A Small-Group Walking Holiday on Sardinia – Discover the Island’s Culture Along the Way
A small-group walking holiday on Sardinia, combined with a taste of local culture. This is a wonderful way to stay active every day while exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of this Italian island and learning about its people, history, culture and traditions.
You will travel with a small group of like-minded people, accompanied by a local guide who knows the island inside out.
For active travellers aged 50 and over who value comfort, culture and good food just as much as physical activity, Sardinia is the perfect destination.
In spring and autumn, Experience Hikes takes you to the north-east of Sardinia. Based in La Caletta, you will explore the coastline and inland landscapes, visit the colourful village of Orgosolo, take a boat trip around Tavolara and Molara, and discover medieval Posada, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
The walking level is 2.5 out of 5. In other words, there is plenty of opportunity to be active, but this is not a walking holiday for people who want to cover as many miles as possible.
That is exactly what Experience Hikes is all about: truly experiencing a destination on foot.
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Anyone who associates Sardinia mainly with summer may be missing one of the most enjoyable times of year to discover the island.
By October, the summer crowds have disappeared and temperatures are generally more pleasant for outdoor activities. The sea has also retained much of the warmth from summer, so swimming is still very much an option.
And when you're walking with views over the Mediterranean, it's certainly nice not to have to look for shade after just half an hour!
🍂Why visit Sardinia in October?
Anyone who associates Sardinia mainly with summer may be missing one of the most enjoyable times of year to discover the island.
By October, the summer crowds have disappeared and temperatures are generally more pleasant for outdoor activities. The sea has also retained much of the warmth from summer, so swimming is still very much an option.
And when you're walking with views over the Mediterranean, it's certainly nice not to have to look for shade after just half an hour!
🍂 Autumn in Sardinia means:
Pleasant temperatures for walking;
Fewer crowds than in summer;
More opportunities to discover local culture and meet local people;
The possibility of taking a refreshing dip in the sea;
A relaxed holiday pace.
Why choose north-east Sardinia?
Sardinia is a large island. Trying to explore the whole island in just one week would quickly mean spending a lot of time in a car or minibus. That is why Experience Hikes deliberately focuses on one region: the north-east. Your base is La Caletta, from where you can explore various walking areas and places of interest. This means you stay in one accommodation throughout the trip and don't have to pack your suitcase again every morning.
🌿 This region brings together many different aspects of Sardinia:
🥾 Coastal paths and beaches;
⛰️ Mountains and limestone plateaus;
🏘️ Characteristic villages;
🎨 Culture and history;
🧶 Traditional crafts;
🧀 Local produce;
⛵ Boat trips and swimming;
🚲 Cycling.
What can you expect from a small-group walking holiday on Sardinia?
The beauty of this trip lies in its variety. Walking days are combined with culture, gastronomy, time on the water and moments of free time.
You get plenty of exercise, but it never feels like a training camp.
📍 The programme includes:
🥾 A walk to Monte Longu;
🌊 A coastal walk from Golfo Aranci to Cala Sabina;
⛰️ A walk near Montenovo di San Giovanni;
🎨 A visit to Orgosolo;
🧶 A visit to a traditional textile workshop;
⛵ A boat trip around Tavolara and Molara;
🏖️ A walk near Capo Comino;
🚲 A cycling trip to Posada;
🏰 A visit to Castello della Fava;
🧀 A cheese tasting;
🍹 An aperitif featuring local specialities.
And in between, there is plenty of time for yourself.
For example, on day 7 you have a free morning before the programme continues in Posada. Fancy a coffee, a leisurely breakfast or a little time to explore La Caletta?
Of course, you can!
From Monte Longu to Cala Sabina
The first walking day starts in La Caletta. The route to Monte Longu follows quiet roads and unpaved walking trails.
Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of La Caletta, Posada, Santa Lucia, the Montalbo mountain range and the coastline.
A relaxed introduction to the island's landscape.
Coastal walk to Cala Sabina during a walking holiday in Sardinia.
Cala Sabina with its turquoise waters.
The following day brings a change of scenery.
The walk from Golfo Aranci to Cala Sabina follows the coastline, with views of Porto Rotondo, Capo Figari and the Costa Smeralda.
At Cala Sabina, there is time to relax and, weather permitting, go for a swim.
Afterwards, you will visit a local cheese farm, where you can sample some of its products.
🧀 The Experience Hikes philosophy:
Don't just look at Sardinia – taste it, smell it and experience it too.
Orgosolo: walking and culture
On day four, you head inland.
Near Montenovo di San Giovanni, you will walk across an impressive limestone plateau with views of the Supramonte mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
Orgosolo is next on the programme.
🎨 The village is famous for its murals, which tell stories about Sardinian history, identity and society.
🧶 You will then visit a traditional textile workshop where silk is produced.
A day like this adds an extra dimension to a walking holiday. You don't just see the landscape; you also gain an insight into the island's culture and traditions.
Your local guide plays an important role in this experience. The stories you hear along the way are often things you won't find in a travel guide.
Discover Orgosolo during a cultural walking holiday on Sardinia. 
Discover Orgosolo during a cultural walking holiday on Sardinia. 
Discover Orgosolo during a cultural walking holiday on Sardinia.
