Stunning Sardinia immediately evokes images of sparkling emerald waters lapping idyllic white sand beaches, but away from the stylish resorts of the Costa Smeralda, the island remains relatively undiscovered, with a mountainous inner heartland contrasting with its wildlife rich marshes, remote headlands and picture perfect shores.
This 7 night self guided holiday takes you on an impossibly scenic discovery of western Sardinia’s natural beauty, from the maquis scented slopes of the wild black Montiferru mountains to the prolific birdlife of the Sinis wetlands, and from rugged limestone cliffs dotted with panoramic watch towers to the picture perfect sand and white quartz beaches of the Sinis peninsula.
Of course Sardinia is also an archaeologist’s delight, boasting a historical treasure trove of ancient settlements, including the fascinating Roman site of Tharros which spans no less than 2000 years of history. Other man made highlights include the early Christian basilica of San Giovanni and the quirky village of San Giovanni Sinis, reminiscent of the American wild west, which sits completely unpopulated apart from one week a year when a religious festival brings it to life.
Highlights
The wonderful contrasting landscapes of undiscovered western Sardinia: forest carpeted mountains, craggy limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches
Rich in birdlife including grey mullets, herons and pink flamingos
The quirky village of San Salvatore Sinis and the ancient site of Tharros
Key Information
7 nights in HHH and 3-star hotels
8 days land only/ flight inclusive
6 days walking
Countries visited: Italy
What's Included
7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH and 3-star hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
GPX navigation files
Walk transfers
What's Not Included
Travel Insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations
6Days of Walking & Trekking
Day 2
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 3
22 km / 13.7 miles
Day 4
17 km / 10.6 miles
Day 5
17 km / 10.6 miles
Day 6
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 7
14 km / 8.7 miles
Itinerary
Santu Lussurgiu
Cabras
Gatwick
Cagliari
Day
1
Arrive in Santu Lussurgiu
Arrive in the sleepy mountain village of Santu Lussurgiu. Explore its maze of winding alleyways that cascade down the hillside, before dinner.
Day
2
San Leonardo Loop Walk
Head uphill with sweeping views over the Gennargentu mountains to the little village of San Leonardo, famous for its crystal clear spring water. Enjoy the Sunday market and a leisurely lunch in one of the many cafes, then it’s an easy downhill back to Santu Lussurgiu, past the statue of Christ which keeps its panoramic watch over the village.
Distance covered: 7mi (12km)
Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Santu Lussurgiu - Santa Caterina di Pittinuri
We take you to the Montiferru Mountain, then admire the coastal vistas as you descend through oak forest, olive groves and tranquil pastures to the spectacular turquoise bay of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri. Relax by the sea before we take you to your next accommodation.
Distance covered: 14mi (22km)
Activity hours: 7
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Santa Caterina di Pittinuri to Putzu Idu
Your walk starts at Is Benas lagoon, home to grey herons and pink flamingos. Then follow a clifftop path to the pristine sands of Su Pallosu beach. There’s the option to walk to Capo Mannu with its clifftop lighthouse and ancient Spanish watchtowers to enjoy far reaching sea vistas. End the day in Putzu Idu, a favourite spot for surfers.
Distance covered: 11mi (17km)
Activity hours: 5
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Putzu Idu to San Giovanni
Set off along the limestone cliffs of Su Tingiosu, rich in birdlife, before reaching the stunning beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi where fine grains of white quartz form the sands.
Distance covered: 11mi (17km)
Activity hours: 6
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Tharros and Capo San Marco
A peaceful wander through the idyllic countryside will lead you towards the coast where you can visit the ‘outdoor museum’ of Tharros. Extend your journey by heading towards Capo San Marco and walk through the ancient site dating back to the 8th century BC.
Distance covered: 8mi (13km)
Activity hours: 4.5
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
San Salvatore Sinis to Cabras
Pass through artichoke fields, vineyards and olive groves to the quirky uninhabited village of San Salvatore Sinis. Famous for its Roman hypogeum (underground temple) and as the film set for spaghetti westerns! Carry on past the Cabras lagoon, the largest in the area and the perfect stop for a Sardinian lunch, try the local bottarga (cured fish roe) and Vernaccia wine! Continue to bustling Cabras itself, the main town on the Sinis peninsula.
Distance covered: 9mi (14km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Leave Cabras
The tour ends after breakfast in Cabras.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
Terrain: This holiday follows mainly sandy and stony coastal paths, agricultural tracks, and quiet country lanes. There are mainly gentle ascents and descents which are steeper on days 2 and 3 and walking boots are essential throughout. There are clifftop walks on days 4 and 5 but these should not pose a problem for people with a fear of heights.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Weather
Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, usually warm in spring and autumn and hot, dry summers. April, May, September and October usually have an average daytime temperatures around 20-25ºC. Rain is unlikely but possible throughout the year.
Secrets of Sardinia Walking
Your accommodation for the week is carefully chosen family run hotels and B&Bs which highlight the very best of Sardinian hospitality, including a converted 18th century aristocrat’s residence, which is now part of the ‘Slow Food’ movement and a hacienda style hotel surrounded by lush gardens.
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