Walking Sardinia’s Green Coast

Arrive in Sant’Antioco, a captivating island on the southwest coast of Sardinia, recognised for its rich history and natural beauty. This island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a significant Phoenician and Roman settlement. Visit the Basilica di Sant’Antioco Martire, a church built over ancient catacombs dating back to the 2nd century AD, which houses the remains of Saint Antiochus, the island’s patron saint.

This morning, a short transfer will take you to Capo Sperone, a stunning location offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands, including the ancient volcanic island of Vacca. Begin your walk through lush Mediterranean maquis passing by Torre Cannai watchtower and Maladroxia beach, a popular beach due to its crystal-clear waters ranging from emerald-green to turquoise. Enjoy this remarkable area’s serene beauty and historical charm and even spot some pink flamingos in the lagoon on your return to Sant’Antioco.

After breakfast, your transfer will take you to Capo Sperone to experience a walk along the west coast of Sant’Antioco Island. On route, you will pass various Nuragic ruins, these structures are unique to Sardinia and believed to date back to the bronze age. Once you reach Cala Lunga a transfer will drive you to Calasetta to catch your ferry across to Carloforte (ferry tickets payable locally, €5 per person on weekdays and €7.70 per person on weekends).

Please note you are responsible for taking your own luggage on the ferry.

Wake up in Carloforte a charming town on the island of San Pietro, this town was founded by Ligurian families and therefore not only do the locals speak a distinct dialect called Tabarchino, a mix between Sardinian and Ligurian but the historic centre also features colourful buildings typical of Ligurian architecture. Today you have the choice of a loop walk around Carloforte or to spend the day relaxing at one of the island’s beaches.

Leave the small islands behind you and enjoy a ferry crossing (ferry ticket payable locally, €5.40 per person on weekdays and €8.70 per person on weekends) to the mainland of Sardinia. From here a short 20-minute transfer will take you to the beginning of your walk in Nebida, located in the region of Iglesiente. Renowned for its rich mining history the village was built in 1897 to accommodate the miners and their families, however, nowadays it is a popular hiking destination due to the beautiful surroundings. At the end of your walk, you will reach Porto Flavia, an engineering marvel by Cesare Vecelli, whose architectural design allowed minerals to be delivered directly from the mine onto the ship.

A transfer from Porto Flavia has been arranged to take you to your night’s accommodation in Iglesias, a charming town known for its numerous churches, the most important one being the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, the first church dedicated to the Saint Clare of Assisi.

Please note you are responsible for taking your own luggage on the ferry.

This morning there will be a quick transfer to Portixeddu where you will begin one of the most picturesque walks on the Costa Verde, where the greenery of the Mediterranean scrub creates a striking contrast with the golden sand beaches and the emerald-green sea. During the spring months, the flora is in full bloom, with many plants flowering and adding vibrant colour to the area. On your return to Portixeddu take the bus to Buggerru (ticket payable locally, €2 per person), a village surrounded by mountainous scenery and pristine beaches.

Begin your walk from your hotel, embarking on an uphill journey that promises rewarding vistas of the coastline, making it a well-worth climb. As you make your way towards the village of Portixeddu, you’ll encounter the impressive Dunes of San Nicolo, a protected area dedicated to the conservation of the dune’s various wildlife and plants. Once in Portixeddu, enjoy an aperitivo on the beach before taking the bus back to Buggerru (ticket payable locally, €2 per person).

After breakfast leave your hotel and the beautiful village of Buggerru.