Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: National Parks And Nature Reserves In Sardinia
Date: November 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Strictly Sardinia, host and Sardinian native Claudia Tavani delves into her top recommendations for experiencing the island’s spectacular national parks and nature reserves. Aimed at both first-time visitors and returning nature lovers, Claudia highlights the unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoors adventures available beyond Sardinia’s famed beaches. Throughout, she provides local insights, practical tips, and vivid descriptions designed to help listeners plan memorable journeys into Sardinia’s wild heart, no matter the season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Rich Diversity of Sardinia’s Natural Parks (01:11)

• Claudia begins by challenging the perception that Sardinia is just about beaches and luxury tourism.
• She introduces the concept that:
  “We actually have so many nature reserves in Sardinia, as well as two beautiful national parks. They boast incredible scenery – think waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, gorges, jagged coastline, cliffs, caves, forests and whatnot.” [01:52]

Why Visit?

• These areas are ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and discovering hidden gems across all seasons, not just summer.

Claudia’s Favorite National Parks

1. Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara (Asinara National Park) (02:22)

• Location & Overview: Second largest island of Sardinia, previously known for its maximum-security prison until 1997, now a secluded paradise for wildlife and hikers.
• Wildlife Highlight: Famous for the albino donkeys (“Asinelli Bianchi”) exclusive to the island.
• Landscape: “Across its 51 square kilometers are rocky coasts, Mediterranean scrubland and macchia, and isolated beaches.” [02:44]
• Logistics:
  • Access only by boat (fast ferry from Stintino: 45 min; slower ferry from Porto Torres: 1 hr 15 min).
  • No private vehicles allowed – explore on foot, bike (preferably electric), golf cart (must book in advance), or guided tour.
• Best Time to Visit: Autumn or spring for hiking; summer for beaches (but can be hot).

2. Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena (La Maddalena National Park) (05:10)

• Overview: Over 180km of coastline and more than 60 islands/rocks.
• Major Islands: Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Caprera, and La Maddalena itself.
• Natural Highlights:
  “There are incredible pink beaches, secluded coves, rugged hikes and glistening inlets.” [05:27]
• Activities: Hiking, boat tours to hidden islands and beaches.
• Visiting Info:
  • Best reached by ferry from Palau (frequent departures, possible to base yourself there).
  • Boat tours also leave from nearby towns in NE Sardinia.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for boat tours and swimming; spring and autumn for hiking.

Regional Parks & Nature Reserves

1. Molentargius–Saline Regional Park (After 07:08)

• Location: On the eastern side of Cagliari, easily accessible from the city by bus.
• Unique Feature: Former saltworks turned into a Ramsar wetland in 1999, offering a haven for migratory birds—including “the pink flamingos you can see year round.” [07:39]
• Visiting Info: Free entry, walking and cycling paths, perfect for running or relaxed wildlife spotting.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant and flamingos are most visible.

2. Parco di Porto Conte and Capo Caccia (Alghero area) (08:11)

• Landscape: Dramatic coast, forests, lagoons, hidden coves, sandy beaches—“one of the most beautiful parks in the Mediterranean.” [08:24]
• Sites of Interest: The breathtaking Grotte di Nettuno caves (accessible by an iconic staircase hike or by boat from Alghero).
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for hiking; open in summer but can be hot.

3. Oasi Biderosa (Near Orosei) (09:16)

• Description: Protected area with five stunning coves and some of the best, lesser-crowded beaches on the island.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, independent or guided exploration.
• Logistics: Open May–October; must reserve entry 72 hours in advance.
• Tip: “It’s a peaceful heaven that you can enjoy.” [09:52]

4. Giara di Gesturi (10:17)

• Location: Central Sardinian heartland, between Medio Campidano and Oristano provinces.
• Unique Draw: Home to Sardinia's last wild horses (“Cavallini della Giara”).
• Landscape: Rolling plateau, ancient oak woods, scattered archaeological nuraghe.
• Visit Info: Year-round access, but spring is optimal for wild horse sightings; guided tours highly recommended.

