Hiking between cliffs and secret coves in Sardinia
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationItaly / Sardinia
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions118.27 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Italian
In a few words
Between turquoise sea and wild mountains , the east coast of Sardinia reveals a contrasting and authentic landscape. This route takes you to the heart of the Supramonte , a spectacular limestone mountain range overlooking the Gulf of Orosei .
Here, arid high plateaus alternate with deep, steep gorges , sculpted by time. This pastoral land, still unspoiled, shelters a discreet fauna where goats and wild pigs roam amidst dense Mediterranean vegetation, composed of holm oaks and centuries-old junipers .
Gradually, the hills slope down towards the Tyrrhenian Sea , revealing a coastline of breathtaking beauty. The paths lead to secluded beaches , accessible only on foot, where the effort is rewarded with precious moments of swimming in crystal-clear waters.
This trip offers an immersion in raw, unspoiled nature , where each stage combines hiking , breathtaking panoramas, and wild discoveries. A destination with character, ideal for lovers of gentle adventure and spectacular landscapes.
The highlights
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A very varied stay: gorge, beach, archaeology, sailing, etc.
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UNESCO-listed coves
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Sardinian lunch in a typical farmhouse
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
PHYSICAL LEVEL:
For a motivated, fit walker who engages in varied and regular physical activity.
3 to 4 hours of walking, with elevation gains ranging from +100 to +700m, and from -100 to -900m.
TECHNICAL LEVEL:
Mountain terrain and stony coastal paths. Some scree slopes.
Walking poles are recommended and a good pair of high-top walking shoes are essential.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 217 m
- Average daily descent: 407 m
Management
The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide who knows Italy very well.
Program
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Paris (or province) - Olbia
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight from Paris (or other French cities), optional . Welcome at the hotel in Olbia at 7pm with our guide who will present the trip.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy free time to explore Olbia. Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Olbia is a small city ideally situated in northeastern Sardinia. A gateway to the famous Costa Smeralda, it attracts many travelers. But Olbia is also a city of history and culture, with its archaeological sites, historic center, and ancient squares lined with cafes. A first taste of Sardinian life. Dinner is at your own expense (our guide will reserve a restaurant for you to gather and get to know each other; optional).
Day 1 -
Olbia – Santa Maria Navarrese
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (1h50) to the Supramonte de Baunei massif, to Santa Maria Navarrese, by the sea.
The hike begins on foot from the hotel along a scenic trail that follows the route of the famous Selvaggio Blu. The walk offers spectacular views of the Pedra Longa peak, winding through strawberry trees and Phoenician juniper. Swimming is possible, followed by a return trip to Santa Maria Navarrese by boat.
Day 2 -
Baunei – Monte Pittaine – Santa Maria Navarrese
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 160 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (15 min) to Baunei. Explore the hilltop village before starting the hike.
We ascend towards Monte Pittaine, a superb viewpoint offering panoramic views over the entire Gulf of Arbatax and, on a clear day, as far as the Gennargentu massif. A gradual descent follows towards Santa Maria Navarrese along pastoral paths.
Swimming is possible from the hotel. Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 -
Golgo Plateau – Santa Maria Navarrese
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (20 min) to the Golgo plateau for a discovery hike on this limestone highland, in the heart of the Supramonte massif. Here, time seems to stand still. Pastoral activity remains very much present: cows, pigs, and donkeys roam freely.
Centuries-old olive trees offer shade to the flocks. We visit a sheepfold (ovile) for a tasting of local products, before continuing along the ancient drovers' paths to the church of San Pietro. Its simple architecture is reminiscent of the whitewashed chapels in Sergio Leone's westerns.
Return to Santa Maria Navarrese by private transfer (30 min).
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 -
Genna Silana Pass – Su Gorropu Gorge – Cala Gonone
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (30 min) to the Genna Silana pass. Via a panoramic path lined with centuries-old holm oaks and cuiles (traditional shepherd's huts covered with juniper), we descend towards the spectacular Su Gorropu gorges.
