ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Secrets of Sardinia 2008

The Supramonte Mountains to the Gulf of Orosei

Sardinia is the second largest Mediterranean island after Sicily, separated from Southern Corsica by just 13km of sea, the Bonifacio straits. It is stunningly beautiful and unspoilt, the ideal place to enjoy a mixture of rambling, sunbathing and swimming. The paths we have chosen wind through Aleppo and maritime pine forests to reach jagged sea cliffs and rocky creeks - there are spectacular views at each turn. A wonderful vegetation of myrtle, rosemary, rock rose and sea lavender border the sandy beaches, many of which can only be reached by sea or by foot, such as, Cala Luna (Moon Beach). The white chalk rocks and limestone cliffs give the water an enticing crystalline pale blue colour. On the far Northern tip, around the small islands of the Maddelana live a group of 30 dolphins. The coastline is dotted with stunning caves and caverns with remarkable stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes.
Beyond the ivory beaches and pastel colours of the coastline in the islands interior, you will find a traditional land of shepherds and agriculture, rolling hills and meadows bright with wild flowers. You can find horses, mouflon, porcupines and eagles and falcons. In the mountain villages, still highly traditional, the older women still dress from head to foot in black. You will find plenty of local crafts including hand made leather goods, ceramics, tapestries, lace and wine. There are a whole host of authentic Sardinian dishes to taste, many different anti-pasto, fresh fish, roast meats, warm grilled cheeses, ricotta and fresh pasta.

Our itinerary starts in the high plateaux of the Supramonte massif, we take old shepherd's trails through the region of Barbaggia to the East coast that is part of the national park of Gennargentu, arriving in the beautiful Gulf of Orosei. You will see a superb variety of terrain and have a real insight into local Sardinian life.

PRICE

£495 per person based on two people sharing. Single supplement: £80.

INCLUDED

 7 nights in hotels and agriturismo (3 star or equivalent) with private bathrooms, 6 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers between day 3 and day 7; transfers on days 1, 4, 5, and 6 as per programme; road notes and maps, emergency back-up.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to/from home; drinks; tips; entrance fees; boat trips at Cala Gonone. unforseen transfers, anything not specifically mentioned in the programme.

Departure dates 2008:

Departures daily (according to accommodation availability) from 2nd April 2008 to 9th October.

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

BACK TO TOP

ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive Oliena (there are buses via Nuoro from Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia). Pick-up and transfer from Oliena to hotel on Monte Corrasi.

Day 2: A short though strenuous warm-up as you climb the bizarre limestone landscape of the Supramonte. From the mountain's high ridges there are airy views across the high belvederes, karst plateau and white cliffs of the Barumini Mountains. This vast area is an isolated land of shepherds, slashed with deep gorges and inaccessible peaks that are home to a rich fauna of eagles, mouflon, foxs, wild cats, and boar. It is possible to continue up to the 1348m Punta Sos Nidos. Overnight Monte Corrasi.
10 kms/6.25 miles. + 500m/- 250m. 4 hours approx.

Day 3: Monte Maccione to Guthiddai, Oliena. 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 metres high. Here you will saty the night in an agriturismo full of character. If you wish you can climb the steep, stony slope of the Scala di Sovana, whilst on the plateau of the Supramonte you can look for the entrance of the Grotta Orgoi. This is a strenuous climb through a rough and stony, but most of all spectacular, landscape.
15 kms/9.5 miles. + 50/- 550. 3.5 or 7 hours. Overnight Monte Corrasi. 

Day 4: Su Golognone to Dorgali (via Tiscali). A short transfer along the Lanaittu valley to Sa Oche. The walk takes you (if you wish) via the Nuraghic village of Tiscali, discovered only recently in a depression at the top of the mountain. There is an astonishing wealth of archaeological treasures in Sardinia - it is dotted with little nuraghic villages that belonged to the first settlers. Traces of an ancient era that went to great length to construct small huts, shelters called 'nuraghi' hewn from the limestone rock with juniper branches for roofs, they are thought to date from between 1500 and 500 BC. The underground village of Tiscali is perhaps the most well known. Passing through the vast gorge of Scala de Surtana that is chiselled through the chalk cliffs you join the shepherd's valley of Flumineddu and follow a track to Dorgali. Overnight in vicinity of Dorgali.
14 kms/9 miles. + 220m/- 400m. 4.5 (or 6.5 hours with Tiscali).

