Vetted Walking Holidays & Food Tours in Sardinia

Easy / Family-Friendly

The Flamingo Shoreline (Molentargius Park)

• 📍 Start Point: 39.2277° N, 9.1378° E (Visitor Center)
• 📍 End Point: 39.1988° N, 9.1635° E (Marina Piccola)
• 📏 Length: 5.2 km (3.2 miles)
• ⏱ Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• 🎫 Fees: Free (€0.00 / ~$0.00)

This easy walk traverses the flat dirt tracks of the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park. Families with children will enjoy the wide, stroller-friendly paths that wind along the historical salt pans. The walk begins at the historical 1930s administrative office of Edificio Sali Scelti (39.2277° N, 9.1378° E). The path leads past the freshwater Bellarosa Minore basin, which is a nesting ground for ducks and coots. You will walk further to the saltwater Bellarosa Maggiore basin. This lagoon has hundreds of pink flamingos (known locally as Genti Arrubia) that build mud nests in the salt flats. Wooden observation cabins are placed along the path to let you watch the birds without causing disruption. The route covers 5.2 kilometres (3.2 miles) of flat terrain with zero elevation changes, terminating at the Poetto beach promenade near Marina Piccola (39.1988° N, 9.1635° E). Admission is free of charge (€0.00 / ~$0.00). Bring sun hats, drinking water, and binoculars for the children.

Key Route Points:

1. Edificio Sali Scelti: 1930s salt factory administrative office.
2. Bellarosa Minore Basin: Freshwater lagoon filled with local wild birds.
3. Bellarosa Maggiore Basin: Salt flats where pink flamingos build mud nests.
4. Poetto Beach Promenade: Scenic shoreline termination point.

Strenuous / Challenging

The Devil's Saddle Ridge (Sella del Diavolo)

• 📍 Start Point: 39.1891° N, 9.1558° E (Calamosca Trailhead)
• 📍 End Point: 39.1900° N, 9.1642° E (Saddle Summit)
• 📏 Length: 6.4 km (4.0 miles) round-trip
• ⏱ Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
• 🎫 Fees: Free (€0.00 / ~$0.00)

This strenuous trail scales the sheer limestone cliffs of the Sella del Diavolo promontory. Walkers start at the Calamosca Bay trailhead (39.1891° N, 9.1558° E), right next to the historic lighthouse. The rocky trail climbs steeply above the emerald sea, giving panoramic views of the Gulf of Cagliari. The path winds past the 16th-century Spanish Tower of Sant'Elia, which was built to spot Barbary pirates. Further along the ridge, you will walk past concrete gun emplacements and deep trenches built during the Second World War. The trail ends at the summit ruins of an ancient Roman temple (39.1900° N, 9.1642° E), which overlooks the Poetto beach coast. The walk covers 6.4 kilometres (4.0 miles) round-trip with a total climbing shift of 135 metres (442.9 feet). The trail has loose gravel and steep drops, so wear shoes with solid grip. Carry 1.5 litres (0.4 gallons) of water per person, as the exposed ridge lacks shade.

Key Route Points:

1. Calamosca Trailhead: Starting point near the old lighthouse.
2. Tower of Sant'Elia: Spanish watchtower overlooking Cala Fighera.
3. WWII Bunkers: Historical trenches and coastal gun battery spots.
4. Roman Temple Ruins: Highest peak viewpoint and archeology spot.