We then continue along the Flumineddu stream, which has carved out pretty pools of water at the bottom of the canyon.
Private transfer (30 min) to Cala Gonone. Check-in at the hotel in this charming seaside resort.
Swimming is possible from the hotel.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 -
Cala Gonone – Cala Cartoe – Cala Gonone
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 290 m
- Negative elevation 290 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure on foot from the hotel for a typical balcony hike of the Supramonte maritime.
The trail alternates between dense maquis, small rocky ledges and karst landscapes. We cross a maquis fragrant with mastic, rosemary and juniper before reaching Cala Cartoe, a beautiful semi-circular beach of light sand with turquoise waters.
Return to Cala Gonone by private transfer (30min).
Swimming is possible.
Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 -
Cala Gonone – Cala Luna – Olbia
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure on foot from the hotel to reach Cala Luna beach, pearl of the Gulf of Orosei and true symbol of the Sardinian coast, classified as a UNESCO.
The coastal path offers magnificent views of the turquoise sea.
Swimming possible in Cala Luna. Return to Cala Gonone by boat (30min).
Late afternoon, private transfer to Olbia (2h15).
Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 -
Olbia - Paris (or other provinces)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer by public bus to Olbia airport.
Flight to Paris (or other French provinces), optional .
Day 8
Note
This trip is primarily characterized by its rocky landscapes. For a more verdant experience, May is the ideal month, when the maquis shrubland is in bloom. The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not supervised by the guide.
The durations of our hikes are approximate. They may vary depending on several factors during our trip (participants' skill level, weather, trail conditions, etc.). Transfer times may also fluctuate depending on weather conditions and road conditions.
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change in the interest of quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your stay (weather, road closures, cancelled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.).
Accommodation
Access
APPOINTMENT :
Day 1 at 7:00 PM at the hotel in Olbia. The address will be provided in your confirmation. If you arrive later, please contact your tour leader to let them know and make arrangements. A confirmation email will be sent to you approximately two weeks before your departure: it will summarize all the information you need to get to the meeting point (contact details of your first accommodation, your guide's name and phone number, our emergency mobile number, flight tickets/e-tickets for trips including flights, etc.).
DISPERSION:
Day 7 at Olbia airport late morning. Flight possible after 2pm.
Go to the starting point
- Option to choose the stay with flights included from Paris (possibility of departure from other regions with supplement, please contact us).
- City center access : Urban bus stop for lines 2 and 10 (Aspo) is 50m from the airport exit. Buses run every 20 minutes. The hotel is 450m from the Mameli bus stop (Casermette). These buses run from 6:15 am to 11:15 pm on weekdays and from 8:15 am to 7:35 pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Connection possible to the port of Olbia by boat from Genoa.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of Italy.
- Accommodation with half-board (except for dinner on day 1)
- Picnic lunches from day 2 to day 7
- Tourist taxes
- The entrance to the Gorropu Gorges site
- The boat transfer from Cala Luna
- The transfers scheduled during the hike are included in the program.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Airport shuttles
- Dinner on Day 1 in Olbia
- Tours (approximately €10)
- Drinks and personal expenses (note that in restaurants, bottled mineral water is sold separately instead of tap water)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF228.70 / person
- Flight package : CHF411.66 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- During your stay, you must have your valid identity card or passport, your health insurance card, your personal insurance policy number and phone number (if you are not covered by our insurance), and for stays in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card. This card is very useful if you have any issues paying upfront for medical care in European countries; you must apply for it at least 15 days in advance at your social security office.
- It is possible to travel to this European Union country without a passport, using only a national identity card. If your identity card was issued between January 2, 2004, and December 31, 2013, and you were an adult at the time of issuance, its validity has been automatically extended by 5 years (formalized agreement between France and your destination country).
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
FOR THE PICNIC
- Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
- 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
- 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
- One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Tissues
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Mosquito repellent is really necessary in the summer.
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks in town.