There is a side of Sardinia that can be discovered in the summer away from the crowds—by following the shepherds’ trails, immersing yourself in the silence of the forests, and choosing the most pleasant times of day for walking. This August trek in Sardinia is designed for those who don’t want to miss out on the mountains, the sea, and the pleasure of traveling at a leisurely pace. From Cala Gonone, we’ll explore the Supramonte, passing through Nuragic villages hidden in the rock, mysterious caves, centuries-old holm oaks, and trails that lead all the way to the turquoise waters of Cala Luna. We’ll hike with a local nature guide, discover the flavors of Barbagia, and enjoy some free time by the sea in the Gulf of Orosei. And then there’s the sunset over Monte Corrasi, with an aperitif at high altitude as Sardinia unfolds before us. A unique hiking vacation, where it’s not about how many kilometers we cover, but everything we discover along the way.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
Welcome to Sardinia!
We arrive in Cala Gonone, overlooking the Gulf of Orosei, and meet our guide at the hotel. This will be the starting point for a unique week, featuring hikes in the Supramonte, centuries-old forests, hidden caves, and days spent by the sea. We’ll explore trails at a leisurely pace, experience local traditions, and take walks during the most pleasant hours of the day. We’ll start getting to know the group and settling into the rhythm of Sardinia.
Second day
Amid holm oak forests and boundless vistas
We begin with the transfer and enter the Montes Forest, in the heart of Barbagia, where we walk among centuries-old holmoaks to the Funtana Bona spring, the source of the Cedrino River. We climb Monte Fumai and reach Monte Novo San Giovanni: from up here, the view stretches from Supramonte to Gennargentu, all the way to the sea. We’ll stop for a packed lunch in the shade of the woods before reaching Orgosolo, where murals tell the stories, identity, and traditions of this land. We’ll return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Third day
Tiscali, the village hidden in the mountains
We begin our day with the transfer to our starting point. We travel through the Lanaitho Valley, amid limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, to reach one of the most remarkable sites in the Supramonte: the Nuragic village of Tiscali, nestled within a sinkhole. We’ll explore the ruins of the ancient settlement and return along a scenic trail. Awaiting us is a tasting of local specialties at a local sheepfold, where we’ll also discover the flavors of Barbagia. We’ll conclude with a visit to the Su Gologone karst spring. Return to the hotel by shuttle for dinner.
Fourth day
In the heart of the mountain, where the light takes you by surprise
We take the shuttle back to the Lanaitho Valley and follow an ancient trail once used by shepherds and charcoal burners, winding through centuries-old holm oaks and rocky cliffs. We put on helmets and headlamps and enter the “Sa Nurre de su Hoda” cave to explore vast underground chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and traces left by water over time. Here, the temperature ranges from 14–18°C. The guide tells us about the early explorations and the stories associated with these places. Then, in the silence of the cave, a beam of natural light reveals all the unique features of this hidden world. We return to the hotel by shuttle.
Fifth day
Cala Luna: The Sea Is Reached on Foot
We drive by off-road vehicle to Buchi Arta, in the Supramonte region of Dorgali, and begin our hike toward Cala Luna. We follow ancient charcoal burners’ trails, cross theCodula di Luna canyon, and walk among towering limestone cliffs, oleanders, and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. After about three hours, we arrive at Cala Luna beach, where we take a break and go for a swim in the Gulf of Orosei. We return on foot via an alternate route or, optionally, by boat to Cala Gonone (not included in the package).
Sixth day
Sunset Corrasi, a Toast Over the Barbagia
We enjoy a free morning at the beach in Cala Gonone. In the afternoon, we take a shuttle to the Supramonte region near Oliena and set out from Tuones, at 1,050 meters above sea level, on a hike toward the limestone ridges of Monte Corrasi, which, at 1,463 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the Supramonte. We hike among rocks, endemic plants, and sweeping views of the Barbagia region, taking advantage of the cooler hours of the day. At sunset, we stop at a scenic overlook for an aperitif featuring traditional Sardinian specialties. A toast at high altitude before returning to Cala Gonone. We return to the hotel by shuttle.
Seventh day
One last look at the Gulf of Orosei
After breakfast, we leave the hotel in Cala Gonone and say our goodbyes. We take home memories of a Sardinia we’ve discovered step by step—along little-traveled trails, through encounters with local traditions, and moments shared in nature. It’s time to set off again, with a few new travel companions and many places to remember.
accommodation in double rooms
All transfers by program
Tiscali Archaeological Site and Cave
half-board with breakfast and dinner at the hotel
tasting of local products
Traditional “Sunset Corrasi” Aperitif
Local Hiking Guide
Entering the cave with helmets and headlamps
health and baggage insurance. travel, beverages, lunches, airport-to-hotel transfer, any admission fees, return boat ride from Cala Luna (approximately €30), tourist tax, and anything not listed under "Includes."
Single occupancy starting at €160.
3-Star Hotel in Cala Gonone - NU.
Located in the heart of the Gulf of Orosei, this family-run hotel is surrounded by lush greenery. It features a lovely pool, a restaurant, and cozy spaces where guests can relax. The location is ideal for alternating between days at the beach and excursions into the countryside to discover Sardinia’s wildest natural landscapes.
The property is 147 km from Cagliari Elmas Airport (recommended) and 183 km from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. A transfer service is available through a local company, with which you can arrange a paid service from Cagliari Airport to the hotel and back. Estimated times: departure from the airport between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., return from the hotel no earlier than 9:00–9:30 a.m. Prices for the Cagliari route are subject to confirmation: €190 for up to 4 passengers, €220 for up to 4 passengers, €260 for up to 6 passengers; €280 for up to 8 people. Please send us your schedule so we can best organize the shared transfers! If you decide to fly into Olbia, you can reach Santa Maria Navarrese by bus, changing at Siniscola. Info at https://www.arst.sardegna.it Only for emergencies already agreed upon with us: DEPLANO coach to Nuoro, followed by a ride in the guide’s car to the hotel. In case of a delayed arrival or departure, you can use a taxi service or the ARST buses (http://arst.sardegna.it/index.html)
The port of Arbatax is 14 km away, Cagliari is 151 km away, and the port of Olbia is 185 km away.
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