Tavolara and Molara: a day on the water
For a change of pace from walking, today we head out onto the water. We board a small boat and spend half a day at sea.
⛵ The boat trip takes you around Tavolara and Molara, in the protected coastal area of Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo.
Along the way, you will see beautiful bays, impressive rock formations and crystal-clear blue waters.
There will be opportunities to swim or snorkel, but you can also simply relax and enjoy the views.
☀️ Do bear in mind that the programme depends on the weather. If conditions are unfavourable, adjustments may be necessary.
Posada: cycling, walking and enjoying the moment
The final full day is dedicated to Posada, which is known as one of Italy's most beautiful villages.
The morning is free. In the afternoon, you hop on your bicycle and cycle towards the medieval village.
🏘️ Narrow streets, old houses and the historic Castello della Fava give Posada its unique atmosphere.
After climbing up to the castle, a fitting finale awaits: an aperitif featuring local specialities, with beautiful views across the surrounding landscape.
🍹 No rush. Just enjoy everything you experience along the way.
After one week, you will have discovered many different sides of Sardinia:
🌊 The coastline;
⛰️ The mountains;
🏘️ Historic villages;
🎨 Local culture;
🧀 Sardinian produce;
⛵ The sea.
Discover Posada during an active walking holiday on Sardinia. 
Discover Posada during an active walking holiday on Sardinia. 
Discover Posada during an active walking holiday on Sardinia.
Is this trip suitable for travellers aged 50 and over?
Experience Hikes rates this trip as 2.5 out of 5 for walking difficulty.
This means you don't need to be an experienced mountain hiker. However, you should be comfortable walking for several hours and be used to changes in elevation and uneven terrain.
In other words: can you walk for a few hours, including the occasional climb, without needing an entire day to recover afterwards?
If so, this walking level is probably right for you.
The aim isn't to achieve a sporting performance. It's about actively experiencing Sardinia.
🥾 Good walking shoes are essential. You should also bring:
🎒 A lightweight daypack;
💧 A water bottle;
🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen;
🌦️ Lightweight rain protection;
🩱 Swimwear;
👕 Clothes for an evening out;
📱 A phone or camera.
Practical information
The trip lasts 8 days and 7 nights, with La Caletta as your permanent base.
🏨 You will stay in a small, family-run hotel with a private bathroom, within a short walking distance of the sea. Breakfast is included.
What else is included?
🏨 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast;
✈️ Transfers to and from the airport;
🚐 Transport during the programme;
🥾 Guided walks;
🇳🇱 Dutch-speaking tour leader;
🧭 Local English-speaking guide;
⛵ Boat trip;
🧀 Cheese tasting;
🧶 Visit to a textile workshop;
🚲 Cycling trip;
🏰 Entrance to Castello della Fava;
🍹 Aperitif in Posada.
Flights to and from Olbia are not included.
Experience Hikes will be happy to advise you on flight options once there are enough participants.
You can find more details in the full trip description of the walking holiday to Sardinia.
Is this trip right for you?
Ask yourself these five questions:
🥾 Do I want to stay active without having to do a strenuous walk every day?
🍷 Do I enjoy combining walking with good food and drink?
🎨 Would I like to discover something about the local culture during my holiday?
👥 Do I enjoy travelling with a small group?
🌊 Does a combination of walking, culture, a boat trip, cycling and free time appeal to me?
Four or five yeses?
Then there is a good chance this trip is just right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sardinia a good destination for walking in October?
Yes. October is generally a pleasant month for walking. Temperatures are usually more comfortable than during the hot summer months, and the sea may still be warm enough for swimming.
How strenuous is this walking holiday?
The walking level is 2.5 out of 5. The trip is designed for people who enjoy walking but are not looking for an intensive trekking holiday.
Can I join the trip on my own?
Yes. An organised group holiday is a great option if you like travelling independently but also enjoy having company during your holiday.
Many people join Experience Hikes trips on their own.
Can I go swimming during the trip?
Yes, weather and conditions permitting. There are opportunities to swim at Cala Sabina and during the boat trip around Tavolara and Molara.
The hotel also has a small swimming pool where you can enjoy a few laps.
Conclusion: Discover Sardinia at a relaxed pace
In the Experience Hikes philosophy, an enjoyable walking holiday is about much more than simply walking. As you get older, you may still want to stay active, but you also want to travel comfortably. You want to discover beautiful places, enjoy good food, meet interesting people and have enough time to simply relax and enjoy yourself. That is exactly what this trip offers.
Over eight days, you will explore the coastline and mountains of north-east Sardinia. You will visit Orgosolo, taste local cheeses, take a boat trip around Tavolara and Molara, cycle to Posada and walk through landscapes that change every day.
Not dozens of kilometres every day. But something new every day.
The combination of nature, walking, culture, gastronomy and free time makes this trip particularly suitable for active travellers aged 50 and over who want to experience Sardinia at a relaxed pace.
Fancy discovering Sardinia in a different way?
Take a look at the full programme of this walking holiday on Sardinia and explore what each day has in store.
Perhaps you still have questions about the walking level, accommodation or flights?
Get in touch with Experience Hikes. We would much rather give you honest advice beforehand than have you make the wrong choice.
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