5. Gola di Gorropu (Gorropu Gorge) (11:58)

• Claim to Fame: The “Grand Canyon of Europe,” a deep and scenic geological marvel carved by the Rio Flumineddu.
• Who It’s For: Hikers, with trail options ranging from moderate to very challenging (notably Jenna Silana).
• Warning: “Don’t go hiking there in the summer because it can be terribly hot.” [12:41]
• Guidance: Trails are marked, but a guide can help pace and enhance the experience.

6. Altopiano del Golgo (13:16)

• Overview: Plateau near Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese, famous for its wildlife and as a starting point for hikes to coves like Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu.
• Features: Horses, donkeys, sheep, goats; small historic church; well-marked trailheads.

7. Monte Arci Park (Southwestern Sardinia) (14:13)

• Unique Features: Three volcanic basalt towers (Trebina Longa, Trebina Lada, Corongiu de Sizoa), forests, nuragic ruins.
• Amenities: Family-friendly facilities—barbecue spots, picnic areas.
• Visit Info: Easy to access year-round, variety of hiking trails for all abilities.

8. Sette Fratelli – Monte Genis Regional Park (Near Cagliari) (15:43)

• Description: Large, wildlife-rich forest massif, centered on “Seven Brothers” jagged peaks (tallest, Punta Serpeddi, over 1,000 m).
• Landscape: River valleys, Holm oak forests, classic Mediterranean macchia.
• Best For: Spring/fall hiking (trails well-marked for families and less experienced hikers).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sardinia’s Lesser-Known Side:
  “You may know Sardinia for its beaches and as an upscale holiday destination, but there's a whole lot more to this island than lounging around the sand.” [01:31]

• On Touring Asinara:
  “One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not allowed to drive on the island, so you can explore on foot, by bike—best if you get electric bikes because it's very hilly—or just simply on a guided tour or on a golf cart that you need to book in advance.” [03:50]

• Why La Maddalena is Worth It:
  “If you want to enjoy everything that La Maddalena has to offer, [the best time is] the summer. That’s when you can go on boat tours to explore the various hidden... and you can also go hiking on one of the many hiking trails that take you to the hidden beaches. Now, by 'hidden' I mean hidden geographically but don’t expect to find nobody at the beach.” [05:31]

• On Flamingos in Molentargius:
  “You can visit year round to see flamingos. That's possible throughout the year. I would recommend spring and fall as the best months, because when it’s so hot the flamingos tend to hide.” [07:48]

• On the Giara Wild Horses:
  “There are many hiking trails…to see one of the last species of wild horses in Sardinia, the Cavallini della Giara.” [11:53] “I actually visited in February with a guide and got to see lots of animals anyways, so it’s a good place to visit year round.” [12:08]

• Gorropu Gorge Advice:
  “There are many hiking trails of various difficulty levels. The best time to go hiking here is in the spring and early autumn. Don’t go hiking there in the summer because it can be terribly hot.” [12:34]

Essential Timestamps

• 00:00-01:11: [Ads and intro; skip]
• 01:11-02:22: Claudia’s introduction & today’s topic
• 02:22-05:10: Asinara National Park
• 05:10-06:37: La Maddalena National Park
• 07:08-08:11: Molentargius–Saline Nature Reserve
• 08:11-09:16: Porto Conte & Capo Caccia Nature Park
• 09:16-10:17: Oasi Biderosa Nature Reserve
• 10:17-11:48: Giara di Gesturi Wild Horses
• 11:48-12:47: Gorropu Gorge (Grand Canyon of Europe)
• 13:16-14:13: Altopiano del Golgo
• 14:13-15:43: Monte Arci Park & facilities for families
• 15:43-16:55: Sette Fratelli Regional Park
• 16:55-END: Wrap-up, resources, teaser for next episode (“Cash or Card in Sardinia?”)

Further Resources

• Claudia’s detailed blog guides: Strictly Sardinia
• Link to book a trip-planning consultation (see episode description)

Tone & Final Notes

The episode embodies Claudia’s enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and practical style, full of warmth and local pride. Her advice is actionable for all types of travelers—active hikers, families, nature lovers, and history buffs alike—and steers listeners toward sustainable, immersive experiences beyond the crowded beach scene.

Next week: How to handle money in Sardinia (cash vs. cards) – a practical guide for travelers.