Tour Overview
Embark on "A Saunter in Sardinia," a captivating self-guided hiking tour through Italy's stunning Sardinian landscapes. Explore the black Montiferru Mountain Range, the Sinis wetlands, and the dramatic sea cliffs of Su Tingiosu. Wander through ancient sites like Tharros and romantic Mediterranean trails, and enjoy the vibrant artichoke fields, vineyards, and olive groves. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting flamingoes and herons in spring. Stay in a selection of charming, independent hotels, with opportunities for coastal walks and swimming. This flexible itinerary allows you to adjust your walks, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Santu Lussurgiu
Location: Santu Lussurgiu
Accommodation Name: 17th century mansion
Make your way to Santu Lussurgiu. This is a mountain village on the south-eastern side of the Montiferru mountains. It lies on the slope of an ancient volcanic hill and its bright stone houses make a fine contrast with the green backdrop of woodland and meadows.
Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a 17th century mansion of Spanish design. All the rooms are tastefully decorated in traditional style reflecting something of the history of the place. There is a quiet courtyard inside the huge wooden gates that form the entrance. The dining area is in vaulted rooms on the ground floor and the food provided is of excellent quality. The proprietor here is a key member of the ‘slow food’ movement, which promotes the production of traditional foods in traditional ways ...more ...less
Day 2 : Santu Lussurgiu: San Leonardo circular walk 11.5 km/7 miles, 4 h
Location: Santu Lussurgiu
Accommodation Name: 17th century mansion
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short walk to start the holiday so have a relaxing breakfast before setting out. But beware it is not all plain sailing with 300m of ascent along the way and paths that might less obvious. A mix of road walking and agricultural tracks take you up to San Leonardo with sweeping views on the way. Spend a little time looking around this village, the church and springs are interesting and Sunday is market day. There are numerous places to get a drink and something to eat. Another mix of road walking, tracks and paths will get you back to Santu Lussurgiu. You will have time to divert to the viewpoint above the town where a statue of Christ overlooks the village. You can also walk down through the maze of narrow streets to look at the churches and find the bar at the centre of the village for a well-earned refreshment. NB: care is needed as some paths may be overgrown.
Day 3 : Santu Lussurgiu to Santa Caterina di Pittinuri 22 km/13.6 miles, 7 h
Location: Santa Caterina di Pittinuri
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short transfer ride to the top of the mountain and the start of your walk. The route descends from the Montiferru Moutains, to Santa Caterina di Pittinuri located on the coast. The route initially traverses the high ground with views down to the coast then descends to the coastal plain. Most of the way is on good tracks with gentle gradients passing through oak forests, olive groves and quiet pastures. The last hour is on level minor roads taking you to the quiet bay at Santa Caterina. Depending on which accommodation you will be staying tonight, you will be transferred at the end of your walk to your hotel.
Day 4 : Santa Caterina di Pittinuri to Putzu Idu 16 km/10.5 miles, 5 h
Location: Putzu Idu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you stayed in Santa Caterina you will have a morning transfer to Is Benas lagoon, home to a large colony of Grey Herons and Pink Flamingos in season. A beautiful track winds along the cliffs leading to the beach of Su Pallosu. This only takes 2 or 3 hours so walk onwards to complete a route around Capo Mannu. This takes you along more clifftops to the lighthouse and the ancient Spanish watchtowers to Putzu Idu, a village located on a stretch of coast often frequented by sailors and surfers.
Accommodation: The hotel is located as close as you can get to the white sand beach and offers beautiful views.
Day 5 : Putzu Idu to San Giovanni 22.5 km/13.8 miles, 5.5
Location: Putzu Idu
Accommodation Name: countryside complex
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day starts from the hotel, walking to the start of the limestone cliffs of Su Tingiosu, which stretch for 6 km/3.7 miles and provide habitat for many birds. The cliffs end in the beautiful quartz beaches of Is Aruttas and Mari Ermi where rice-sized grains of quartz form the white beaches. NB: care is needed as some paths may be overgrown.Accommodation: For the next two nights stay in a charming countryside complex located just outside of San Salvatore Sinis in San Giovanni. The last 250m to the hotel is either walking through a field or over the main road. NB: care is needed as some paths may be overgrown.
Day 6 : San Giovanni: Tharros & Capo S. Marco circular walk 16.5 km/10.25 miles, 4.5 h
Location: San Giovanni di Sinis
Accommodation Name: countryside complex
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day trip walking across fields and by the side of the lagoon, then on to the site of Tharros and the narrow peninsular of Capo S. Marco. A leisurely walk takes you through natural reserve of Seu to the ancient Basilica Paleocristiana di San Giovanni di Sinis V Secolo, a church dating back to 470AD. Here you join the main tourist track to the site of Tharros. It is an interesting site dating back to the 8th century BC, but most dominant are the Roman remains. An hour here and a stop in the café will set you right for a loop around the Capo S. Marco using the smaller footpaths that skirt the coastline. Pass the watchtower before walking along the beach and back to the cafes and restaurants of San Giovanni. You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, walking further along the coast or just head back to the hotel (either through field or the main road). NB: care is needed as some paths may be overgrown.
