Strictly Sardinia

Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: Best Hikes In Sardinia
Date: October 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Sardinia native and enthusiastic hiker Claudia Tavani spotlights her favorite hiking trails across the island, ranging from coastal walks to mountain paths and even explorations through ancient mining sites. Claudia draws on her local knowledge and passion for the outdoors to provide practical advice, highlight safety tips, and describe the unique natural wonders awaiting hikers in Sardinia. The episode is packed with inspiration for adventurers and actionable insights for travelers planning their Sardinian escape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hiking in Sardinia: Essential Tips

• Claudia opens with a strong call for appropriate preparation:
  • Sturdy hiking shoes are a must; many tourists risk accidents by wearing running shoes or even flip-flops.
  • Always bring water, food, snacks, sun protection (hat), and a light or rainproof jacket depending on the season. (03:10)
    • "I see way too many people hitting the trails with just plain shoes, running shoes, which are not suitable, sometimes even in flip flops and slippers in the summer months. And that is absolutely the very best way to have an accident which you want to avoid." (03:20)

2. Easy & Accessible Hikes Near Cagliari

Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle)

• Trail Type & Location: Coastal, starts near Cala Mosca beach, just outside Cagliari.
• Length & Difficulty: About 2 hours round trip; accessible, well-marked, rocky terrain.
• Highlights: Panoramic views of the Gulf of Cagliari, Poetto Beach, Molentargius Nature Reserve (think flamingos!), coves, and a watchtower.
• Travel tip: Reachable by bus from Cagliari’s center (Line 11).
  • "From the top of the Sella del Diavolo you will have incredible views off the Gulf of Cagliari and Poetto beach below." (05:30)
• Alternative/Challenging Route: Trail from Marina Piccola, slightly harder and not so well-marked, arrives at the Poetto Tower. (07:10)

Roman Road to Su Giudeu (Su Giudeu Beach & Island)

• Trail Type & Location: Ancient Roman-coastline route, starts at Pinus Village (1-hour drive from Cagliari).
• Length & Difficulty: Four hours to Su Giudeu, very well-marked, easy out-and-back.
• Highlights: Pine forest, sea views, possible extension to Chia beach and tower.
• Picnic Tip: Su Giudeu is a perfect picnic spot.

3. Scenic Coastal Trails

Cala Cipolla to Tuerredda

• Trail Type: Coastal, connects iconic beaches.
• Length: 8.7 miles one-way.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with an optional challenging climb up an observatory for dramatic coastal views.
• Highlights: Cape Spartivento lighthouse (now a luxury hotel), secluded beaches like Perdalonga and Cala Antoni Areddu.
  • "Calantonia Redu is actually one of my favorite secluded beaches in south Sardinia and these both are beaches that cannot be easily accessed by car." (12:15)

4. Adventurous Hikes in the Sulcis Iglesiente Region

Masua (Pan di Zucchero) to Cala Domestica

• Trail Type: Point-to-point, rugged coastline.
• Length: 12km (7.5 miles), about 4 hours.
• Difficulty: Challenging; narrow sections (as little as 50cm/20in), not for those with vertigo.
• Logistics: Two cars needed, or book with a local guide.
  • "There are passages where you have to walk on the trail that is no more than 50 centimeters, about 30 inches wide. Not an option if you get vertigoes, but scenery is impressive." (16:05)

Sentiero dei Cinque Faraglioni (Trail of the Five Stacks)

• Trail Type: Mining heritage, geological features.
• Length: 5.3 miles, 1,470 ft elevation gain.
• Difficulty: Moderate; some steep, narrow descents; can form a loop or out-and-back.
• Starting Point: Laveria La Marmora, Nebida.
• Logistics: Two cars ideal, but feasible to return on foot.

