Sardinia offers some of Italy’s most diverse hiking terrain: coastal trails above turquoise water, the Gola su Gorropu canyon (Europe’s deepest at 500 m), and the wild Gennargentu massif rising to Punta La Marmora at 1,834 m. The best season is April to June and mid-September to October, when temperatures are ideal and the island is not at capacity with beach tourists.
Why Sardinia Is One of Europe’s Most Underrated Hiking Destinations
While most hikers associate Sardinia with beach holidays, its interior offers genuinely wild mountain territory that remains largely undiscovered by international trekkers. The Supramonte limestone plateau in the central-eastern province of Nuoro is the hiking heart of the island — a dramatic karst landscape of gorges, cave systems, ancient holm oak forests and shepherd tracks. The Barbagia region surrounding it preserves traditional pastoral culture unchanged in many villages since the 18th century, with agriturismo farms offering accommodation and locally produced food that elevates a hiking trip into something more immersive. Sardinia also benefits from political stability, well-maintained infrastructure and direct flights from major European cities to both Cagliari (CAG) and Olbia (OLB).
Best Hiking Areas in Sardinia
Supramonte and Gola su Gorropu
The Gola su Gorropu is the centrepiece of Sardinian hiking. The canyon runs for approximately 8 km with walls reaching 500 m in height — deeper than any other canyon in Europe. The trail from Passo su Scalavraxiu (accessible by 4WD or a 45-minute walk from the dirt road parking) descends into the gorge floor over 4–5 hours return, requiring scrambling and boulder-hopping near the entrance. The inner gorge is passable only from April to October — winter flash floods can fill the canyon floor within minutes. No technical equipment is required but walking poles and water shoes for stream crossings are recommended.
Gennargentu and Punta La Marmora (1,834 m)
The ascent to Punta La Marmora, Sardinia’s highest summit, begins from Fonni (1,000 m) and gains 834 m over 8–10 km (return), rated T2–T3 depending on conditions. The summit view across the entire island — with both coastlines visible on clear days — rewards the effort significantly. The trailhead is accessible by car from Nuoro (45 minutes) or from the SS295 mountain road.
Selvaggio Blu: Italy’s Most Demanding Coastal Trek
The Selvaggio Blu is a 45 km coastal trekking route along the Gulf of Orosei, considered one of Italy’s most technically demanding multi-day trails. It runs 6–7 days, requires rope descents (fixed anchors in place), route-finding ability and the ability to carry 5–6 days of food and water. This trail is for experienced trekkers only — it is largely unmarked and has no teahouse infrastructure. Most hikers engage a local guide from Cala Gonone (approximately €150–200 per day). If you want a coastal walking experience without technical demands, the easier Gulf of Orosei boat-access beaches offer excellent day-hiking options from Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese.
Key Trails at a Glance
| Trail | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gola su Gorropu | 10 km return | 4–5 hrs | Moderate | Apr–Oct |
| Punta La Marmora | 8–10 km return | 5–6 hrs | Moderate–Hard | Apr–Nov |
| Selvaggio Blu | 45 km | 6–7 days | Expert | Apr–May, Sep–Oct |
| Monte Corrasi (1,463 m) | 14 km return | 6–7 hrs | Hard | Apr–Nov |
| Tiscali Nuragic village | 8 km return | 3–4 hrs | Moderate | Mar–Nov |
| Cammino 100 Torri (full route) | 500+ km | 30–40 days | Moderate | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct |
Getting to Sardinia and Getting Around
Direct flights serve Cagliari (south) and Olbia (north) from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Barcelona with Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling and Alitalia. A hire car is essential for reaching most trailheads — public transport serves only main towns and villages. Car rental from Cagliari airport costs approximately €30–50 per day in April–June; book 6–8 weeks in advance for spring dates. Nuoro makes the best base for Supramonte hiking, with accommodation ranging from agriturismo stays (€50–90 per night including dinner) to budget hotels (€35–65).
Gear for Hiking Sardinia
Sardinia’s terrain is rockier and rougher than most European hiking destinations. Spring and autumn bring sudden rain from the Mediterranean. Key gear choices:
- Pack: A 55–65 L pack works well for multi-day routes where you carry your own food and camp gear. The Osprey Kestrel 68 handles the mixed terrain and load well.
- Rain jacket: Mediterranean weather changes quickly. The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket (160 g) packs to the size of a fist and handles Sardinian squalls reliably.
- Poles: The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles are invaluable in Gorropu’s boulder sections and on the loose limestone of Gennargentu descents.
- Water treatment: The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L filters from natural springs and streams throughout the Supramonte, essential in summer when water sources are sparse.
Sardinia rewards the kind of exploratory, low-infrastructure approach to hiking that also suits Portugal’s Rota Vicentina and Greece’s mountain trails — the best hiking destinations in Europe guide puts all three in regional context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to hike in Sardinia?
May is the peak month for hiking quality: wildflowers are in bloom, temperatures are 18–25°C in the mountains, day length is long and tourist crowds are lower than July–August. October is the second-best window — the landscape is dry and golden, temperatures are comfortable and the Selvaggio Blu conditions are at their most stable before the autumn rain season begins in November.
Do I need a permit to hike the Selvaggio Blu?
No permit is required for the Selvaggio Blu, but the route passes through the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park — camping is restricted to designated areas and open fires are prohibited. Most hikers use a local guide both for safety and to navigate the unmarked route. The Cooperativa Ghivine in Dorgali is the main local guiding organisation.
Is Sardinia suitable for long-distance trekkers?
The Cammino 100 Torri is Sardinia’s newest long-distance trail, launched in 2024. It circles the island for 500+ km, connecting ancient Aragonese watchtowers via a mix of coastal paths and mountain routes. It is fully waymarked and serviced by agriturismo accommodation throughout. Completing the full circuit takes 30–40 days.
Are there mountain rescue services in Sardinia?
Yes. The Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS) operates across all major hiking areas of Sardinia. The emergency number is 118 (general emergency) or 112 (pan-European emergency). Mobile coverage is patchy in gorges and remote interior areas — always tell your accommodation your planned route and expected return time.
What food should I expect on an agriturismo-based hiking trip in Sardinia?
Sardinian agriturismo serves fixed-menu dinners using local produce: pane carasau (paper-thin flatbread), culurgiones (pasta parcels filled with potato and mint), pecorino cheese aged on-farm, roast suckling pig (porceddu) and local Cannonau red wine. Expect to pay €25–40 per person for a full dinner with wine. This is genuinely excellent fuel for hiking days — protein-rich, carbohydrate-dense and calorie-sufficient.