Cave at Cala Luna beach Sardinia
Cave at Cala Luna beach Sardinia

Wild East Sardinia, Tiscali to Cala Gonone

Level
3
Distance
79 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct
price from
€ 929
CO2 footprint
127 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW040

Wondrous island landscapes and wild inland wilderness welcome you on your journey through Sardinia. Behold white cliffs over 800 meters high and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, shimmering with deep shades of blue. Thousands of prehistoric Nuragic towers are scattered across the landscape which you zigzag past, heading up the Monte Tiscali to discover a hidden Nuraghe village. Walk along the rough, ragged ridges of the Supramonte Mountains and follow narrow footpaths through the spectacular Gola di Gorropu gorge. Finally you head to the Gulf of Orosei, 40 km of captivating coastline. This invigorating walking adventure is sure to bring out your wild side.

Because of the difficult limestone terrain, you must have a quality compass, good map reading skills and be an experienced mountain walker in order to undertake this Sardinian adventure. A fully charged mobile phone with you at all times during the walks and the use of a GPS can also be handy.

Highlights

  • Spectacular views of the Supramonte Mountains and the Gulf of Orosei;
  • Wild open spaces to enjoy your naturally wild side;
  • A dip into the deepest canyon in Italy, crystal clear, turquoise sea, wonderful for swimming;
  • Tiscali Ancient Nuragic archaeological site, filled to the brim with local culture and folklore.

Itinerary

Day 1

Oliena

Oliena

Arrive in Sardinia at Cagliari or Alghero airport and take a local public bus to Oliena, where you are met and taken by car to the hotel located near the Su Gologone spring. Get your walking shoes out and your adventurous spirit ready for a discovery of the uncontaminated, idyllic bliss of Sardinia. Relax with a glass of Cannonau wine and local "carasau" bread.

Day 2

Monte Corrasi loop, 11 km

Monte Corrasi loop, 11 km

As you climb out of bed and up to the mountain top, you will feel you are 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.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +825/-815 m

Day 3

From Monte Maccione to Su Gologone, 14 or 16 km

From Monte Maccione to Su Gologone, 14 or 16 km

Today's walk leads you through the beautiful Holm oak woods that cover the lower slopes of the impressive limestone rocks of the Supramonte, which are more than 800 meters high. During the walk you will have numerous great views on the valleys of Oliena and Guthiddai. If you wish you can climb the steep, stony slope of the Scala di Sovana to the Punta Cusidore halfway along today's walk. At the end of the walk you can walk another 2 km to the limestone source of Su Gologone.

Distance: 14 or 16 km

Elevation gain: +395/-990 m

Day 4

Rio Flumineddu loop via Tiscali, 10,6 km

Rio Flumineddu loop via Tiscali, 10,6 km

You are transferred to Rio Flumineddu (15min). You then start walking along the Scala de Surtana valley; a right turn leads you to a limestone plateau where 2 beautiful ovili huts have been recently restored: if you enter inside you can admire the fine technique that is needed to build them. You descend again to the valley and start climbing up Monte Tiscali. Near the top you can visit, hidden in cave, the remains of a prehistoric Nuraghe village. You can enter the enormous round hole, which is formed by the erosion of the limestone rocks. The spot itself is very remarkable, like an oasis in the mountain, inside you will only find some remnants of Nuraghe houses but it is really worth the climb. After passing through the wooded gorge of Surtana follows a descent to the river Flumineddu, where you will be picked up for a short ride to the hotel.

Distance: 10,6 km

Elevation gain: +700/-700 m

Day 5

From Domus de Jana Biduai to Gola di Gorropu, 15 km

From Domus de Jana Biduai to Gola di Gorropu, 15 km

Delve deep into Italy's deepest gorge: the Gola di Gorropu, with its stunning, vertical white walls over 350m high. It's a long but easy walk to get there, where you can peer into the belly of the earth and scramble over the huge boulders within. Short morning and afternoon transfer to/from the start of the walk.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +341/-177 m

Day 6

From Dorgali a Cala Gonone, 11 km

From Dorgali a Cala Gonone, 11 km

A car transfer takes you just outside Dorgali where you start the walk via an old tunnel that connects Dorgali with Cala Gonone. The track climbs to the top of Monte Bardia, from where there is a long gradual descent. You have several great views into both valleys during the walk. When you have reached the asphalt road, you can decide to walk straight to Cala Gonone or to add the ascent of Monte Irveri (616m).

