Italy
Country
8 days
Duration
April-June
When
Moderate
Difficulty
Breakfast
Board
Yes
Luggage transfer
Comfort
Accomodation
Hiking
Activity

Sardinia’s East Coast: Hiking in the Orosei nature park.

What do you associate with Sardinia? Certainly dreamy sandy beaches, the turquoise blue sea and balmy summer evenings eating fresh pasta. But there’s more to Sardinia – it has become a popular destination for hiking holidays. The hiking tour through Sardinia’s east is both wild and relaxing at the same time. Wild, because the landscape is characterised by rugged rocks. And relaxing, because Sardinians have perfected “la dolce far niente”, the sweet idleness. Let yourself be infected by the Italians and have your hiking holiday in Sardinia the relaxed way!

Details about hiking holidays in Sardinia

Finding peace and quiet on a hiking holiday? There’s nothing easier in Sardinia! With every day in your hiking boots you take in the breath-taking landscape more and more – and with it the Italian way of life. The multifaceted nature makes for absolute hiking enjoyment, whether that be the flowering macchia, the Gulf of Orosei or the bays of Ogliastra. From Santa Maria Navarrese, the route leads to the high plateau of Golgo and the bay of Cala Goloritze. This is followed by a circular hike to the bay of Cala Mariolu. By boat you come to the holiday resort of Cala Gonone. The hiking tour is completed with circular hikes to the rocky bays of Cala Fuili and Cala Luna as well as a hike around the rocky massif of Monte Irveri. Daily hikes of up to six hours leave you with enough time to take a refreshing dip in the sea.

Highlights of Sardinia’s east coast at a glance:

  • Impressive coastal walks: Sardinia’s east is wild and has an extremely impressive landscape – the routes mainly run along the coast, granting magnificent views of the sea.
  • Orosei Nature Park: Sardinia’s largest nature park, the Golfo di Orosei, is a scenic jewel on the Italian island. The mighty limestone rises almost vertically out of the sea and forms striking landmarks in the turquoise waters.
  • Enchanting macchia: A fragrant, flowering splendour awaits you in the spring months in the macchia of Sardinia. Between the spring and autumn blossoms, the machia forests exude the aroma of rosemary, laurel and other Mediterranean herbs.
  • Grotta del Bue Marino: This stalactite cave is located at the foot of the Supramonte in the Golfo di Orosei. It owes its name to the monk seal that sought shelter at altitude and was christened Bue Marino. Enjoy the mystical atmosphere!

Useful information about hiking in Sardinia

On the day of your own arrival in Santa Maria Navarrese, be sure to take a dip in the nearby bays of the Ogliastra. Sunny days follow, peppered with hiking tours of between nine and 18 kilometres. Three circular hikes also lead into the highlands of Sardinia. The hiking trails often lead over rocky and stony terrain and therefore require surefootedness.

Included Services

  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Support
  • Hiking maps
  • 4 x 3-star hotel. 3 x refugios.
  • Flight
  • Travel insurance

What to bring

Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.

Need to have:

Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)

Nice to have:

Walking poles
Power bank
Chocolate
Sandals for the cabins
Plastic bags to keep things dry

FAQ

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

If you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Italy may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Italy has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

How do I book my tour?

You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Italy website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.

How do I pay for my tour?

When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.

Do I get my own room?

This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.

Is baggage transfer included with all your Alpine tours?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.

How many days do your tours last?

All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.

What meals are included in your Alpine adventure tours?

Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.

What is a self-guided tour?

We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Do you offer group tours?

Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. However, Outdoor Italy does not offer group tours for individual participants.

Can you create a tour just for me and my friends?

Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Italy can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.

Are your outdoor adventure tours family-friendly?

There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.

Do you offer discounts for children?

Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.

Can I travel on my own?

Many single travellers chose Outdoor Italy due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.

Will I manage?

We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).

What if I get lost?

Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.

Will I be able to cope with the physical challenge?

We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.

Can I bring my dog?

Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.

*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only the services mentioned above are included in the price. Luggage transfer is only available for two or more participants.

