What it’s Like Hiking in Corsica and Sardinia
The French island of Corsica and the Italian island of Sardinia each have distinct identities, offering a mix of history, culture, and hiking trails. On our Wilderness Travel trip, Hiking Corsica and Sardinia, we head out on an incredible variety of hikes in the mountains and along the coast, immersing ourselves in each island’s unique traditions, flavors, and landscapes along the way. Read more about what hiking in these incredible places is like, and how to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 1
After meeting with our group in Ajaccio, we made our way to Filitosa, a prehistoric archaeological site in southern Corsica known for its mysterious megalithic structures and ancient stone statues. We saw a lot on today’s walk—from menhir statues carved in granite that date back 8,000 years to a visit to the Museum of Filitosa, where you can learn more about the history of these human-shaped stone carvings.
The site is peaceful, with a steady, easy walk along well-marked dirt paths. Some sections are slightly uneven, but overall, it’s a relaxed route that allows time to take in the surroundings.
From here, we moved on to Sartène, where we strolled through the town’s narrow, winding cobblestone alleys. For our Welcome Dinner, we dined at our first traditional Corsican restaurant.
Day 2
After an early morning breakfast overlooking the rugged mountains of the Rizzanese Valley, we headed south to begin our day’s hike.
We began our hike at the Site Archéologique de Cauria, located on Corsica’s west coast. Similar to Filitosa, this archaeological site also has ancient menhirs, as well as one of Corsica’s best-preserved dolmens, a prehistoric stone tomb. It was incredible seeing the works of a civilization that lived 3,000-1,500 BCE.
From the site, we enjoyed a one-hour walk through Corsica’s countryside. The trail is mostly dirt, with occasional rocky sections and gentle rolling hills. We walked through low, dense shrubs, pausing to take in the scent of wild myrtle, rosemary, and thyme.
After about 1.5 hours of hiking, we arrived at Plage d’Argent, which translates to “Silver Beach.” This stunning stretch of coastline gets its name from its shimmery white sand. We stopped for a quick lunch and took our first swim in the sea, a refreshing break before continuing our walk along Plage de Tralicetu—a 30-minute stretch of deep, soft sand. This part of the walk was completely flat, but the shifting sand made each step more effortful. Some in our group opted for hiking poles to help with stability, and I could already feel this walk waking up my muscles; a good warmup for the hikes to come.
At the end of our trek, our driver was waiting for us with a cooler of local beverages—a tradition we quickly learned to look forward to at the end of each day’s hike. From here, we made our way back to Sartène, where we visited a beekeeper’s home to learn about Corsican honey, a specialty made by the Corsican black bees from the island’s wild flora. Beekeeping has been part of Corsican tradition for generations, and tasting the honey straight from the source was a special experience. We wrapped up the day with a homemade dinner full of local flavors, before heading back to Sartène.
Day 3
We set off on our drive to Col de Bavella, which sits at 4,000 feet in elevation and is one of the most scenic mountain passes on the island.
We started our hike through a dense forest of Corsican pine, where the trail was a mix of packed dirt and occasional tree roots. As we gained elevation, the path grew rockier and steeper, requiring more careful footing. After a 1,000-foot ascent, we reached our highest point, where we enjoyed our lunch with breathtaking views of the jagged peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles).
The total hike was 5 miles and moderate in difficulty, though the ascent was tricky due to loose stones. The descent required extra attention to foot placement, as some areas had loose gravel that could easily cause a slip. Hiking poles are helpful here for added stability.
After the hike, we made our way to Bonifacio, a spectacular town perched on the southernmost cliffs of Corsica.
Day 4
On this day, we explored the city of Bonifacio, walking through its steep, cobbled streets and taking in its rich history. We visited landmarks including the Citadel of Bonifacio, the Old Town (Haute Ville), and Saint-Dominique Church (Église Saint-Dominique), each offering a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.
