8 Day Sardinia Walking Tour

Day 1 – Travel to Sardinia

Our walking adventure begins with a flight from Dublin to Olbia, located in northern Sardinia. Upon arrival, we'll meet our local guide and travel to our hotel on the spectacular Costa Smeralda, often hailed as one of Europe's most picturesque shores, celebrated for its pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters, and rugged rock formations. On the way, our local guide will chat to us about the different types of hikes that await us. This evening, join our group for a welcome dinner and get acquainted with our fellow travellers.

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Day 2 - Hiking along the Costa Smeralda

Today we will hike along some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Otherwise known as the Emerald Coast, this famous for its clear turquoise waters and the villas of the rich and famous. As we hike along secluded inland paths, we’ll uncover hidden coves and walk upon pristine white-sand beaches that are among Italy’s most breathtaking. After a day filled with incredible vistas and coastal beauty, we’ll cap off the experience with a visit to a local vineyard for a wine tasting, paired with traditional Sardinian snacks—an ideal reward for the day’s efforts. Today's leisurely walk of 8km is expected to take approximately 3 hours with minimal ascents and descents.

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Day 3 - La Maddalena Archipelago

Today, we will take a scenic ferry ride from the mainland to the stunning island of La Maddalena and the nature reserve on the Island of Caprera. Our hike follows a picturesque circular route, winding through sandy, narrow paths that reveal breathtaking views of the entire La Maddalena Archipelago. Our destination is the secluded Bay of Cala Napolitana, a hidden gem that evokes the feeling of a true desert island, complete with vibrant Caribbean-like colours.

Here, you’ll have free time to relax, take in the serene beauty of the bay, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in its pristine waters. Afterwards, we’ll make our way back to the charming fishing village of La Maddalena, where you can soak up the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere before returning by boat to the mainland. Today's leisurely walk of 9km is expected to take approximately 3 hours with ascents of up to 140m.

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Day 4 - Corsica

Today, we will experience another gem of the Mediterranean and travel by ferry to the French island of Corsica. (Travel time: Approximately 1 hr) We will arrive in Bonifacio, the oldest town in Corsica. Perched dramatically atop towering limestone cliffs, Bonifacio offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and back across to Sardinia.

Here, we’ll spend some time exploring the medieval charm of the upper town, filled with atmospheric narrow streets, Gothic and Romanesque churches, and stunning coastal views. Afterwards, we’ll embark on a scenic hike along the island’s rugged coastal cliffs, where you’ll be treated to spectacular ocean vistas at every turn. Late this afternoon, we will return to Sardinia via ferry. Today's leisurely walk of 5km is expected to take approximately 2 hours with minimal ascents and descents.

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Day 5 – At Leisure

Today is your day to spend as you wish. Whether you choose to relax on the sun-kissed beaches, wander through the local shops and restaurants in Santa Teresa Gallura, or simply unwind by the pool, the day is entirely yours. This is your chance to slow down and enjoy the best of Sardinia at your own pace.

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Day 6 - San Pantaleo

We will head away from the coast today and explore inland Sardinia. First, we’ll travel to the historic town of San Pantaleo. Dating from 800AD, this stone town is renowned for its thriving artisan community, where you’ll find a delightful array of small galleries, goldsmiths, sculptors, and potters. We’ll begin our adventure from the picturesque village square, venturing into the surrounding countryside. As we ascend through rugged granite landscapes and dense Mediterranean scrubland, climbing towards a mountain pass. But the effort is well worth it. Once we reach the top, we’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the dreamlike bays along the northeast coast. To celebrate our achievement, we’ll pause on the way back to sample a traditional Sardinian treat: mirto rosso, a liqueur made from the aromatic myrtle plant, offering a true taste of Sardinia’s heritage. Today's leisurely walk of 9km is expected to take approximately 3 hours with ascents of up to 240m.

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Day 7 – Capo Testa

Today, we venture to one of Sardinia’s hidden treasures, the Capo Testa, located on Sardinia’s north east coast. Our hike begins as we explore the fascinating Valle della Luna, a surreal valley that feels like stepping onto the surface of the moon. This unique landscape, shaped by wind and time, features striking rock formations, caves, and erosion phenomena—keep your imagination alive as you try to spot human or animal shapes in the stones. Continuing our journey, we’ll make our way to the historic Capo Testa Lighthouse, which has stood as a beacon since 1845. This iconic lighthouse marks the northernmost point of Sardinia and offers panoramic views across the surrounding sea. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll return to our starting point. Today's leisurely walk of 9km is expected to take approximately 3 hours with ascents of up to 150m.

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Day 8 – Departure

It’s time to say ciao to the stunning island of Sardinia as you board your flight back to Dublin. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable journey, hiking through its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal trails.

Please note that this is our planned itinerary, but sometimes,s due to circumstances beyond our control, we may have to alter it slightly.