Sergio Nanni: (+39) 338 305 4973 | info@jebelsardinia.com
Planning a hiking trip in Sardinia? Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Sardinia, the Supramonte mountains and the Gulf of Orosei, including the famous hikes to Su Gorropu Canyon, the Nuragic village of Tiscali and the legendary Selvaggio Blu.
Interested in exploring these landscapes with a licensed guide? Discover our guided hiking tours in Sardinia.
SECTION A1 — Sardinia as a hiking destination (8 FAQ)
Q: Is Sardinia good for hiking?
A: Yes. Sardinia is one of the best destinations in the Mediterranean for hiking, especially for travellers looking for wild landscapes and remote trails. The Supramonte mountains and the Gulf of Orosei offer some of the most spectacular wild hiking environments in Europe, with deep canyons, limestone plateaus and coastal cliffs overlooking the sea.
Q: What are the best hikes in Sardinia?
A: Some of the most famous hikes in Sardinia are located in the Supramonte mountains and along the Gulf of Orosei. These include the hike to Su Gorropu Canyon — the deepest canyon in Italy — the trail to the ancient Nuragic village of Tiscali, and the legendary Selvaggio Blu multi-day trek along the wild coastal cliffs of Baunei.
Q: What is the Supramonte?
A: The Supramonte is a vast limestone mountain region in central-eastern Sardinia and one of the most wild and remote landscapes in the Mediterranean. Known for its deep canyons, ancient forests, limestone plateaus and hidden archaeological sites, it is the setting for many of the most famous hikes in Sardinia — including Su Gorropu canyon, the Nuragic village of Tiscali and the Selvaggio Blu.
Q: Where is Baunei and why is it famous for hiking?
A: Baunei is a small mountain town on the east coast of Sardinia, overlooking the Gulf of Orosei. It is the starting point for some of the most spectacular hiking routes in the Mediterranean, including the Selvaggio Blu trek and the coastal paths leading to Cala Goloritzè and Cala Sisine. The area around Baunei is characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs dropping directly into the sea.
Q: What are the best hikes near Orosei?
A: Orosei is an ideal base for hiking in the Supramonte and the Gulf of Orosei. From Orosei you can reach the starting points for the Su Gorropu canyon hike and the Tiscali trail in under an hour by 4×4. The area also offers coastal hikes to Cala Luna and routes through the Biderosa nature reserve. Best Sardinia Trips is based in Orosei.
Q: What is the best season for hiking in Sardinia?
A: The best seasons for hiking in Sardinia are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Temperatures are mild, trails are in optimal condition and the Supramonte landscape is at its most spectacular. Winter is suitable for lower-altitude routes. Summer hiking is possible but requires early morning starts and extra hydration.
Q: Is hiking in Sardinia suitable for summer?
A: Yes, but with precautions. In July and August temperatures in the Supramonte can exceed 35°C. Best Sardinia Trips recommends starting hikes before 7am, carrying at least 2 litres of water per person and choosing routes with natural shade. Canyon hikes such as Su Gorropu are particularly demanding in summer heat. Spring and autumn remain the ideal seasons.
Q: Is hiking in Sardinia safe?
A: Hiking in Sardinia is generally very safe, especially when following marked trails or hiking with an experienced licensed guide. However, many areas of the Supramonte are remote and wild — trails can be unmarked, water sources limited and rescue access difficult in the central sections. A local guide helps visitors navigate safely and understand the terrain and weather conditions.
SECTION A2 — Guided tours and booking (5 FAQ)
Q: Do you need a guide for hiking in Sardinia?
A: Some shorter and well-marked trails in Sardinia can be explored independently. However, many routes in the Supramonte are remote, poorly marked and require local knowledge to navigate safely. A licensed local guide also provides access to restricted areas, explains the geology, archaeology and shepherd culture of the region, and ensures the safety of the group in remote terrain.
Q: What guided hiking tours are available in Sardinia?
A: Best Sardinia Trips offers guided hiking and trekking tours across the east coast of Sardinia: one-day hikes to Su Gorropu canyon, the Nuragic village of Tiscali, Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzè; the multi-day Selvaggio Blu; 4×4 off-road tours and food and wine experiences. All tours are led by Sergio Nanni, licensed hiking guide for the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.