From here, we followed the trail along Sentier de Campu eRumanilu and Pertusatu. The path began as a smooth walkway but quickly turned into a more rugged dirt trail. The views from the cliffs were incredible, looking straight down at the blue water crashing against the limestone below.
We spent about four hours walking around the city and along the cliffs before enjoying a late lunch at a shepherd’s farm. Here, we sampled different types of Corsican goat cheeses and enjoyed a delicious Corsican homemade meal.
Day 5
We caught the morning ferry for a one-hour ride across the Straits of Bonifacio to Sardinia, where we set out on a three-hour hike in Capo Testa, located at the northernmost tip of the island. This hike is relatively easy to moderate, but what made it unforgettable were the granite rock formations and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
The trail at Capo Testa took us through rugged terrain with sections of large, weathered boulders shaped by centuries of wind and sea. Some parts required scrambling over rocks, while other sections had uneven footing, making it tricky to use hiking poles. Despite this, with the help of our Trip Leaders, we navigated the trail without issue.
After the hike, we headed to the town of Santa Teresa di Gallura for lunch. Our group sampled eight different local fish dishes, which paired perfectly with a bottle of Ichnusa, Sardinia’s beloved local beer.
In the afternoon, we drove 2.5 hours to Alghero, making a stop in Codrongianos to visit the Church of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia (Chiesa della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia). Built in the 11th-12th century during the period of the Judicates, this Romanesque church is one of Sardinia’s most significant and best-preserved churches, constructed from striking layers of limestone and lava rock.
We continue on to the Catalan-influenced city of Alghero. Once a major maritime power in the 14th century, this city thrived as a naval base and trading hub. We spent two hours walking through the narrow, winding alleys and cobblestone pathways of the Old Town (Centro Storico), learning about its unique blend of Italian and Catalan influences. The streets were lively with travelers, and shops sold traditional Sardinian crafts like coral jewelry, handwoven textiles, and local wines. We also saw the traditional Sardinian masks known as “Mamuthones” and “Issohadores,” famous for their role in Sardinia’s carnival celebrations.
Day 6
We began our day in Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, located on the northwest coast of Sardinia. This park is home to ancient Neolithic and Nuragic sites, including the famous Nuraghe of Palmavera, an ancient stone fortress and village complex built around 1900 BCE.
Our hike started on a wide dirt road that runs along the coast, winding through a dense pine forest. The path was on the coast, and was mostly compact dirt with some occasional loose stones, making for a relatively easy walk. As we neared the cliffs of Punta Giglio, the terrain became noticeably rockier and uneven, requiring more careful footing.
After the hike, we returned to Alghero, where we have the evening free to explore the city on our own.
Day 7
We had an early start to our day, heading to the base of a mountain just south of Cuglieri, a charming hilltop town in western Sardinia. Our Trip Leader led our group on a private trail in an area that isn’t open to the public, making it feel like a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
The hike started on wide dirt paths with mostly packed earth, becoming more uneven as we gained elevation. The incline started gradually but quickly steepened, climbing about 1,300 feet with stops for water breaks. The trail became narrower as we entered a forested area, weaving through dense vegetation. At one point, our Trip Leader had to cut through thick bushes to clear a path for us, adding to the sense of remoteness.
As we approached the top, the trail became increasingly rugged, but it was well worth it at the summit, where we were rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the ocean stretching into the horizon and the rolling mountains that surrounded us.
For the descent, we took a different route down the other side of the mountain, where the terrain remained rocky but more manageable. Along the way, we stopped at a natural spring, a refreshing break before finishing the hike in the town of Seneghe.
We had lunch under the shade of a massive Holm oak tree, a species native to the region, and from there we visited the Santa Cristina site, home to an ancient Nuragic well temple.
We finally made our way to Oristano, a laid-back city with a mix of medieval history and coastal influences. Walking through the city, we passed along a mix of smoothly paved streets and cobblestone alleys, lined with colorful buildings that showcased medieval, Baroque, and neoclassical architecture. Dinner was at a traditional Sardinian restaurant, where we ended the meal with Mirto, a local myrtle liqueur known for its digestive properties and rich, aromatic flavor.
