Tiscali Sardinia — Guided Hiking Tour to the Nuragic Village

On the 518-metre summit of Mount Tiscali, where the Supramonte regions of Dorgali and Oliena meet, a dramatic geological event took place roughly 900,000 years ago: the vault of an enormous natural cave collapsed inward, creating a hidden basin accessible only through a narrow crack in the rock.

Millennia later, between the 18th and 15th centuries BC, Nuragic populations discovered this natural fortress and built a village of huts inside it — invisible to enemies, protected by the mountain itself. The village was forgotten for centuries and only rediscovered in the 19th century. Today it remains one of the most evocative and least altered archaeological sites in Sardinia.

• Hike through the ancient Lanaitho Valley along coalmen’s trails over 200 years old
• Pass through Sa Curtigia — the only crack in the rock leading into the hidden basin
• Explore the Nuragic village of Tiscali, unique in the world for its geological setting
• Rare botanical area inside the cave: terebinth, three-lobed maple, endemic Mediterranean species
• Sweeping views of the Corrasi mountain range from 500 metres above sea level
• Small groups, licensed hiking guide, 4×4 Land Rover transport included

We depart from Orosei (8:30 am) or Dorgali (9:00 am) by 4×4 Land Rover. The drive takes us into the heart of the Supramonte, where we leave the vehicles and begin the hike on foot.

The trail follows ancient ruts carved into the rock by coalmen more than two centuries ago, winding through the dense woodland of the Lanaitho Valley. The forest is thick with holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub; the high limestone walls on either side rise and narrow as you climb.

The key moment arrives at Sa Curtigia — a narrow crack in the rock face that is the only entrance to the hidden basin. Stepping through it, the landscape changes completely: you are inside the collapsed cave, surrounded by the stone walls of the Nuragic village, a secret botanical garden and 2,000 years of history.

After exploring the archaeological site and the cave flora, we retrace our route back through the valley. Return to Orosei by 3:30 pm.

The collapsed cave of Tiscali is not only an archaeological site — it is also a rare microclimate that has allowed species to grow here that are found almost nowhere else at this altitude in Sardinia:

• Terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) — a resinous tree used since antiquity for its medicinal properties
• Three-lobed maple (Acer monspessulanum) — rare at this altitude in Sardinia
• Dense Mediterranean scrub thriving in the shelter of the cave walls
• Nuragic hut foundations, stone walls and structural remains from the Bronze Age settlement
• Panoramic views of the Corrasi range from the cave rim

• Duration: 7 hours total (approx. 4 hours hiking)
• Departure: Orosei 8:30 am / Dorgali 9:00 am — Return to Orosei 3:30 pm
• Transport: 4×4 Land Rover, included in price
• Difficulty: Moderate — good physical condition required
• Children: Yes, from age 10
• Price: € 55 adults / € 45 children. Includes transport, guided hike, site visit.
• Includes: 4×4 Land Rover transport, licensed hiking guide, site visit
• Not includes: Packed lunch and water (minimum 2 litres recommended)
• Kit list: Hiking boots (mandatory), packed lunch and water, windproof jacket, sunscreen, hat. Optional: camera, binoculars.

The hike is rated moderate. The trail through the Lanaitho Valley is well-defined and manageable, but involves a sustained ascent and some uneven rocky terrain near the cave entrance. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Hiking boots are essential — the path is rocky and can be slippery in places.

Yes, from age 10. The hike is longer and more demanding than Su Gorropu, so we recommend it for children who are already comfortable with a few hours of walking on uneven terrain. Our guide sets a pace that works for the whole group.

Tiscali is a Bronze Age settlement built inside a natural collapsed cave on Mount Tiscali, in the Supramonte mountains between Dorgali and Oliena. Inhabited between roughly the 18th and 15th centuries BC, the village was hidden inside the mountain, invisible from the surrounding landscape. It was rediscovered in the 19th century and is now one of the most remarkable and best-preserved Nuragic sites in Sardinia.

Spring (April to June) is ideal: the forest is lush, the temperatures are mild and the light inside the cave is at its most dramatic. Autumn (September to October) is equally good. Summer hikes are possible but we start early to avoid the midday heat. The site is open year-round; advance booking is recommended in peak season.

The price of ¤ 55 per adult (¤ 45 per child) includes 4×4 Land Rover transport from Orosei or Dorgali, a licensed hiking guide throughout the day, and the site visit. Packed lunch and water are not included.

Su Gorropu is a geological experience — raw, vertical, physically demanding. Tiscali combines a scenic hike with a visit to a unique archaeological site. The two excursions complement each other well and many guests choose to do both on consecutive days. Both are rated moderate.

Contact Sergio Nanni directly by phone, WhatsApp or email. We reply within 24 hours and can tailor the day to your group’s needs.