Day 7 : San Giovanni to Cabras 12.7 km/7.8 miles, 3.5 h
Location: Cabras
Accommodation Name: charming hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A morning walk leads you out of your hotel crossing artichoke and wheat fields to arrive in San Salvatore Sinis, a tiny village in the heartland of the Sinis Peninsula. It is famous for its church erected over a Roman hypogeum – or underground temple. The village is unpopulated apart from one week when a religious festival brings the place to life. Move on to Cabras, the main town of the Sinis. Today you walk along artichoke fields, Vernaccia grape vineyards, olive groves and past the Cabras Lagoon, the largest in the area, famous for the grey mullets and above all its Bottarga, the cured roe of mullet. Don’t miss the fresh fish, the Bottarga and the Vernaccia wine, you could even try them for lunch! However if you are passionate about bird watching don’t spend too long over lunch, as today is your day. Take the optional afternoon walk crossing the swamp of Pauli ‘e Sali, a protected area where an immense number of birds (some are very rare) usually nest. Sheltered by the canes you can take beautiful pictures without disturbing them. 9 km/5.5 mile loop.
Accommodation: Stay in an old villa, now a charming hotel. This lovely property is located in a restored house in the centre of town. Under the same management, the nearby restaurant ‘Il Caminetto’ is renowned among locals for its traditional fish cuisine but you might want to phone ahead to make a reservation. NB: care is needed as some paths may be overgrown.
Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Cabras
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Cabras after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights hotels -
7 breakfasts
-
7 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
-
One piece of luggage per person transferred each day, not exceeding 20kg
-
2 Transfers included (start of day 3 and/or end of day 3/start of day 4 - depending on where you will be staying on day 3)
-
Digital supply of routes and maps on navigational app (can be used offline). Smartphone essential.
-
Emergency hotline
-
Welcome meeting with a local representative
-
Dinners, lunches & beverages
-
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
-
Travel insurance
What's Not Included
-
Dinners, lunches & beverages
Meals such as dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included.
-
Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Transportation to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
-
Unscheduled transfers
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
-
City Tax
City Tax, locally payable to the accommodations, is not included.
-
Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
Guide
This is a self-guided holiday; a guide is not included.
-
Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed limit is not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in carefully selected small family-run hotels and country lodges with excellent regional cuisine. Accommodation details will be provided one month prior to departure. Note that some rooms may have showers instead of baths due to space limitations.
Grading
This tour is graded Easy – Moderate. The terrain is generally easy being on tracks and good footpaths with walking times of between 3 and 7 hours per day. The longest day is mainly downhill on tracks and back roads. There is a little flexibility on a few days to adjust the distance walked. Extra attention is required to follow a section of the path on Days 2, 5, 6 & 7.
It should be noted that some of the paths can get overgrown in places in the spring as the grasses grow quickly at this time and we would recommend at least carrying long trousers, or zip off trousers. The walks are designed to avoid road walking as much as possible.
...more ...less
Mode of Transport
The tour includes two transfers: one at the start of day 3 and another at the end of day 3/start of day 4, depending on your accommodation. Additionally, one piece of luggage per person (up to 20kg) will be transferred each day.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of independent hotels, including a 17th-century mansion in Santu Lussurgiu and a charming countryside complex in San Giovanni. The accommodations are carefully selected small family-run hotels and country lodges with excellent regional cuisine. The accommodation list will be provided one month prior to departure. ...more ...less
-
Are there any special considerations for the walking paths?
Yes, some paths can get overgrown, especially in the spring when grasses grow quickly. It is recommended to carry long trousers or zip-off trousers. Extra attention is required to follow a section of the path on Day 2 and Day 6.
-
Is this tour suitable for beginner hikers?
The tour is graded as Easy to Moderate. The terrain is generally easy, being on tracks and good footpaths with walking times of between 3 and 7 hours per day. The longest day is mainly downhill on tracks and back roads. There is some flexibility on a few days to adjust the distance walked. ...more ...less
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, especially in spring, you can expect to see a variety of birds including flamingoes, herons, and other species. The Is Benas lagoon is home to a large colony of Grey Herons and Pink Flamingos in season.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
-
What should I do if I encounter an emergency during the tour?
An emergency hotline is included in the tour package, which you can use if you encounter any issues during the tour.
-
Is there any flexibility in the daily walking distances?
Yes, there is a little flexibility on a few days to adjust the distance walked. However, the walks are designed to avoid road walking as much as possible.
-
What kind of cultural or historical sites will I visit?
You will visit several cultural and historical sites including the ancient site of Tharros, the narrow peninsular of Capo S. Marco, and the Basilica Paleocristiana di San Giovanni di Sinis V Secolo, a church dating back to 470AD.
-
What kind of support is provided for navigation during the tour?
A digital supply of routes and maps on a navigational app, which can be used offline, is included. A smartphone is essential for this.
-
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there are several additional costs including city tax (2-4 Euros per day, per person), personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
-
Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
-
Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
-
How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
A Saunter in Sardinia
8 Days Starting in Santu Lussurgiu, Italy and ending in Cabras, Italy
Visiting: Santu Lussurgiu, Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, Putzu Idu, San Giovanni di Sinis, Cabras
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JSD
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
