Emerald Horizons of the Gulf of Orosei

8h
Italy
Photo Paola S.
Paola S.
Tour Provider
View Paola’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
8h
Group size
1-10 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

The Trekking to Cala Mariolu, known in Sardinian as Ispuligidenie, is a spectacular journey that combines adventure, history, and breathtaking coastal beauty. 

Starting from the Su Golgo Plateau above Baunei, the trail follows ancient shepherd paths through forests and limestone valleys before descending to one of Sardinia’s most beloved coves. The hike begins at Su Tasaru, home to centuries-old stone sheepfolds, and continues down the juniper stairways—hand-carved into the cliffs—to reach the lush woods of Ispuligidenie. After several hairpin bends, the dense green canopy opens suddenly to reveal turquoise waters and chalk-white pebbles. Here lies Cala Mariolu, a paradise accessible only by sea or foot. You’ll rest, swim, and enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating panoramas. 

Whether you choose to hike back or return by boat, the journey offers a true communion with nature.

from
$70
per tourist
Departing from
Sardegna, Nuoro, Orosei
Tour date and time
Number of individuals
1-10 tourists, over 12 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Paola S.
Paola S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Italian
I have always loved spending my time outdoors, between the sea and the mountains, until I decided to turn this passion into my profession. Despite holding a degree in Pedagogy, I chose to dedicate my life to outdoor activities, first obtaining all the necessary qualifications to work as a professional Skipper. During the summer season, I work in Sardinia, specifically in the renowned and breathtaking Gulf of Orosei. Later on, I followed my passion for the mountains by becoming a certified Environmental Hiking Guide. A few years ago, I decided to open my small agency with the aim of personally organizing and leading excursions for small groups, offering authentic experiences carefully curated in every detail. My desire is to show my island through my own eyes, with the respect and sense of wonder reserved for a land made up of many unique places, where ancient traditions have endured over time, where a mysterious history still surrounds our origins, and which is also known as the homeland of the Blue Zone. I mainly focus my trekking activities in the Supramonte area, where wild and imposing mountains, moving eastward, give way to dramatic cliffs overlooking one of the most beautiful seas in the world. Trekking activities take place from March to mid-June and from September to November. During the summer months, high temperatures and the scarcity of water in the mountains, due to the karst nature of the terrain, make hiking less safe and less suitable. What I offer are authentic and unforgettable experiences, in close contact with local communities, to be lived at a slow pace in order to fully enjoy every moment and every panoramic view. Sardinia deserves to be lived, discovered and respected, and if you wish, I will be the one to guide you on this adventure — a physical and emotional journey.

Tour highlights

 Cala Mariolu Beach
Cala Mariolu Beach
Turquoise waters and white pebbles create one of Sardinia’s most iconic views.
Su Tasaru Sheepfolds
Su Tasaru Sheepfolds
Historic shepherd shelters showcasing Baunei’s rural heritage.
Juniper Stairways
Juniper Stairways
Ingenious wooden steps carved into cliffs to link mountain and sea.

Route details

Your adventure starts at 7 : 30 AM in Orosei, where a 4WD transfer will take you to Su Golgo (Baunei), the trailhead for Cala Mariolu. After a safety briefing, begin hiking along old herding paths toward Su Tasaru, passing dry-stone huts that whisper of Sardinia’s pastoral past. The route then plunges into fragrant maquis scrub, following steep juniper stairways toward the forest of Ispuligidenie. A series of sharp bends guides you through the canyon until the turquoise of the sea flashes below—the first glimpse of Cala Mariolu. Once on the beach, enjoy a packed lunch, take a refreshing swim, or relax on the smooth, ivory-colored stones. For the return, you may choose between two options: a dinghy ride along the dramatic east coast, passing the Grotta dei Colombi, Portu Pedrosu, Portu Cuau, and the towering Punta Giradili—or a challenging return hike for the truly adventurous.

Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Challenging – for experienced hikers accustomed to uneven terrain

Conditions

Included
  • Professional trekking guide
  • 4WD transfer from Orosei to Su Golgo
  • Daily personal insurance
  • Optional: Boat transfer (dinghy) for return
Extras
  • Meals and beverages (please bring a packed lunch)
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Personal hiking gear
  • Tips or personal expenses

It's important to know

Organizational details

Distance: 6.5 km (one way, 600 m elevation) / 13 km (round trip, 1 200 m elevation)

Bring: trekking boots, 2.5 L water, packed lunch, swimsuit & microfiber towel, jacket (for boat return), personal medication

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Available dates

Select date
Number of individuals
1-10 tourists, over 12 y.o.
from
$70
1 tourist

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Sardegna, Nuoro, Orosei

The group meets at: Orosei Town Center

The tour’s last location: Orosei Town Center

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  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

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