Sardinia Walking Tour

Our base for the week is Orosei which lies amongst the flatlands of the Cedrino River and, if time allows on arrival, we hope to take a short orientation tour around the town before dinner.

Overnight Standard Hotel

A short drive this morning brings us to the coastal town of Cala Gonone, nestling amongst the beautiful seascapes of the Golfo di Orosei. Leaving our bus at Cala Fuili Bay we then begin walking along the rugged coastline, following a gentle, undulating trail that takes us through part of the Gennargentu National Park. Our destination is the beach at Cala di Luna, where we have some time to relax and enjoy the warm coastal waters. We head inland for a short exploration of the valley before heading back to Cala Gonone by boat. After a chance to explore the town we drive back to Orosei later this afternoon and stop en route to visit Nurgahe Mannu, one of the best conserved remains of Nuraghic architecture in the region. The views from here across the sea are simply stunning.

Walking time: five hours. Ascent/descent +200/- 250 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning we drive into the foothills of Tuttavista, a limestone and white marble mountain that lies at the heart of Orosei’s traditional marble mining industry. Hiking to the top of the mountain we take in its famous wind sculpted arch and enjoy the views out across the coast and the Cedrino River Valley, before descending back to Orosei.

Walking time: five hours. Ascent/descent +700/- 900 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We have some free time today to enjoy some of Orosei’s natural and historic highlights. The region is renowned for its beaches and its stunning coastline, whilst the town itself is a charming collection of whitewashed buildings and historic churches. This area is also rich in archaeological remains, with a number of ancient Nuragic towers, or ‘Giant’s Tombs’ littering the surrounding landscape. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these distinctive structures are a fascinating reminder of Sardinia’s prehistoric past and a great deal of mystery still surrounds their purpose and, indeed, their origins. There are plenty of options for more walking today as well with one possibility being a coastal walk around Orosei of around 10 km. Your tour leader will be able to brief you on this and options. A highly recommended option is to take a boat along the stunning and isolated coastline of the Gulf of Orosei to the white pebble beach at Cala Goloritze where crystal clear springs meet the unbelievably turquoise sea. Many consider this the best beach on Sardinia. Steep cliffs make land access impossible to most of the beaches and grottos seen along this coast.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Driving to the Silana Mountain Pass this morning we then walk along the valley to the entrance of the Gola di Gorropu Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. Enclosed by towering white walls that rise some 350 metres from the canyon floor, the gorge is sprinkled with white boulders and pools of clear water and we have some time to relax and enjoy the setting before continuing along the Flumineddu River to rendezvous with our bus. We then drive back to Orosei.

Walking time: five hours. Ascent/descent + 300m /- 950 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we take a short drive to Oliena Village, our gateway into the highlands of the Supramonte Mountains. From Monte Maccione we begin climbing to the Scala e’Pradu Plateau, from where we follow a circular trail up to the summit of Supramonte’s highest peak, Monte Corrasi (1,463 metres). A surreal landscape of underground caves, limestone ridges and deep, lush valleys, the Supramonte are home to eagles, mouflon and wild boar and our walk today presents us with some lovely views across the Orosei Valley and out towards the Tyrrenian Sea.

Walking time: six hours. Ascent/descent +/- 900 metres.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Another free day presents an opportunity to pay a visit to the ancient Nuragic village of Tiscali, Hidden amongst the caves of Mount Tiscali, the village is probably the most famous of Sardinia’s mysterious prehistoric ruins. Another option is to take a walk down through the gorge to the beautiful beach at Cala Goloritze, an ‘Italian National Monument’ that is considered by many to be one of the best beaches on the island.

4 hours walking +/- 550 m

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast in Orosei.

Included meals: Breakfast