Q: What is included in a guided hiking tour with Best Sardinia Trips?
A: All guided hiking tours include a licensed guide, 4×4 transport to and from the trailhead and full route logistics. Lunch is not included in one-day tours unless specified in the product description. For the Selvaggio Blu multi-day trek, accommodation and meals are included. See each product page for full details.
Q: Can I book a private guided tour in Sardinia?
A: Yes. Best Sardinia Trips offers both group and private guided tours. Private tours are available for individuals, couples and small groups and can be customised for date, pace and itinerary. Contact Sergio directly to discuss your requirements.
Q: How do I book — and can I cancel or change my booking?
A: To book a tour, contact Sergio Nanni directly: email info@bestsardiniatrips.com or WhatsApp +39 338 305 4973. Tell us your preferred dates, number of people and tour of interest. Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by tour — contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate changes, especially for weather-related situations.
SECTION B — Su Gorropu Canyon (5 FAQ)
Q: What is Su Gorropu Canyon?
A: Su Gorropu is the deepest canyon in Italy and one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Europe. Located in the Supramonte between Urzulei and Orgosolo, its walls rise up to 500 metres above the canyon floor. The hike follows the dry riverbed between towering limestone walls — an extraordinary wild hiking experience in the heart of Sardinia.
Q: How difficult is the Su Gorropu canyon hike?
A: The Su Gorropu hike is classified as Medium level (Level E — Hiking). Total distance: approximately 14 km with 400m elevation gain. Duration: 5–6 hours. Suitable for people in good physical condition with no significant health problems. Hiking shoes are required. No technical climbing equipment needed.
Q: Where is the meeting point for the Su Gorropu hike?
A: Meeting points for the Su Gorropu canyon hiking tour are Orosei or Dorgali. The trailhead is located near Urzulei in the Supramonte — approximately 45 minutes from Orosei by 4×4. The exact meeting point and time are confirmed at booking.
Q: What is the difference between Su Gorropu and Tiscali?
A: Both are iconic hiking destinations in the Supramonte but offer very different experiences. Su Gorropu is a geological spectacle — a dramatic canyon with towering walls and a rocky riverbed. Tiscali is an archaeological adventure leading to a mysterious Nuragic village hidden inside a mountain cave. The difficulty level is similar for both. Many visitors choose to do both on separate days.
Q: Is the Su Gorropu hike suitable for children?
A: The Su Gorropu hike is suitable for children aged 11 and over who are in good physical condition. The terrain includes rocky riverbed sections and uneven ground — appropriate hiking footwear is essential. For younger children, Best Sardinia Trips recommends the 4×4 driver-guided tours or the Biderosa Oasis walk.
SECTION C — Tiscali Nuragic Village (4 FAQ)
Q: What is the Nuragic village of Tiscali?
A: Tiscali is an ancient Nuragic village built inside a large natural cave at the top of a mountain in the Supramonte, between Dorgali and Oliena. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, it was likely used as a refuge from Roman conquest. The village is only accessible on foot via a guided hiking trail — making it one of the most atmospheric and isolated archaeological sites in Sardinia.
Q: How difficult is the Tiscali hike?
A: The Tiscali hike is classified as Medium level (Level E — Hiking). The trail covers approximately 10 km with 400m elevation gain. Duration: 4–5 hours. The path includes rocky sections and some steep stretches near the summit. Hiking shoes are required. Suitable for people in good physical condition.
Q: Where is the meeting point for the Tiscali hike?
A: Meeting points for the Tiscali hiking tour are Orosei, Dorgali or the Su Gologone springs. The Su Gologone springs meeting point is closest to the trailhead. The exact meeting point and time are confirmed at booking.
Q: Can I visit Tiscali without a guide?
A: The trail to Tiscali passes through private land and a nature reserve — access requires a guided tour. A licensed guide is also essential for navigating the unmarked sections of the path safely and for understanding the archaeological and historical context of the site. Best Sardinia Trips offers guided Tiscali hiking tours departing from Orosei and Dorgali.
