Sardinia is an island of many contrasts that's best discovered on a walking holiday. Beyond the sandy beaches and millionaires' yachts, there is a land of shepherds' huts, traditional villages and tranquil valleys aching to be explored.
Walking in Sardinia takes you through the lush, peaceful interior to the twilight of Tiscali's Nuraghic ruins and boat trips to the crescent-shaped bay of Cala Luna.
Sardinia abounds with Mediterranean and alpine flora. By the sea, juniper, lentisk and strawberry trees flourish and you can savour the sweet miasma as you explore. And the island's untravelled paths mean that you can still see wild horses, porcupines and mouflons. On the migratory route, there are many birds to discover including Sardinian Marmora, Eleonora's falcon and golden eagles. Much of the coastline is tranquil yet untamed and dolphins still swim in the Orosei Gulf.
On a walking holiday in Sardinia, you'll relish the local cuisine, which consists of village recipes passed down through generations. In Dorgali you can enjoy the signature dish called anzelotto, which is ravioli filled with delicious fresh ricotta, meat and tomato sauce. The surrounding Mediterranean is full of fish, and freshly caught sea bass, bream and mullet appear frequently on local menus. Another favourite is spaghetti alla bottarga, a salty dish with dried and salted grated fish roe.
Everywhere, you'll find the wafer-thin, crispy bread, pane carasau, which is baked to keep well for long periods when carried in shepherds' satchels. This is especially delicious dipped in the local ricotta cheese.
So, if delicious food, stunning sea views and historic landmarks sound like the ideal holiday for you, then why not book a walking holiday in Sardinia today?
Get to know some of the best features of Sardinia walking holidays to see what this beautiful Italian island has to offer:
Ascend the famous Sardinian mountain for some of the most picturesque views the island has to offer with the crystal clear seas of the Gulf of Orosei on display. You'll climb 600m to get the best views, following an old path that wraps around the mountain.
On the eastern coast of Sardinia, nestled among olive groves, is the ancient ruined village of Serra Orrios. Our tours ensure you have enough time to explore the architecture that covers much of the village site which was inhabited between 1500 BC and 250 BC.
Arrive by boat at one of the most amazing beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean. The stunning turquoise water is a dream to swim in during the summer months. And, as a bonus, its caves offer welcome shade during the hottest times of the day.
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A scenic discovery of western Sardinia’s natural beauty and centuries old history, from the black Montiferru mountains to the prolific birdlife of the Sinis wetlands, and from rugged limestone cliffs dotted with panoramic watch towers to the ancient site of Tharros.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
With varied trails, stunning scenery and a beautiful, warm climate for most of the year, Sardinia is a great place to go walking. Plus, there are historical sights to see all over the island, making it a good place to book a walking holiday if you love history and a sense of adventure.
Sardinia is filled with brilliant places to walk and our tours are handpicked so you get the best options. These include:
Narrowing down the most beautiful part of Sardinia is hard because there are so many picturesque spots around the island. Some of the best, however, include:
Packing for a walking holiday in Sardinia is relatively straightforward. Your phone, charger, passport and wallet with euros will be needed for your travel to the island from the UK.
You'll also need suitable walking clothes for the time of year you're visiting. Summer months average 28.5°C and can be very dry, so lightweight clothing that covers your skin is essential. April is the coolest spring-summer month so if you prefer to avoid the heat of July and August, spring is a good time to visit.
The clothes you wear on your walking holiday in Sardinia depend on the time of year you're visiting. Peak summer months can get hot, so lightweight, long-sleeved clothes as well as a hat and sunglasses are a great choice for protecting yourself from the sun and the high UV rays. Late spring and early autumn are cooler but can still be pleasantly warm.
Sturdy walking boots are necessary as these will ensure you remain comfortable and don't risk injury during your stay on the island.
The best time to walk in Sardinia depends on your personal preferences. Those wanting pleasant weather in the high teens should opt for April. However, if you're looking to soak up the sun at one of the wonderful beaches, then you'll want to go between May and August.
We recommend avoiding late July or August if you don't want to get caught up in peak tourist season.
With nearly 40 years of experience building superb tours around the world, we'd like to take you on one of our epic Sardinia walking tours. Here's why you should consider booking with us:
