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Coastal Hiking in Sardinia: 8 Days Through Untamed Nature and Crystal-Clear Waters
8-Day Hiking Tour of Sardinia Along the Southwest Coast: Unspoiled and Surprising Nature
Hiking in Sardinia means the scent of the macchia, the breeze from the Mediterranean Sea, and a trail that winds past rugged granite cliffs. Views of turquoise water you’d only expect to see in your dreams. This isn’t a resort experience; this is Sardinia as it should be: unspoiled, authentic, and deeply connected to nature.
This 8-day coastal hiking trip from Buggerru to Sant’Antioco takes you along one of Europe’s least-known coastlines. You’ll hike through Europe’s largest dune system, past deserted sandy beaches and ancient watchtowers, and stay at small-scale, locally run accommodations where the table is set every evening with local specialties. You can book this trip directly with our local specialist in Sardinia.
Who is this Sardinia coastal walking tour suitable for?
This trip is designed for hikers looking for unspoiled nature, not tourist trails crowded with day-trippers. You don’t have to be an elite athlete: the daily distances range from 8 to 16.5 kilometers, with plenty of transfers and free afternoons to swim, relax, or visit local sights. Ideal for couples and solo travelers who want to enjoy slow travel in an undiscovered corner of Italy.
The route: from Buggerru to Sant’Antioco
The route follows the rugged southwest coast of Sardinia and combines coastal trails, pine forests, dunes, and Mediterranean scrub. Along the way, you’ll pass through abandoned mining areas, spectacular views of headlands, and quiet fishing villages. This is an independent tour: you hike at your own pace, carrying only a daypack. The rest of your luggage will be transported for you.
Day 1: Arrival in Buggerru
Your trip begins in Buggerru, a former mining town founded in 1864, situated on a spectacular bay. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the village, relax on the beach, or visit the“Henry Tunnel”—an old mining labyrinth that opens up to breathtaking views of the sea and coastline.
Day 2: From Buggerru to Portixeddu
13 km | 610 m ascent | 620 m descent
A beautiful coastal walk along steep rocky shores, inland dunes, and an artificial pine forest that was once used to keep the village road clear of sand. Halfway through, enjoy a delicious lunch in Portixeddu, after which the bus will take you back to Buggerru.
Day 3: From Ingurtosu to Scivu (14.5 km): the Piscinas Dunes
14.5 km | 50 m elevation gain | 280 m elevation loss
This is one of the most extraordinary hikes of the entire trip. After a transfer to the nearly deserted village of Ingurtosu, you’ll walk past the ruins of the “Laveria Brassey” mining site toward the dunes of Piscinas: Europe’s largest desert area. For six kilometers, you’ll be alone with the sea, the sand, and the wind. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. In the evening, you’ll stay at an agriturismo surrounded by nature.
Day 4: Loop Hike from Capo Pecora
15 km | 431 m ascent | 559 m descent
Back to the sea through the macchia, followed by an ascent to the granite headland of Capo Pecora. The panorama you see here—with cliffs plunging straight into the sea and waves breaking white—is a moment you’ll never forget. One of the absolute highlights of the route.
Day 5: From Acqua Sa Canna to Portoscuso
8 km | 270 m ascent | 415 m descent
A shorter but impressive hike along a secluded coastal trail with spectacular cliff views. The trail is marked (red and white), but the terrain is rugged and unspoiled: no crowds of hikers, just endless vistas.
Day 6: Walking tour of Carloforte: an island within an island
16.5 km | 439 m ascent | 381 m descent
Today you’ll take the ferry to Carloforte, the only town on the island of San Pietro. A walking tour will take you along the north coast, where the Mattanza takes place in late May: a centuries-old system of nets used to catch tuna. Next: the ferry to Calasetta and a transfer to Sant’Antioco.
Day 7: Sant’Antioco via Torre Cannai
12 km | 439 m elevation gain | 381 m elevation loss
The final day of hiking begins at Capo Sperone and follows the coast back to Sant’Antioco, passing the medieval watchtower Torre Cannai and Maladroxia Beach. Optionally, you can also rent a fishing boat, go horseback riding, or take an archaeological walk in Sant’Antioco itself.