Day 8
After breakfast, we set off to explore the coastal lagoon of Stagno di Cabras, located on the Sinis Peninsula. The weather was perfect for birdwatching, and we spotted a variety of species, including flamingos and marsh harriers.
The hike around Cabras was mostly flat, but the terrain varied between packed dirt, sandy patches, and rocky sections. The three-mile trail was mostly through open landscapes with little shade. As we got closer to the cliffs, the dirt paths became more uneven, with loose stones scattered along the way. During a sunny day and limited shade, sunscreen and a hat were essential.
The trail eventually leads to a beachfront restaurant, where we cooled off with a refreshing swim in the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean before enjoying a meal of fresh local fish.
Back in Oristano, we took time to wash up at the hotel before heading out to explore more of the city. With the evening free, you can wander through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. My sister and I found some great little hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, where the locals were incredibly welcoming.
Day 9
We made our way to the Dorgali province, driving through small towns, vineyards, and rugged mountain landscapes.
Today’s hike on Monte Tiscali was challenging but rewarding, with a mix of rocky, uneven paths and steep ascents and descents. The trail took us through breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and unique geological features. Some sections were shaded by sparse forest, and the ground was covered in loose stones, making footing tricky. The hike involved navigating winding paths and rocky slopes, requiring careful steps as we made our way up.
One of the most striking parts of the hike was the unique rock formations with a wave-like texture, a reminder that this mountain was once the ocean floor. The terrain became increasingly rugged and craggy as we climbed higher until we reached the ancient village of Tiscali.
Tiscali was the highlight of the day. Standing in front of the collapsed limestone cave and learning about Sardinia’s prehistoric past made all the effort worth it. The sight of the ancient stone structures hidden within the mountain was incredible, offering a glimpse into a civilization that once thrived in this secluded spot.
After the hike, we made our way to our charming hotel. Every corner of the hotel was filled with unique artwork, traditional clothing, and fascinating artifacts, making it feel like a cultural experience in itself. The view of the mountains from our room was perfect—peaceful and refreshing after a long day on the trail. That evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel, sampling local dishes like malloreddus (Sardinian pasta), porceddu (roast suckling pig), and seadas, a traditional Sardinian dessert.
Day 10
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed toward the coast. Our bus driver dropped us off on a wide dirt road, and we walked for about 45 minutes to Rifugio Cuiles Buchi Arta, where we learned about the traditional “cuiles” or “pinnettos,” which are ancient stone huts once used by Sardinian shepherds. Here, we enjoyed a unique tasting experience featuring traditional foods like salami and cheeses. One cheese that stood out was Casu Marzu, famous for containing live insect larvae that aid in fermentation, giving it a soft, spreadable texture. And yes, we did take a bite!
From there, we descended through Codula di Luna, a dramatic canyon that leads to Cala Luna beach. The hike takes us through towering limestone cliffs, over boulders, and across uneven terrain. We followed dried riverbeds, weaving through dense vegetation, and as we got closer to the coast, the rocky trail gradually transitioned to soft sand, making the last stretch a bit more challenging on the legs. Each step brought us closer to the coastline, where we finally made our way to the golden sand and turquoise waters of Cala Luna.
After a quick swim, we boarded a boat for a scenic ride across the sea to the Port of Cala Gonone. From there, we drove through the picturesque Sardinian countryside back to our hotel, where we capped off our unforgettable adventure with a Farewell Dinner.
Whether you’re looking for rugged hiking or more leisurely coastal walks, you’ll find a little bit of everything in Corsica and Sardinia.
—Text by WT staff Flavia Cypriano, photos by Flavia and WT staff Jessie Alcala, Hiking Corsica and Sardinia.
January 22, 2025
