Hiking in Sardinia in August: The Cool Side of Supramonte

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, filled with hiking in the Supramonte, ancient forests, hidden caves, and days spent by the sea. Ahead of us lie trails to explore at a leisurely pace, encounters with local traditions, and walks during the most pleasant hours of the day. We begin to get to know the group and settle into the rhythm of Sardinia.

Second day

Amid holm oak forests and boundless vistas
As we make our way there, we reach the Montes Forest, in the heart of Barbagia, and walk among centuries-old holm oaks to the spring of Funtana Bona, where the Cedrino River has its source. 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 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. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Third day

Tiscali, the village hidden in the mountains
Let’s start with the drive to begin our day. We’ll drive through the Lanaitho Valley, flanked by limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, to reach one of the most surprising places in the Supramonte: the Nuragic village of Tiscali, nestled inside a sinkhole. We’ll explore the ruins of the ancient settlement and make our way back 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 wrap up with a visit to the karst spring at Su Gologone. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Fourth day

In the heart of the mountains, where the light takes you by surprise
We take the shuttle back to the Lanaitho Valley and follow an ancient path once used by shepherds and charcoal burners, winding through centuries-old holm oaks and rocky cliffs. We put on our helmets and headlamps and enter "Sa Nurre de su Hoda" "Sa Nurre de su Hoda" to discover 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. Return to the hotel by shuttle.

Fifth day

Cala Luna: You Have to Walk to Reach the Sea
We reach it by off-road vehicle Buchi Arta, in the Supramonte region of Dorgali, and begin our hike toward Cala Luna. We follow ancient charcoal burners’ trails, crossing the Codula di Luna Canyon , and walk among towering limestone cliffs, oleanders, and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. After about three hours, we arrive at the Cala Luna beach, where we take a break and go for a swim in the sea of the Gulf of Orosei. We return on foot along an alternative 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 Supramonte region near Oliena and set out from Tuones at 1,050 meters above sea level for 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’ll hike among rocks, endemic plants, and sweeping views of the Barbagia, taking advantage of the cooler hours of the day. At sunset, we’ll 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 a Sardinia, discovered step by step—along little-traveled trails, 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.