Hiking in Sardinia

The best time to hike is March to June and September to November: in summer the heat in the Supramonte and along the coast can be dangerous. For the harder routes it's worth hiring a local guide who knows the terrain and access rules.

• Su Gorropu gorge Hard 4-6 h return
  One of Europe's deepest canyons, with walls hundreds of metres high. Start from the Genna Silana pass or Dorgali; there is a fee to enter the gorge. The climb back is tiring: carry plenty of water.
• Tiscali Moderate 3-4 h return
  From the Lanaitto valley up to the nuragic village hidden inside a Supramonte sinkhole. Entrance fee to the site.
• Cala Goloritzé Moderate about 1 h 15 down, 1 h 30 up
  From the Golgo plateau (Su Porteddu) a trail leads down to the cove. In summer you need to book a ticket.
• Cala Fuili to Cala Luna Moderate about 2 h one way
  The coastal trail from Cala Gonone crosses scrub and limestone to Cala Luna; you can return by boat.
• Selvaggio Blu Very hard 4-6 days
  Italy's toughest trek along the Baunei coast, with climbing sections and abseils. Only with experienced guides.
• Punta La Marmora Moderate 4-5 h return
  Sardinia's highest peak (1,834 m) in the Gennargentu; on clear days you see most of the island.
• Devil's Saddle Easy 1 h 30-2 h
  The headland above Poetto beach with views over Cagliari and the gulf: perfect at sunset.
• Sette Fratelli forest Easy to moderate 2 h to a full day
  Trails among holm oaks and granite, where you may spot Sardinian deer.
• Valle della Luna, Capo Testa Easy 1-2 h
  Wind-sculpted granite, small coves and the lighthouse facing Corsica.
• Escala del Cabirol, Capo Caccia Easy but steep about 30 min
  654 steps cut into the cliff down to Neptune's Grotto.
• Giara di Gesturi Easy 2-3 h
  A plateau of cork oaks and seasonal ponds, home to wild horses.
• Santa Barbara mining trail Multi-day about 500 km over several weeks
  A loop trail through mines, country churches and cliffs of the Sulcis Iglesiente, which you can also walk in sections.

Safety

• Start early and carry at least two litres of water each: there are no safe springs in the Supramonte.
• Many areas have no phone signal: tell someone where you're going.
• In summer check fire-risk warnings; some trails may be closed.
• Emergency number: 112.