Hiking in Sardinia between nuraghi and Costa Verde
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 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-Emissions92.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Italian
In a few words
In the heart of southern Sardinia, this hiking trip immerses you in a preserved region with contrasting landscapes and a rich history. Between the rolling hills of the Marmilla , renowned for their infinite shades, you will set off to discover the mysterious nuraghi , emblematic vestiges of the fascinating Nuragic civilization .
On the volcanic plateau of Giara , the experience continues with the observation of the famous cavallini , the last wild horses of Europe roaming freely in a unique environment.
The second part of the journey takes you to the wilder west coast, where the impressive cliffs of Capo Pecora and the vast stretches of sand of Piscinas are revealed, bordered by a huge and deserted beach.
Finally, this trip is also an immersion in local authenticity: you'll savor the generous and flavorful Sardinian cuisine and share special moments with locals renowned for their warm hospitality . A complete adventure blending nature , culture , and encounters .
The highlights
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Hiking in the heart of the Marmilla region, between hills and ancient nuraghi.
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The privileged meeting with the locals
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The preserved and very sparsely visited sites
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
PHYSICAL LEVEL:
For any hiker looking for a leisurely walking pace, with a physical and technical level that remains accessible.
3 to 4.5 hours of walking, and between 100 and 450 meters of elevation gain per day.
TECHNICAL LEVEL:
No technical difficulties on this route.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 208 m
- Average daily descent: 280 m
Management
The stay will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
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.
Program
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Paris (or province) - Cagliari
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight Paris (or other French city) - Cagliari, optional . Meet your guide at the hotel at 7:00 PM (see the "Air Travel and Meeting Point" section). Presentation of the trip and dinner at your own expense. (Our guide will make a reservation at a traditional, family-run trattoria to allow you to gather and get to know each other; optional).
Day 1 -
Barumini - Villanovafurru
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Positive elevation gain 40 m
- Negative elevation 40 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer (30 minutes by train and 30 minutes by taxi) to Tuili, a small village in central Sardinia, at the foot of the high plateau of the Giara, in Marmilla.
Hike to Barumini and explore the Nuragic archaeological site of Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From prehistoric times, it was a center of power for a very wealthy territory. It is the most imposing (and best preserved) of the thirty neighboring sites and the most important legacy left to us by the Nuragic civilization. Visit Casa Zapata, this noble palace which houses a splendid museum. Private transfer (20 minutes) and check-in for 2 nights at our family-run hotel in Villanovafurru with a swimming pool: one of the best restaurants in the region.
1 hour 30 minutes walk and 3 hours visit.
Day 2 -
The Giara of Gesturi - Villanovaforru
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (20 min) and hike on the vast basalt plateau of the Giara di Gesturi. This plateau has retained its original character, with dense Mediterranean scrubland, woods, and shallow lakes inhabited by herds of wild horses that have made it famous. Enjoy a walk through fragrant meadows, surrounded by cork oaks and holm oaks. Return by private transfer (20 min) to Villanovaforru and the same accommodation as the previous night.
Day 3 -
Ingortusu Mine - Piscinas - Arbus
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (45 min) to the west coast and check-in at the agriturismo where we will stay for two nights. We'll set off on foot from our accommodation, descending past the Ingortusu mines. This now-abandoned village was once home to one of Sardinia's most important mines, producing lead, zinc, and silver. We'll continue to the beach and the immense dunes of Piscinas. Free time for a swim. We'll return to the agriturismo by taxi from the beach (25 min). From our accommodation, there are superb views of the Monte Linas, the largest mountain range in southern Sardinia. And once again, Anna's cooking is exceptional!
Day 4 -
Capo Pecora - Scivu - Arbus
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (30 min) to Capo Pecora beach, an oasis of peace amidst unspoiled natural beauty. Hike to the splendid Scivu beach, bordered by rocks and fringed by pristine dunes, characterized by vast stretches of sand backed by imposing rock faces. After a final swim, return by taxi (30 min) to the agriturismo.
Day 5 -
Montevecchio - Cagliari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer to Montevecchio (30 min). We explore the Irvi Valley, a landscape of scrubland, streams, and remnants of one of Sardinia's greatest mining eras, dedicated to lead and zinc. Today, the valley is a landscape steeped in history, in an environment that has been restored to its former glory. A visit to Montevecchio allows us to delve into the heart of the old mining complex and understand the daily lives of the miners. Return from Montevecchio by taxi (35 min) to San Gavino train station, then train to Cagliari (45 min). Check-in at the hotel and dinner at a restaurant for a final evening in Cagliari.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Separation after breakfast.
Transfer to the airport on your own (see access section)
Return flight to Paris (or other French cities), optional .
Day 7
Note
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 trip (weather, road closures, canceled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.). Our guides will do their best to adapt to these unforeseen events, drawing on their experience and professionalism. Your satisfaction and safety are the primary considerations in any decisions regarding changes.
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.
Accommodation
Access
APPOINTMENT :
Day 1 at 7 pm at the hotel in Cagliari near the central train station. 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, summarizing all the necessary information 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:
The following Saturday, at the hotel in Cagliari, after breakfast. You will need to arrange your own airport shuttle (train). The guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make your shuttle (not included in the price).
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).
- To get to the hotel from Cagliari Airport, take the train to the city center, which takes 10 minutes. You can buy your ticket for €1.30 from the "Ferrovie dello Stato" ticket machines in the airport arrivals hall or at the train station. From Cagliari Elmas Airport station to Cagliari city center, there is approximately one train per hour, generally from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Sundays. The hotel is 300 meters from the train station. The reception is open 24 hours a day.
- You also have the option of taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel for an average of €20.
- Night journeys are possible from Marseille or Toulon.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a qualified guide.
- Accommodation with half-board (except for dinner on day 1)
- Picnics at lunchtime
- Visiting the Nuragic site: Su Nuraxi Barumini
- Tourist taxes
- The transfers scheduled during the hike are included in the program.
The price does not include
- Airport shuttles (to be paid on site; allow approximately €3 return for the airport/city centre train)
- Dinner on Day 1 in Cagliari
- 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 you leave, 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.
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.