Day 8: Arrivederci, Sardinia
After breakfast, our services end, and you’ll head to the Cagliari or Olbia airport by public transportation or private transfer. Take home not only wonderful memories, but also a deeper understanding of this wild, unspoiled corner of Europe.
Where to Stay While Hiking in Sardinia: Small-scale and Local
All accommodations have been carefully selected for their authenticity, comfort, and natural setting. You’ll stay exclusively at locally run establishments. No large hotel chains—just a warm welcome and breakfast every morning. You’ll stay at the accommodations listed below or, if they’re not available, at comparable ones.
Hotel La Rosa dei Venti (Buggerru): a recently renovated 3-star hotel with a sea view on the Sardinian coast. Peace, comfort, and the sound of the waves as a lullaby.
Agriturismo Majori (Fluminimaggiore): a sustainable farm surrounded by nature, where the seasons set the pace. You’ll stay here for two nights and enjoy an evening meal made with produce from the farm’s own land. Sustainability and quality of life are central to the experience here.
Hotel Don Pedro*** (Portoscuso): located at the Portoscuso marina, 100 meters from Sa Caletta Beach. Some rooms offer ocean views of the bay.
B&B Il Sentiero B&Bio (Sant’Antioco): a welcoming and charming B&B near the sea, in a quiet and scenic setting with a rich archaeological history.
Prices for the Sardinia Coastal Hiking Tour
Prices per person based on double occupancy. Prices for single and triple occupancy are available upon request.
April 1–23: €884
April 24–June 23 and October 1–October 31: €899
September 1–30: €974
June 24–July 25: €987
What is included?
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at selected B&Bs, hotels, and agriturismos
Luggage transport between accommodations
All listed passenger transfers (days 3, 5, 6, and 7)
Digital directions and maps
Access to the GUIBO navigation app
24-hour phone support
Not included: travel insurance, travel expenses to the starting point in Buggerru and from Sant’Antioco, public transportation along the route, any additional nights’ accommodation (which can be booked as an option), lunches and dinners (unless otherwise noted), drinks and snacks, personal equipment, and tourist tax.
Request a quote for an 8-Day Coastal Hiking Tour of Sardinia
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if approved. You’ll pay the same price as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
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Practical Information for a Coastal Hiking Trip in Sardinia
Start dates: March through October, on any day you choose (subject to availability). Please note: August is not an option due to extreme heat.
Nearest airport:
Cagliari. From Cagliari, take the train to Iglesias (about 50 minutes) and from there, take the bus to Buggerru via Fluminimaggiore.
From Olbia Airport, it takes about 3 hours to get to Iglesias by car. You can also take the train to Iglesias (via Cagliari), but be sure to allow at least 6 hours for the trip.
Return trip from Sant’Antioco: Take the bus to Carbonia, then the train directly to Cagliari Airport (about 1 hour).
GPS tracks: Available upon request.
Transfers: Transfers to and from Cagliari Airport can be booked for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Sardinia
How fit do you need to be for this coastal hiking trip in Sardinia?
The daily distances range from 8 to 16.5 kilometers, with elevation changes listed for each day. You don’t need to be an experienced mountain hiker, but a reasonable level of basic fitness is required. Most trails are easy to navigate; a few are rougher and more remote.
Is this hiking trip self-guided or guided?
This is an independent trip. You’ll hike at your own pace, using detailed route descriptions and digital maps. You’ll always have access to your route via the GUIBO app. If you have any questions or encounter any problems, phone support is available 24 hours a day.
When is the best time of year for hiking in Sardinia?
The best time to visit is from March through June and from September through October. In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom and nature is at its most beautiful. In the fall, the temperature is pleasant and the beaches are less crowded. July and August are too hot for comfortable hiking; therefore, these months are not recommended.
Can I take this trip as a solo traveler?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome. A single supplement applies. Please contact us for current prices.
How do I book this coastal walking tour in Sardinia?
You’ll book directly with our local specialist in Sardinia. This way, you’ll have more money left over for the trip itself and you’ll be supporting local businesses. Contact us using the form on this page, and we’ll request your start date, along with any necessary adjustments.
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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