The Wild Heart of Baunei

10h
Italy
Photo Paola S.
Paola S.
Tour Provider
View Paola’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
10h
Group size
1-10 tourists,
over 16 y.o.

The Trekking in Cala Biriala—known locally as Biriola—is one of the most evocative and historically rich hikes in the Gulf of Orosei. Starting from the rugged highlands of Baunei, this moderately demanding trail follows ancient shepherd and charcoal-burner paths that once linked mountain pastures to the sea. 

Along the route, you’ll traverse wild terrain shaped by time and tradition, passing through landscapes where juniper stairways known as scala ’e fustes still cling to the cliffs, testifying to the ingenuity of past generations. As you descend through thick Mediterranean vegetation, the scent of myrtle and the distant sound of waves signal your arrival. Then, through a gap in the forest, the shimmering emerald waters of Cala Biriala appear below—a vision of unspoiled beauty nestled beneath towering limestone walls.

This is a trek that rewards effort with serenity, history, and an unforgettable coastal view.

from
$64
per tourist
Departing from
Sardegna, Nuoro, Orosei
Tour date and time
Number of individuals
1-10 tourists, over 16 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
  • Local prices – no extra fees
    Book tours directly from local tour providers
  • Verified tour providers
    All guides confirm their qualifications
  • Reviews from travelers
    We monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
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

the waters of Billaricoro
Cala Biriala Beach
A hidden cove of emerald waters framed by majestic limestone cliffs.
Ancient paths of Sardegna
Wild Forest and Cliffs
A trek through thick Mediterranean vegetation and rugged coastal escarpments.
Territory of Baunei
Historical Pathways
Walk the same routes once used by Sardinian shepherds and charcoal burners.

Route details

The day begins at 7:30 AM in Orosei, with transport by 4WD to the starting point in the Baunei highlands. 

After a short briefing, we’ll start along ancient trails once used by mountain shepherds and charcoal makers. The path gradually descends, winding between granite and limestone outcrops, through stretches of forest that have reclaimed the land since the 19th century. In certain sections, you’ll cross narrow, exposed passages and admire the centuries-old juniper stairways (scala ’e fustes) that once connected these cliffs to the valleys below. After about 4 hours of hiking and 800 meters of elevation change, we reach the stunning Cala Biriala, a small cove enclosed by vertical cliffs and kissed by emerald waters. Here you can rest, swim, and enjoy your packed lunch while listening to the rhythmic sound of waves echoing through the natural amphitheater. 

In the afternoon, return to the starting point by the same route or by sea (depending on conditions and group preference).

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

Moderate – suitable for hikers used to uneven and exposed terrain

Conditions

Included
  • Professional trekking guide
  • 4WD transport from Orosei to the starting point and return
  • Daily personal insurance
Extras
  • Meals and beverages (bring a packed lunch)
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Personal hiking gear and equipment
  • Tips and personal expenses

It's important to know

Organizational details

Distance: 7 km | Elevation gain: 800 m | Hiking time: 4 hours | Total duration: ~10 hours

Bring trekking boots, 2.5 L of water, energy snacks, packed lunch, and personal medication

Cancellation of booking

Available dates

Select date
Number of individuals
1-10 tourists, over 16 y.o.
from
$64
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

preload map
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
skyscanner icon

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Reviews

No reviews yet

Can`t decide? Our travel expert will be happy to help

Leave a request and get a consultation, and a selection of the most thrilling tours from one of our experts for free!

First name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Tell us more about your desired trip