Welcome to Hooked on Walking Holidays and our walking holidays in Sardinia. This hiking vacation on Sardinia is a level 2-3 graded self guided walking tour and is located on the wonderful east side of Sardinia in the Supramonte mountains.  The landscape where this walking tour takes place, belongs to one of the most dramatic coastlines of the Mediterranean. White cliffs rising 800m high out of the blue, crystal clear waters of the Golfo di Orosei. The thousands of mysterious Nuraghe villages and towers, scattered over this island, tell us of ancient times and ancient cultures that once ruled Sardinia. Starting from the capital city of Cagliari or Algherro you first travel into the heart of the Supramonte, a rugged and rough mountain area, where still many secrets are concealed. Narrow footpaths lead you to the Su Gologone, a well that constantly pours out great amounts of crystal clear water.
You will walk through the narrow and spectacular gorge called Gola di Gorropu, high up to Monte Tiscali, where you will find the ancient hidden city of the Nuraghe people. The final stretch is down to the sea where  a pleasant and relaxing stay awaits you at Cala Gonone and the beautiful beach of Cala Luna. This is a trip you must experience yourself.

Because of the difficult limestone terrain, it is fundamental you have good compass and map reading skills in order to make this trip.

Available daily April - June , September - October ( Level 2-3 self guided tour )
4 and 7 night tour available

Day 1       Arrive in Cagliari , Algherro or Olbia.
During the course of the day you arrive in Sardinia and you travel to Oliena (via Nuoro) by public transport. In Oliena you are picked up at the bus stop in Oliena and transferred to the hotel in the mountains. Please see below on arrival times and transfers. If you are on the 4 night trip you carry on through Oliena to Dorgali where you are picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2  Monte Corrasi round walk 10km, 500m climb, 500m descent, 4 hours
As you climb out of bed and up to the mountain top, you'll feel you're still dreaming for how beautiful your natural surroundings are. Gaze out at the calcareous Supramonte Mountains and the stunning valleys which await your upcoming visit.

Day 3  Monte Maccione to Su Gologone spring 13 km, 50m climb, 550m descent, 5.0 hours
Today beings with a comfortable descent down the mountain toward the astonishingly beautiful Su Gologone spring. This opening in the limestone rock, at the foot of the mountain, is the only location of a running stream in the area. Replenish yourself with the freshness and crispness of this natural beauty. Optional 500m climb and descent is available to the top of Punta Cusidore. Overnight in Dorgali.

Day 4       Dorgali 8 miles 12.5
A short car transfer takes you to the dark cave of Sa Oche, where the walk starts. From there you walk through the wide valley of Sa Oche to the narrow chasm of Surtana. If you wish and we recommend it, you can visit the Monte Tiscali. When you come near the top, the path narrows and climbs steeply, before dropping into the immense, roofless cave where the remains of a prehistoric Nuraghe village are found. After you have crossed the Surtana chasm, you will gradually climb among vineyards and rural estates, until you reach the beautifully situated hotel near Dorgali. From here you have an amazing view over the limestone rocks of the Supramonte . Up 700 m, down 450 m,  6.5 hours.

Day 5 Dorgali circular 11.8 miles 19 km 
Leaving the hotel, you follow a gravel road to the spectacular canyon of Gole di Gorropu. The small Flumineddu stream has made a 350m deep and narrow canyon in the lime stone ridge. The bottom of the canyon, which is hardly reached by any daylight, is covered with huge boulders; in this remote part of Sardinia you might even meet one of Sardinian’s original small wild sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon). You return to the hotel along the green bank of the Flumineddu stream. At the end there will be a short transfer that brings you up to the hotel. up 180 m, down 600 m, 6.5 hours.

Day 6       Cala Gonone 6.3 miles 10 km
You are driven to the tunnel that connects the inland area of Dorgali to the coast and as soon as you come out of the you will have a full view of the Golf of Orosei, 40 km of high sea cliffs full of caves but only a few small, beautiful beaches.  up 450 m, down 850 m, 6  hours.

Day 7        Cala Gonone circular 10 miles 16 km
A walk to the most famous beach in the area cannot be missed. At the end of the Codula di Luna, the narrow river valley that end at the semi-circular beach of Cala Luna you will find a surprising phenomena, a forest of Oleander trees surrounding a sweet water lake that arises or disappears according to the rains. Up 350m down 650m Walking time 6 hours

Day 8       The trip ends after breakfast.
The day is at leisure

Accommodation
Cosy and friendly 3 star hotels and typical farmhouse with superb views. All accommodation is in double rooms with private en-suite facilities. Throughout the trip there are plenty of opportunities to taste not only the excellent local food but also the renowned Canonau wine the deepest shade of red you will find in Italy.

Difficulty    2 - 3
This mountainous terrain can be demanding because of the rocky tracks requiring some stamina and a moderate to good physical condition. The walks are along moderately well marked, rocky and uneven footpaths and mule tracks with very few strade bianche, (small gravel roads).

4 Night tour - Arrive to Sardinia and transfer to Dorgali as on Day 1, then Day 4,  Day 5, Day 6 and Day 8.

2010 Prices

How to get there
By plane to Algherro or Cagliari airports.
Local transfers from Alghero and Cagliari around 15 Euro per person
If you are arriving into Cagliari your flight must land before 4pm to allow you to catch the last bus , Algherro you should arrive before 10am to allow you to catch the airport bus and to Olbia you can arrive upto 6pm.
For departures the earliest flights should be , from Cagliari please make sure mid afternoon , Olbia late morning , Algherro late pm.
If your flights do not match these times you can stay extra nights in Cagliari or Algherro or you can request a private transfer.
Ideal trip extensions , beaches at Cala Gonone , Cagliari , Algherro

To view other Walking Holiday in Italy Umbria , Piemonte , Chianti , Cinque Terre , Sicily , Amalfi Coast , Island of Elba , Sicily Active Volcanoes

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Italy

HOME

You will also find walking holidays in Spain , walking holidays in France, walking holidays in the UK , walking holidays in Austria , walking holidays in Portugal , walking holidays in Germany, walking holidays in USA , walking holidays in Slovenia , walking holidays in Hungary , walking holidays in Poland , walking holidays in Slovakia, walking holidays in New Zealand ,walking holiday in Greece