Current as of: April 16, 2024 - 06:53
Secrets of Sardinia Walking Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W07SA
Trip Overview
Stunning Sardinia immediately evokes images of sparkling emerald waters lapping idyllic white sand beaches, but away from the stylish resorts of the Costa Smeralda, the island remains relatively undiscovered, with a mountainous inner heartland contrasting with its wildlife rich marshes, remote headlands and picture perfect shores.
This 7 night self guided holiday takes you on an impossibly scenic discovery of western Sardinia’s natural beauty, from the maquis scented slopes of the wild black Montiferru mountains to the prolific birdlife of the Sinis wetlands, and from rugged limestone cliffs dotted with panoramic watch towers to the picture perfect sand and white quartz beaches of the Sinis peninsula.
Of course Sardinia is also an archaeologist’s delight, boasting a historical treasure trove of ancient settlements, including the fascinating Roman site of Tharros which spans no less than 2000 years of history. Other man made highlights include the early Christian basilica of San Giovanni and the quirky village of San Giovanni Sinis, reminiscent of the American wild west, which sits completely unpopulated apart from one week a year when a religious festival brings it to life.
At a Glance
- 7 nights in HHH and 3-star hotels
- 8 days land only/ flight inclusive
- 6 days walking
Highlights
- The wonderful contrasting landscapes of undiscovered western Sardinia: forest carpeted mountains, craggy limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches
- Rich in birdlife including grey mullets, herons and pink flamingos
- Untouched headlands, sweeping coastal vistas, panoramic watch towers, beautiful quartz scattered shores
- The quirky village of San Salvatore Sinis and the ancient site of Tharros
Is This Trip for You?
Terrain: This holiday follows mainly sandy and stony coastal paths, agricultural tracks, and quiet country lanes. There are mainly gentle ascents and descents which are steeper on days 2 and 3 and walking boots are essential throughout. There are clifftop walks on days 4 and 5 but these should not pose a problem for people with a fear of heights.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Santu Lussurgiu
- End City: Cabras
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: Gatwick
- End City: Cagliari
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Santu Lussurgiu
Arrive in the sleepy mountain village of Santu Lussurgiu. Explore its maze of winding alleyways that cascade down the hillside, before dinner.
San Leonardo Loop Walk
Head uphill with sweeping views over the Gennargentu mountains to the little village of San Leonardo, famous for its crystal clear spring water. Enjoy the Sunday market and a leisurely lunch in one of the many cafes, then it’s an easy downhill back to Santu Lussurgiu, past the statue of Christ which keeps its panoramic watch over the village.
Santu Lussurgiu - Santa Caterina di Pittinuri
We take you to the Montiferru Mountain, then admire the coastal vistas as you descend through oak forest, olive groves and tranquil pastures to the spectacular turquoise bay of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri. Relax by the sea before we take you to your next accommodation.
Santa Caterina di Pittinuri to Putzu Idu
Your walk starts at Is Benas lagoon, home to grey herons and pink flamingos. Then follow a clifftop path to the pristine sands of Su Pallosu beach. There’s the option to walk to Capo Mannu with its clifftop lighthouse and ancient Spanish watchtowers to enjoy far reaching sea vistas. End the day in Putzu Idu, a favourite spot for surfers.
Putzu Idu to San Giovanni
Set off along the limestone cliffs of Su Tingiosu, rich in birdlife, before reaching the stunning beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi where fine grains of white quartz form the sands.
Tharros and Capo San Marco
A peaceful wander through the idyllic countryside will lead you towards the coast where you can visit the ‘outdoor museum’ of Tharros. Extend your journey by heading towards Capo San Marco and walk through the ancient site dating back to the 8th century BC.
San Salvatore Sinis to Cabras
Pass through artichoke fields, vineyards and olive groves to the quirky uninhabited village of San Salvatore Sinis. Famous for its Roman hypogeum (underground temple) and as the film set for spaghetti westerns! Carry on past the Cabras lagoon, the largest in the area and the perfect stop for a Sardinian lunch, try the local bottarga (cured fish roe) and Vernaccia wine! Continue to bustling Cabras itself, the main town on the Sinis peninsula.
Leave Cabras
The tour ends after breakfast in Cabras.
Accommodation
Secrets of Sardinia Walking
Your accommodation for the week is carefully chosen family run hotels and B&Bs which highlight the very best of Sardinian hospitality, including a converted 18th century aristocrat’s residence, which is now part of the ‘Slow Food’ movement and a hacienda style hotel surrounded by lush gardens.
Single supplement from £ 178
Weather & Seasonality
Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, usually warm in spring and autumn and hot, dry summers. April, May, September and October usually have an average daytime temperatures around 20-25ºC. Rain is unlikely but possible throughout the year.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Waterproof jacket
Walking Pole (if required)
Warm jumper/fleece for the evenings
Suncream
Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.
– comfortable shoes and clothes if you want to explore the towns
Sun cream and lip salve
Sunglasses/eye protection
Optional Equipment
Swimming costume, mosquitos repellent, beach towel.
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
Practical Information
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
European plug – 2 round pins.
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You will need money for lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks as well as any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Dinners can cost between €15-40 depending on the type of restaurant you visit and would not include drinks.
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.