Take on some great walking routes in Italy, with the best hikes in Sardinia. Ideal for every level of experience, Sardinia caters for all. With sea views, breath-taking forests and lush vegetation to enjoy, you’ll be able to find your own paradise during a walking holiday in Sardinia.
Best hikes in Sardinia: beginner
Hiking needn’t be just for fitness buffs, with some of the best hikes in Sardinia being accessible for all experience levels. Offering a range of moderate walking trails, combined with sublime scenery, hiking offers a great way to explore the island beyond the normal tourist routes.
Sella del Diavolo
One of the best trails in Sardinia takes you to Sella del Diavolo. A great route for hikers who are just starting out, this trail is easy and accessible. Located close to Cagliari, the route is found behind Calamosca Beach. It can be reached with the 5ZE bus from the capital. A relatively short walk of approximately 2h, you’ll be treated to elevated sea views along the way.
Ideal for all the family, the Sella del Diavolo trail is a great way to start off your holiday in Sardinia. Offering you a chance to discover the natural beauty of the Sardinian coastline, it’s a walk that you’ll remember. You’ll find it easy to stay on the route, too, so you won’t have to worry about navigating. This trail is ideal throughout the seasons, with the duration being short enough that you won’t get uncomfortable during cold or hot days.
Roman Road towards Su Cordolinu
Another of the best routes in Sardinia for beginners is Roman Road towards Su Cordolinu. One of the great things about this route is that even the most avid hiker will enjoy it due to the beautiful surroundings on display. Starting at Pinus Village, which is around 1h by car from the capital city, the route then follows the historical Roman Road that runs next to the coastline towards Su Cordolinu island. If you want to challenge yourself a bit more, you can make the hike longer and walk to Chia Beach, where you’ll be rewarded with the sublime sight of the Spanish watchtower.
If you’re returning to the starting point of the hike, it’ll take about 4h in total, so it’s best to prepare refreshments before you depart. During this family-friendly hike in Sardinia, you’ll be treated to glorious views, especially once you get to Su Cordoinlu. It’s worth noting that you can only hike to the island at low tide, so you should consider this for your departure time. This easy-to-follow route can be completed year-round, but it’s most popular in late spring and early autumn.
Is Cannoneris
If you’re looking for an easy trail to get your holiday started, then Is Cannoneris is one of the best hikes in Sardinia. Located in southwest Sardinia, about a 1h 30min drive from Cagliari, you’ll find the lush forest where the trail resides. Surrounded by ancient oak trees, which make this one of the oldest forests in Europe, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful walk that’s abundant in nature. With a range of animals, such as goats and deer roaming freely, this is a great family-oriented hiking route.
The route itself is just over 4 miles long, with there being the option to extend it to the summit of the Punta Sebera Mountain, should you want a challenge. This route is great all year round, with there being lots of tree shade for the hotter summer months. If you’re not sure about following the route yourself, you can also opt for guided tours that are offered by the Is Cannoneris Nature Reserve.
Best hikes in Sardinia: intermediate
For those that want to challenge themselves a bit more, there are plenty of intermediate-level hiking routes in Sardinia, too. Dust off your hiking boots and get your heart beating with our list of best hiking routes in Sardinia for more experienced hikers.
Hike from Cala Cipolla to Tuerredda
Located about a 1h car journey from Cagliari is a great hike in Sardinia for those that want a more difficult trek. Starting at the beautiful coastal area of Cala Cipolla, you’ll follow the trail along the coast to Tuerredda. Along the way, you’ll get to see stunning beaches like Cala Antoniareddu, which are only accessible by foot. One recommendation for this hike is to walk to the observatory along the way, which is challenging but offers breath-taking vistas.
This is quite a long hike, with the round-trip being over 11 miles, so ensure you’ve packed provisions. During the peak summer months, the trek from Cala Cipolla to Tuerredda can be quite an uncomfortable walk due to the intense heat, so we recommend doing it in spring or autumn. One tip is to sign up for a guided tour, of which there are many, so you can walk one way and arrange for a lift back, should you not want to retrace your steps.
Cala Luna
Another of the great hikes in Sardinia is to Cala Luna. You’ll find the starting point for the trek in the small cove of Cala Fuili, which is a walkable distance from the village of Cala Gonone. You’ll then begin your hike on the beach to Cala Luna, where you’ll be rewarded with an idyllic beach that offers turquoise waters and golden sand. Along the way, the views are a mix of sublime sea, lush forest, and green vegetation.
The route is over 4 miles each way, with the terrain being uneven and relatively steep. The best time to do this hike is during the dry season, as the path can be quite hazardous when the ground gets wet. That being said, if you’re taking it on during the summer, be sure to pack plenty of water, as there are no water sources along the way. If you’re hiking during the summer, you can make the most of the ferry from Cala Luna to Cala Gonone, which costs around €5 (£4.30), so you only have to walk one way.
Best hikes in Sardinia: advanced
Expert hikers will be pleased to know that there are also some very challenging hiking routes on the island. Find out more about the best trekking routes in Sardinia for advanced explorers and get your adventure underway.
From Masua Pan di Zucchero towards Cala Domestica
One of the best walks in Sardinia for expert hikers is from Masua Pan di Zucchero towards Cala Domestica. Considered one of the most challenging trails on the island, it starts at Masua Pan di Zucchero, which is around 1h 30min by car from Cagliari. Technical ability is key for this trail, so we only recommend it for seasoned hikers who don’t mind narrow tracks, cliffs and overgrown vegetation. Upon arrival at Cala Domestica, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views from the Spanish watchtower.
The route offers great views along the way, with coastal scenery being the theme throughout. Coming in at 7.5 miles each way, this route takes the best part of a day to complete. It’s important that you pack correctly for this trail, as there are no stops along the route for you to get refreshments. Due to the length, it’s more comfortable to tackle it during the spring or autumn when the weather is dry and not as hot.
Gola Su Gorropu
Last but certainly not least is the route at Gola Su Gorropu. This is one of the best hikes in Sardinia and is located in an impressive gorge surrounded by 500-metre-high limestone. Located about a 48min drive from Nuoro, the trail offers a range of route options. This strenuous track starts at the Genna Silana Pass car park, and it takes around 6h to complete the 5-mile route into the gorge and back.
It’s recommended to test yourself on this route in the dry months but not during peak temperatures. During the winter, the surface can get slippery, and in the summer, the heat can be unbearable. As always, bring with you water and food, as you’ll be needing it throughout.