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +486/-958 m

Day 7

From Cala Gonone to Cala Luna, 9 km

From Cala Gonone to Cala Luna, 9 km

Today you will experience a very nice end of your hike that started one week ago in the rugged Supramonte. After a few hours of effort via a nice walk along the beautiful coast, you can relax on the white beach of Cala di Luna. This beach can be reached only on foot or by boat. At the end of the afternoon you are sailing back to Cala Gonone. You could also go diving, kayaking, fishing or just relax. In the harbour you will find all kinds of information kiosks.

Distance: 9 km

Elevation gain: +405/-402 m

Day 8

Cala Gonone

Cala Gonone

Our services end after breakfast.

Details

Is this for me?


The perfect trip to explore the wild side and untamed nature of Sardinia, without giving up on its crystal-clear waters. Please note: this is a challenging trip and it's only suggested to experienced hikers. The walks are poorly to moderately marked, often on uneven footpaths, small tracks amongst shrubs and, on a rare occasion, on small gravel roads. Some routes (such as Monte Tiscali) are demanding, with some parts of (easy) climbing being a desolate limestone area, with no springs or villages along the way.

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in hotel on half board basis (drinks excluded)
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • transfers as described in the program
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Hotel Monte Maccione Oliena
Hotel Monte Maccione - Oliena

Hotel Monte Maccione is a simple hotel, located at the base of Monte Corrasi in a restored old farm abandoned. It has an amazing view of Gennargentu National Park by its terrace. Rooms are basic and functional, but clean and comfortable. Breakfast is good served on terrace. Cuisine is very recommended that offers traditional dishes. 

https://www.coopenis.it/en/

Hotel Sant'Elene Dorgali
Hotel Sant'Elene - Dorgali

Hotel Sant'Elene is located 3 kilometres from Dorgali, in the center of Barbagia area and gate for Gulf Of Orosei. Hotel is a family run, offers spacious and bright rooms with rustic style with air contioning, TV, private bathroom with shower. Wifi is free in the hall. Breakfast is various and natural.

www.hotelsantelene.net

Hotel Oasi Cala Gonone
Hotel Oasi - Cala Gonone

Hotel Oasi*** overlooking Gulf Of Orosei with an amazing view and 5 minutes by walk from seafront. Hotel has a garden, a terrace and spacious and clean rooms, with a little bit dated furniture. The restaurant offers typical dishes. 

https://www.loasihotel.com/en

When to travel


Sardinia has a typical Mediterranean climate with very hot long summers and short, mild winters. During summer, you can rarely experience somerainfalls,butweatherisquite stable from the middle of June until the middle of September.Inthis period the average daytime temperature near to the coast varies from 28°to 34° C, however, this can rise to 38°/40° Cwhenthe Scirocco wind blows from North Africa. Itis a verydry wind that makes the temperature feel slightly lower than it actually is. While the north-west main wind Mistral blows from the mainland of France.In the hilly and mountainous internal areas of the island, the daytime temperature may be similar to orslightly higher than the temperature in the coastal areas, whileat night the temperature in the internal areas is much lower than in the coastal oncewhich benefit from thesea breeze.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


We suggest that you arrive before 4 p.m., so that you have the time to catch the bus to Oliena/Dorgali. You always have to change in Nuoro. When you arrive in Oliena or Dorgali you are met and picked up by the owner of the hotel.

If you arrive AFTER 4 p.m. or on a Sunday or National Holiday, you can either book a private transfer to the first accommodation in Oliena or Dorgali OR book an extra night in the city where you are flying at and reach Oliena or Dorgali by bus on the next morning.

If you arrive in Nuoro AFTER 7 p.m., you will need to be picked up in Nuoro istead of Oliena or Dorgali. This service will have an additional cost.

On departure from Cala Gonone, you can reach Cagliari, Olbia or Alghero by public bus (with one change in Nuoro). If you are flying from Olbia, direct busses from Cala Gonone to Olbia airport run 4 times a day in Summer.

You can check bus timetables on

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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