Glimpse of Sardinia

Transfer or independent arrival to Santu Lussurgiu

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. Another mix of road walking, tracks and paths will get you back to Santulussurgiu. You will have time to divert to the viewpoint above the town where a statue of Christ overlooks the village and to walk down through the maze of narrow streets of Santu Lussurgiu.

The route descends from the village of Santu Lussurgiu which lies in the Montiferru mountain range, to Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, located right on the sea. You will be crossing oak forests, olive groves and quiet pastures. Today you shall experience the wonderful coastal views while walking in Sardinia.

Optional hike to the popular natural arch of S’Archittu in the morning. You then shuttle to the Is Benas lagoon, home to large colonies of Grey Herons and Pink Flamingos. A beautiful track along the limestone cliff leads you to the beach of Su Pallosu and Capo Mannu, with the lighthouse and the ancient Spanish watchtowers. Your base tonight is Putzu Idu, a village located on a stretch of coast often visited by the strong Mistral wind which made it a popular spot for sailing and surfing.

The day starts walking on the amazing cliffs of Su Tingiosu, 6 km of limestone with plenty of bird nests. The cliffs end in the beautiful quartz beaches of Mari Ermi and Is Aruttas whose sand is made of little grains of quartz quite similar to rice seeds. In the final part of your day, you move inland, crossing artichoke and wheat fields to arrive in San Giovanni di Sinis.

A day trip walking across fields and by the side of the lagoon to San Giovanni, on to the interesting site dating back to the 8th century BC. Visit the ancient Basilica Paleocristiana di San Giovanni di Sinis dating back to 470AD. Here you join the main tourist track to the site of Tharros. 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.

A pleasant path leads you out of San Giovanni to Cabras, main centre in the Sinis. During the itinerary you walk along artichoke fields, Vernaccia vineyards, olive groves and the Cabras Lagoon, the largest in the area, famous for the grey mullets and above all its Bottarga, the mullet cured roe. Don’t miss the fresh fish, the Bottarga and the Vernaccia wine.

Depart after breakfast.