 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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25th May 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Jun 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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8th Jun 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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15th Jun 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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22nd Jun 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
31st Aug 2024 US$2405 US$267 Tour only: US$2405
Single supp: US$267
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Sep 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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14th Sep 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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21st Sep 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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28th Sep 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Oct 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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12th Oct 2024 US$2120 US$267 Tour only: US$2120
Single supp: US$267
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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.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.

Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.

Departures
Saturday departures from 6th Apr 2024 to 12th Oct 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
All breakfasts

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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