5. Cascades & Canyon Hikes

Sa Spendula Waterfall

• Trail Type & Location: Out-and-back to waterfall and pool, near Villacidro (45-minute drive from Cagliari).
• Length & Difficulty: About 2 hours; easy start, tougher finish with short steep climb.
• Best Season: Avoid summer when waterfall may be dry; shaded and pleasant in cooler months.
• Notable Quote:
  "It's an easy hike to a spectacular waterfall with a lovely natural pool at the bottom." (21:10)

Su Gorropu Canyon

• Description: Europe’s deepest canyon (500m/1,640ft).
• Trail Options:
  • From Genna ‘e Silana car park: 5 miles out-and-back, 2 hours down, 4 hours up – steep and tough.
  • From S’Abba Arva bridge, near Dorgali: Longer, easier alternative (8.7 miles out-and-back).
• Tip: Entry fee required (bring cash).
  • "It's 500 meters tall. That's more than 1,640ft of limestone walls. Here you will find several hiking trails. I have hiked a bunch of them and there's something for every difficulty level." (22:40)

6. Epic Beach Hikes in Baunei Area

Cala Goloritzé

• Trailhead: Golgo plateau above Baunei, Su Porteddu parking lot.
• Length & Difficulty: 5 miles out-and-back, 500m (1,640 ft) elevation gain; 2 hours down, 2–2.5 hours up (uphill is tough).
• Reward: Spectacular turquoise beach awaiting you.
  • "What's special about this hike is that it rewards you with a wonderful, incredible beach at the end." (26:15)

Cala Mariolu

• Trailhead: Golgo plateau, further in than Cala Goloritzé’s trailhead.
• Length: 13 km (8 miles) out-and-back, 600m (2,000 ft) elevation gain.
• Difficulty: Very challenging, 3 hours down and up, rocky paths.
• Need: Good gear and, for most, a guide.

Cala Biriola

• Length: 4.6 miles out-and-back, 380m (1,250 ft) elevation.
• Difficulty: Even more technical and dangerous — metal steps, exposed, ladders, scrambling.
• Advice: Do only with a guide.
  • "You need to scramble holding on to a metal cable as you go down a metal ladder. It's not easy. Absolutely. Wear hiking shoes for this one." (30:55)

7. Northern Sardinia Hikes

Punta Giglio (Porto Conte Regional Park, near Alghero)

• Logistics: Only 25 minutes from Alghero; well-marked, easy trails; bus-accessible.
• Highlight: Stunning coastline and flexible hiking lengths.

Cala Coticcio (Caprera, Maddalena Archipelago)

• Trailhead: Arbuticci parking lot in Caprera (25 min from La Maddalena).
• Length: 2 miles one-way, moderate to challenging.
• Note: Guide required (inside a national park), booking necessary.
• Best Seasons: Spring to early fall.
  • "This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, not just in Sardinia." (34:00)

8. Long-Distance Treks

Selvaggio Blu

• Region: Gulf of Orosei, Baunei coast.
• Duration: 7 days; extremely difficult, requires some abseiling.
• Note: Only with experienced guides.
  • "Goat herders used to walk the trail that we call Selvaggio Blu and you will see it's very narrow, rocky and difficult." (36:30)

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara

• Location: Sulcis Iglesiente region (southwest).
• Length: 500km (310 miles), circular, 30 stages (16km/10mi each).
• Culture: Passes through mining sites, villages, vistas.
• Flexibility: Do a stage or the whole route.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Proper Footwear:
  "That is absolutely the very best way to have an accident which you want to avoid." (03:25)
• On Sella del Diavolo Views:
  "From the top of the Sella del Diavolo you will have incredible views off the Gulf of Cagliari and Poetto beach below." (05:30)
• On Cala Goloritzé:
  "What's special about this hike is that it rewards you with a wonderful, incredible beach at the end." (26:15)
• On Cala Coticcio:
  "This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, not just in Sardinia." (34:00)
• On Selvaggio Blu:
  "Goat herders used to walk the trail that we call Selvaggio Blu and you will see it's very narrow, rocky and difficult." (36:30)

Practical Tips for Hikers

• General Advice:
  • Avoid the hardest hikes and long treks without a guide.
  • Summer hikes are tough due to heat—always bring extra water, snacks, and swim gear.
  • Check details and access requirements (some beaches and national parks require a guide or entry fee).
  • "Appropriate gear can make or break your hike."
• For more info or guided help, Claudia recommends visiting her blog: strictlysardinia.com or booking a travel consultation.

Next Episode Teaser

Claudia hints at a shift from landscapes to history in her next episode:
Best Archaeological Sites in Sardinia.

This summary highlights the best of Claudia’s local expertise, detailed trail descriptions, safety reminders, and the authentic passion she brings to exploring Sardinia’s many hiking gems. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach hike or an adrenaline-packed challenge, this episode is a comprehensive guide for hikers of all levels.