Sunflower Books: Landscapes of SARDINIA: WALKS AND CAR TOURS
Sardinia, 3rd edition (2008); updated 28/05/2008
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Updates for the walks and car tours (drives) given below supplement those provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book and want to "upgrade" to the latest edition at half price, click here.)
Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably in hard copy, by post, to Sunflower Books, PO Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU (or if you prefer, by e-mail, to mail@sunflowerbooks.co.uk).
General: We are great fans of the series! You have enabled us to explore all kinds of places and to enjoy fantastic walks that we would never have found or enjoyed without you. So a really big Thank-you! We have just returned from a two-week visit to Sardinia, using your book as our main resource, and would just like to give you some feedback . We were disappointed that you have so few walks in the northern half of the island. If you draw an imaginary diagonal line from Oristano in the centre of the western coast, through Nuoro to Siniscola on the eastern coast - there are only 4 walks in this northern area. We flew into Alghero - as do many economical flights from the UK. After doing walk 22, which was a fantastic one, we stayed for a few days in Bosa (south of Alghero - car tour 6) and in Luogosantu (inland from Arachena - car tour 1) and were very struck by the wonderful countryside and coastline there seemed to be a wealth of walking opportunities in these two areas. The Tourist Office in Bosa has no available information for walkers, so we just had to follow our noses. By chance, we came across an area just to the north of Bosa & Montresta called Monte Minerva. There is a forestry station at the base of a wonderful mountain ridge with an extensive plateau top, near a hotel called "Hotel Palazzo Minerva". There are lots of signed walking paths here, as well as a track that you can drive up: we drove about a third of the up way and walked the rest of the way up to the fantastic plateau: but there were lots of other steep path ascents and contour walks indicated. We would strongly recommend that you investigate all this area! Another bit of feedback: drivers are required by law to have their lights on at all times during the day - even when it is bright sunshine this has been the law now for 2 years. We got stopped by the Carabinieri and informed of this.
Walk 3: Walking
from Oliena most of the road hair-pins can be avoided on an old
steep track as shown on the Barbagia 1:50.000 map. It is also
possible to park just below Scala 'e Pradu at the end of the paved
road. Descending South from the summit of Punta sos Nidos and
then ascending a shallow gully diagonally to the left to the ridge,
then on to the summit of Monte Corassi to join a well worn path
makes an interesting extension. (User, 5/07) + What a good idea
to go on to the Punta sos Nidos - a little excitement at the end
of the trail! We didn't quite make it to the top because the clouds
began to come down and we'd forgotten our compass; as you say,
it could be very dangerous without a view. (User, 5/07)
Walk 4: Access at Ponte Sa Barva: see Walk 5 below.
Walk 5: Alternative to the Sa Barva bridge: Crossing the makeshift bridge was very unappealing on a day of exceptionally strong gusty winds. An alternative river crossing can be made on the stones alongside the ford approx 1 km north of the junction at the end of the asphalt road. Park at the brown sign for Domus de Jana and cross the river, then turn left along the track signposted to the Domus which you pass on the right after about 3 minutes. Continue along the track forking right past an animal compound to arrive at the Scala de Surtana (Walk 4 Tiscali) or continue ahead to the Ponte Sa Barva (Walk 5 Gorropu). (User, 5/07)
Walk 13: Ten minutes after the 15min-point, the left turn has a sign 'Camminu 'e Brabaxinos', but the route straight ahead to Monte Texile is not closed. It is just rather indistinct and overgrown in the final stage, but by then the way ahead is quite obvious.Texile is in full view. This is a fine walk up a ridge,much pleasanter than the road. What it needs is a few more walkers. (User, 6/08)
Walk 22: There is now a bus service from Alghero to Porto Conte for one Euro. (User, 5/08)