Sardinia’s Soul Hike | Self-Guided Hiking Tour

We start walking from the charming town of Belvì, nestled in the heart of Barbagia and find ourselves meandering along a path that whispers tales of the past. This route, lined with meticulously tended vegetable gardens by devoted locals, leads you to the pretty countryside church of Santa Margherita. As you journey, the landscape unfolds in a mesmerizing dance of dense woods and verdant pastures, embodying the essence of hiking in Sardinia. Your eyes are treated to expansive views of lush green valleys stretching as far as the horizon.

As the path wends towards Atzara, the scenery transforms, revealing the softer contours of the Mandrolisai region. The rolling hills are adorned with vineyards, the birthplace of the region’s celebrated red wine. This nectar of the gods is an essential experience, and you’re invited to indulge in its rich flavors at one of the many intimate wineries dotting the town.

Your stay is more than mere accommodation—it’s a doorway into the traditional art of natural fabric dyeing. We suggest you visit their on-site shop, a hidden treasure where the vibrant hues and fabric artistry tell their unique stories.

Let’s resume our journey from the farming village of Atzara. We weave our way through the heart of the Mandrolisai vineyards, venturing towards the Sorgono area. As we tread this path, the landscape gradually shifts, transitioning into a wilder and more natural terrain, perfectly capturing the spirit of hiking in Sardinia. We find ourselves enveloped by dense woodlands, where holm oaks and chestnut trees stand as silent sentinels of time, guiding us to our day’s destination.

Our walk culminates in the enchanting town of Tonara, renowned for its lush chestnut groves and as the birthplace of delectable nougat. This sweet confection, a harmonious blend of local nuts and honey, is a testament to the town’s rich culinary heritage. After exploring the town, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in this local delicacy. Visit one of the many artisan workshops where nougat is crafted with age-old techniques, or save your tasting for dessert after a hearty, mountain-style dinner at a local restaurant.

Every bite in Tonara tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, making your visit an unforgettable fusion of natural beauty and gastronomic delight.

Today’s journey takes you from the village of Tonara to the town of Desulo, two emblematic places nestled within the majestic Sardinian mountains and along the slopes of the breathtaking Gennargentu range. You’ll traverse a captivating path that carves through the heart of the Muggianeddu forest, a natural sanctuary that gradually ascends to 1300 meters above sea level. This trail, a hidden gem within the forest’s embrace, is a perfect example of hiking in Sardinia, leading you beneath the shadow of Bruncu Perdu Abes, standing proudly at 1470 meters before gently winding down towards Desulo, set at the welcoming elevation of 900 meters.

As you journey through this enchanting forest, you’re greeted by an ecosystem rich in life and natural beauty. The air is fresh, filled with the gentle murmur of natural springs, and the area is home to various ungulates. If you watch above, sometimes you can see the majestic golden eagle soar with effortless grace, a symbol of the freedom and splendor of this land.

Upon reaching Desulo, a delightful exploration awaits. Here, you can visit a local dairy, a haven for cheese enthusiasts, where you can purchase exquisite mountain cheese, a product of the highland’s pure environment. And if fortune smiles upon you, indulge in the unique flavors of fine artisanal ham crafted from pigs raised in the woods you traversed. This ham is not just a culinary treat; it’s a taste of the wilderness and traditional practices that make this region unique.

The final leg of your Barbagia and Mandrolisai adventure takes you from the lofty heights of Desulo’s mountains to the verdant Belvì valley. Contrasts and natural splendor mark this journey, offering one last unforgettable experience of hiking in Sardinia. Your day begins with a steady descent under the watchful gaze of the majestic Gennargentu massif, which stands as a silent guardian over the landscape.

As you descend, you’ll cross the babbling Riu Arcu Tazzarea stream, a refreshing presence amidst the rugged terrain. Your path then weaves through a lush woodland, with a canopy of holm oaks and strawberry trees providing shade and tranquility. A brief encounter with a stretch of asphalt serves as a gentle reminder of the modern world before you delve back into the embrace of nature, climbing into the serene Uatzo forest.

Emerging from the woods, you are greeted by a picturesque scene: rows of hazelnut trees and meticulously tended vegetable gardens lovingly cultivated by the families of Belvì. This pastoral beauty acts as a charming prelude to your arrival in the welcoming village, signaling the nearing end of your journey.

In Belvì, a village that embodies the heart of Sardinian hospitality, celebrate the conclusion of your tour with a taste of local tradition. Indulge in the delightful Caschettes, traditional sweets renowned not just for their delectable taste but also for the artistic beauty of their decoration. This culinary treat is a fitting finale to a journey that has traversed through the heart of Sardinia’s most captivating landscapes, immersing you in a world where nature, tradition, and community are intricately interwoven

It’s time to say goodbye, but we know that Sardinia touched your heart with its unforgettable landscapes and the magic of hiking in Sardinia. We’re sure you’ll want to return to the Med in one of Mediterras tour destinations!