Towers with a view of the open sea
At the foot of provincial road SP 49, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Sardinia, your journey will begin along stretches of wild coastline, picturesque villages by the sea, natural oases and rural churches surrounded by countryside. Linking the various legs of the journey as far as the Sinis peninsula are ancient watchtowers built during the Spanish domination, once a bastion against pirate attacks and today spectacular, romantic observation points looking to the west, especially at sunset when the sky is filled with warm colours.
Itinerary: 92,5 km
Journey time: 19h30 spread over five days
Sulcis-Iglesiente, amidst towers and mines
For centuries, the natural bays and harbours of the southwestern corner of Sardinia saw ships leave with their cargo of minerals extracted in the mines. Those same coves were sometimes threatened by pirates and invaders, and defended by fortresses built in strategic points. From Buggerru to Sant'Antioco, you will follow a path that retraces fascinating pages of history, the traces of which mark and embellish an area of infinite natural and scenic beauty.
Itinerary: 75.5 km
Journey time: 13 hrs 30 mins spread over 3 days
The mysterious charm of Nurra
Every people left something here: traces of buildings, artefacts, names of streets or places, traditions and legends. From Alghero to Porto Torres, different universes cross each other in a few square kilometres. Along the coast, dotted with watchtowers, your journey is a combination of picture postcard natural scenery and stories from a past, each of which somehow continues to live in the present.
Itinerary: 99.5 km
Journey time: 21 hrs spread over five days
Along the way of angels, martyrs and pirates
On the southern coast of Sardinia, where ancient peoples built fortresses, roads and towers, in places where the legend of the island’s most beloved saint was born, there is a path dotted with rocky lookout posts dominating the coast from up above on spectacular promontories. You can admire them, along with churches, archaeological sites and aristocratic villas, next to a sea painted with intense shades of blue.
Itinerary: 108 km
Journey time: 23 hrs spread over six days
From the granites of Gallura to the towers of Baronia
Departure is from Vignola Mare and arrival is at La Caletta di Siniscola, passing through the well-known towns of the Costa Smeralda. You will follow an itinerary that takes you into the heart of Gallura and shows you every aspect of it. The link between them is represented by the coastal defence towers, built in the north and the east by the Spanish Crown to oppose the barbarian incursions. Today, they embellish the landscape as they look out onto heavenly beaches and picturesque seaside villages.
Itinerary: 160 km
Journey time: 33 hrs, spread over 6 days
Three days in the southern seas
Ten minutes after landing in Sardinia, you will find yourself in the lively alleys of Cagliari’s historic districts. Glamorous boutiques and traditional shops, clubs, bars and restaurants where the best cuisine in Italy awaits you, according to the food and wine magazine, Gambero Rosso. The evenings continue at the beach bars along the ten kilometres of the city beach of Poetto, so close to the town centre and ideal for a dip in the sea on your day of arrival and departure. The itinerant short break along the coast of the golfo degli Angeli, returning to the city in the evening, is an ‘aperitif’ that precedes the picture postcard landscapes and beaches, while the journey of discovery of the southern seas is postponed to the following days.
Ogliastra on foot, from tower to tower
Moving along the coast of Ogliastra, over 50 kilometres divided into four legs and marked by clear landmarks, the coastal towers that stand out on the cliffs, once defensive bastions and today panoramic observation points. The itinerary takes you from the Aragonese tower of Sarrala in Marina di Tertenia, along the coasts of Gairo, Cardedu and Barì Sardo, as far as Arbatax and, lastly, at Santa Maria Navarrese, the seaside village of Baunei. You can stop for a rest in these seaside locations and taste the delicacies that arrive ‘fresh’ from the sea and the land and are part of the ‘centenarians’ diet’. After the first leg in the wild greenery of Monte Ferru you can follow the outline of the coast. While walking along cliffs and enchanting beaches, you’ll come across prehistoric legacies and feel thrilled during the first few kilometres of the most popular trekking trail in Europe that looks out over Gulf of Orosei. If the sea of Ogliastra enchants you and the Supramonte leaves you spellbound, you’ll be coming back to this area.
Itinerary: 60 Km
Journey time: about 15 hours, spread over 4 days