Sardinia’s East Coast

Explore the untamed beauty of Sardinia’s east coast with its rugged landscapes and coastal walks. Traverse Sardinia’s largest nature park, Golfo di Orosei, admire fragrant macchia forests, and venture into the mystical Grotta del Bue Marino cave. Enjoy daily hikes and refreshing sea dips, embracing both wildness and relaxation.

Data:

Total distance: 81 km
H+: 3240 m
H-: 2900 m
Level: Medium

1

Arrival in Santa Maria Navarrese

The small coastal town is located in a picturesque location between the steep cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei and the long Ogliastra sandy beaches. To get in the mood for your tour, go for a leisurely stroll along the beach or why not go for a swim in the sea.

Hotel Nicoletta https://www.hotelnicoletta.info/en/

2

Santa Maria Navarrese – Golgo

A path with great views way up above the coast brings you to the impressive Pedra Longa limestone peaks. Soon you turn inland and climb up small tracks below some impressive rock faces and up to the first mountain top. You will keep on getting breath-taking views over the turquoise blue surface of the sea. You will walk past flocks of sheep and through the aromatic Macchia down to the Golgo alpine plateau.Cooperativa Goloritzé

  • 19 km
  • 920 m
  • 590 m
  •  6 hours
3

Circular walk Cala Goloritzé

Today a walk to the spectacular bay of Cala Goloritzé is waiting for you. It is a very special highlight! You will walk through a gorge with a view of the impressive cliffs and to a 120m tall rock crag, which reflects in the crystal-clear, sparkling water. After a swimming break in a wonderful bay, you make your way back to Golgo where the comfortable “Rifguio” is. Cooperativa Goloritzé https://coopgoloritze.com/

  •  12 km
  • 560 m
  • 560 m
  •  5 hours
4

Circular walk Cala Mariolu

Today you walk across the wild and romantic Golgo plateau until you get to the Arcobaleno natural rock arch, which is today’s destination. From here, you will get wonderful panorama views over the deep-blue sea, which is far beneath you. After this, adventurous and sure-footed walkers can continue by climbing up steep tracks via the Wacholderholz-Leitern and then down to the Cala Mariolu bay.

Hotel example: Cooperativa Goloritzé

  • 12 km
  •  300 m
  •  300 m
  •  4.5 hours
5

Golgo – Cala Gonone

After a short transfer from Cala Sisine beach, you will walk uphill between the carob trees and the holm oaks. At the same time, you can marvel at the rugged coast and the glistening sea. Your path takes you via an endless karst plateau to the wonderful swimming bay, Cala Luna. This is one of the nicest beaches in Sardinia. Then take the boat to the holiday destination, Cala Gonone where you can spend the next days right by the sea.

Hotel example: Bue Marino

  • 12 km
  • 620 m
  • 600 m
  •  5 hours
6

Circular walk Cala Fuili and Cala Luna

A magnificent walk takes you via the small and well-hidden rocky bay Cala Fuili to Cala Luna. You will go along a shady hiking trail through forest and coastal terrain past hidden caves and gorges. After a refreshing swim in the sea and a stop in a beach bar, you take a ship pack to Cala Gonone with the option to take a stop at the fascinating stalactite caves in Bue Marino.

Hotel example: Bue Marino

  • 9 km
  •  210 m
  • 200 m
  •  3.5 hours
7

Circular walk Monte Irveri

Walk from the coast down to the top of the pass from where you get expansive views of Sardinia’s inland. You walk around the Monte Irveri and then get to the idyllic sandy beach Cala Cartoe. By walking along the cliffs you will get fantastic views of the Gulf of Orosei. Up high on the cliffs is a great place to reflect on your week’s walking.

Hotel Bue Marino https://www.hotelbuemarino.eu/

  • 17 km
  •  630 m
  •  630 m
  •  3 to 6 hours
8

Departure or extra days

Departure or extra days

Do you like this tour?

Share it with your friends

Tour Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Leave a Review

Rating