SECTION D — Selvaggio Blu (6 FAQ)
Q: What is the Selvaggio Blu?
A: The Selvaggio Blu is one of the most famous and challenging multi-day trekking routes in Italy. It runs for approximately 45 km along the wild coastal cliffs between Pedra Longa (Baunei) and Cala Sisine in the Gulf of Orosei, crossing the rugged Supramonte above the sea. The route combines hiking, scrambling and short rope sections through some of the most spectacular and remote wild landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Q: How difficult is the Selvaggio Blu?
A: The Selvaggio Blu is classified as High level (Level EE — Experienced Hikers). It requires good physical fitness, experience on mountain terrain and the ability to handle exposed ridges and optional rope sections. The route has no escape routes in the central sections. Completing it with an experienced licensed guide is strongly recommended.
Q: Can the Selvaggio Blu be done without a guide?
A: Technically yes — the Selvaggio Blu is not legally restricted to guided groups. However, completing it without an experienced local guide is strongly discouraged. The route is unmarked in several sections, has no rescue access in the central stretches, and requires local knowledge of water sources, bivouac sites and weather patterns. An experienced guide dramatically reduces risk and significantly improves the experience.
Q: How many days does the Selvaggio Blu take?
A: The standard Selvaggio Blu itinerary takes 5 days. Best Sardinia Trips also offers 4-day and 6-day versions depending on the group’s pace and fitness level. The 6-day option includes more rest time and is recommended for first-timers. All multi-day options include accommodation and meals.
Q: What is the price of the Selvaggio Blu guided tour?
A: The price of the guided Selvaggio Blu trek with Best Sardinia Trips includes licensed guide, 4×4 transport, accommodation and meals for the full duration. For current pricing, see the Selvaggio Blu product page or contact Sergio directly.
Q: Does the Selvaggio Blu require ropes?
A: The Selvaggio Blu includes a small number of optional rope sections — short descents where a fixed rope can be used for safety. These sections can be negotiated without technical climbing equipment by fit and confident hikers. Your guide will advise on the day based on conditions and group ability.
SECTION E — Practical information (6 FAQ)
Q: What should I bring for hiking in Sardinia?
A: For all hiking tours, Best Sardinia Trips recommends: hiking boots (mandatory), breathable long trousers (zip-off style), short-sleeved T-shirt, waterproof windbreaker, cap with visor. In your backpack: at least 1.5 litres of water (2 litres in summer), packed lunch or snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses. In spring and autumn, add a mid-layer fleece for early morning starts in the Supramonte.
Q: Are hiking shoes required for all tours?
A: Yes — hiking shoes or boots with ankle support and a grippy sole are required for all hiking and trekking tours. Trail runners are acceptable for medium-level routes in dry conditions. Standard sports shoes or sandals are not suitable and may prevent you from participating.
Q: What is the minimum age for hiking tours in Sardinia?
A: The minimum age for hiking tours with Best Sardinia Trips is 11 years old. Children aged 11 and over are welcome on medium-level routes such as Su Gorropu and Tiscali provided they are in good physical condition. For younger children, the 4×4 driver-guided tours and the Biderosa Oasis walk are suitable alternatives.
Q: Can beginners go hiking in Sardinia?
A: Yes. Sardinia offers hikes for different experience levels. The 4×4 tours and the Biderosa Oasis walk are suitable for beginners with no hiking experience. Medium-level routes such as Su Gorropu and Tiscali require reasonable fitness but no technical skills. The Selvaggio Blu is recommended only for experienced hikers.
Q: Are the 4×4 tours suitable for everyone?
A: Yes — the driver-guided 4×4 tours are suitable for all fitness levels, including those who prefer not to hike. They cover spectacular off-road terrain in the Baronia and Supramonte and are an excellent option for mixed groups or families with young children.
Q: Do you offer food and wine tours in Sardinia?
A: Yes. In addition to hiking and trekking, Best Sardinia Trips organises food and wine experiences in the Baronia and Supramonte: 4×4 tours with traditional shepherd’s lunch, wine tasting in local vineyards, and cheese and pasta-making workshops. These experiences can be combined with hiking on the same day.