Day 5: Gola di Gorropu Gorge. A long but fairly easy walk through the beautiful Gola di Gorropu, one of Europe's deepest gorges, with magnificent white walls over 350m high. The bottom of the gorge is covered in white boulders, among which are crystal-clear pools. Return along the verdant banks of the Flumineddu, followed by a short transfer to take you back to the hotel. (A shorter and easier walk along a different route is also possible). Overnight Dorgali.
20 kms/12.5 miles. + 180m/- 280m. 5.5 hours.

Day 6: Dorgali to Cala Gonone. A short drive to the ridge that links the hinterland with the coast. Then, wonderful views of the Golf of Orosei, 40 kms. of high cliffs and caves, and a handful of exquiste beaches. Today's walk is a rather strenuous one, but very beautiful, as it takes you to the sea. Follow a mountain slope overgrown with luxuriant bushes to the top of Monte Bardia; then follw a path along the ridge, gradually descending Monte Rosso. (If you want you can make an optional climb of Monte Irveri, from where you have a beautiful view over the whole Gulf of Orosei). Finally descend to the lively harbour of Cala Gonone, where you will stay the final days in a hotel situated above the sea. Overnight Cala Gonone.
11 or 15 kms/7 or 9.5 miles. + 44m/- 820m. 6 or 8 hours.

Day 7: Various possibilities. In the surroundings of Cala Gonone there are numerous long and short walks to choose from, as well as boat trips. A short nature walk beneath the cliffs of Cala Gonone, with wonderful bird-life; or you can make a boat trip to the double sea cave Bue Marino and Cala Luna beach. If you want a longer walk, you will need a transfer (that you would need to pay locally), after which the walk leads through lush bushes to the bottom of the narrow canyon of Codula di Luna. From there a path leads to the wondrously beautiful moon-shaped beach of Cala di Luna. Cala Luna ('Moon Beach') is completely cut off, accessible by foot or boat only, and is one of the prettiest coves in the Gulf of Orosei. In the cliffs that border the beach there are six immense grottos, whilst a forest of laurels divides the beach from a neighbouring lake. You walk back to Cala Gonone following the sea cliffs. Overnight Cala Gonone.
15 kms/9.5 miles.

Day 8: End of tour after breakfast.

The programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. If there are situations beyond our control the itinerary may be modified.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This is a STRENUOUS walking holiday. The walks are along good footpaths and trails though they are sometimes rocky and steep in which case you may need to use your hands as well as your feet. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. There is between 4h30 and 7h00 effective walking each day. As you approach towns and accommodation, you will walk along quiet country roads.

The effective walking time is an indication of how long it will take, though walking speed varies enormously. The estimations do not take into account time for route finding and stops en route. The average altitude gain is between 400m and 700m per day.

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Self Guided Walking - 8 days, 7 nights

GROUP SIZE

This tour can be operated for parties of two or more.

BACK TO TOP

HIGHLIGHTS

Glorious views, unspoilt countryside, the unique atmosphere of Sardinia. If you have done this walk previously we would be interested in hearing of your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

BACK TO TOP

ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

7 nights in comfortable hotels in double or twin rooms.

MEALS
Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, bread, butter and jam)
Evening meals in hotels or restaurants, local specialities consisting of a starter, main course, cheese or dessert.

GETTING THERE

By Air - Direct scheduled flights to Alghero from the UK (Ryanair) various options via Italy with Alitalia and Meridiana to Alghero, Olbia and other airports in Sardinia. A bus from Alghero to Nuoro meets Ryanair flights.

By Train -There are regular services between Porto-Torres and Nuoro (via Sassari and Macomer). Alghero and Nuoro (via Sassari and Macomer). Olbia and Nuoro (via Macomer). Cagliari and Nuoro (via Oristano). Oristano and Nuoro.

By Boat - There are regular departures by ferry to Sardinia -

Departures from Marseille, Toulon, Propriano and Porto Torrč s with CMN and SNCM ferry companies.

Departures from Corsica at Bonifacio and Propriano with Corsica ferries (Bonifacio) CMN (Propriano) SNCM (Propriano) Moby Lines and Saremar (Bonifacio.)

By Bus - In Sardinia, there is a particularly good bus service that links all main towns and villages, ARST. We can advise you on the bus timetable according to your plans.

WHAT TO TAKE:

You will need to carry a small day sack only, with a water bottle, camera, picnic and waterproof jacket. Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different hotels.

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

WHEN TO GO

This walk can best operate from the beginning of April to the beginning of October.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

BACK TO TOP