Cannoneris Nature Reserve Jeep Tour: Holm Oaks & Wildlife

Europe's largest holm oak forest sits 900 meters high, and you cross it by Jeep then on foot.

A private Jeep and walking tour of Is Cannoneris Nature Reserve departing from Chia takes you into Sardinia's protected forest to see native wildlife and prehistoric Nuraghi ruins, with a professional guide, wine tasting and traditional Sardinian snack included. The route climbs into the mountains, then you walk through the reserve where deer, eagles, mouflons and wild boars inhabit the ancient holm oak woodland, ending with a picnic and local food tasting offered by your guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep and walking tour in Is Cannoneris

• Start jeep tour from Chia
• Explore Is Cannoneris holm oak forest
• Spot wildlife like deer and wild boars
• Visit prehistoric Nuraghi ruins
• Enjoy typical Sardinian snack Sa Picchettada

The experience

You leave Chia by private Jeep heading into the mountains toward Is Cannoneris, a nature reserve built around Europe's most significant holm oak forest. The woodland rises over 900 meters and holds the species the island is known for: deer, eagles, mouflons and wild boars move through the trees. The Jeep takes you into the reserve, then you step out to walk through the forest itself, where the guide points out the Nuraghi, ancient stone structures built around 1500 BC using the drystone technique, scattered across the landscape as evidence of Sardinia's Bronze Age settlements.

The walking portion ends with Sa Picchettada, a traditional Sardinian snack your guide provides, and wine tasting from local vineyards. The tour runs four to five hours total. If you book the cheese-making option, you'll meet a shepherd and watch the full process (from calling the sheep to milking and heating the milk), then walk through the vineyards while the milk warms before sitting down to Sardinian suckling pig. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the Chia area. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language.

The reserve is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries, though the tour suits all fitness levels otherwise. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Vegetarian options and specific dietary requirements can be arranged if you note them at booking. The tour runs regardless of rain, and the cancellation policy cannot be amended for health conditions after the deadline passes.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of language.
• private Jeep transport from Chia.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• wine tasting from local vineyards.
• traditional Sardinian snack (Sa Picchettada) provided by your guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for the Chia area.
• insurance coverage.

Options for this experience

3 options

Is Cannoneris Private TourUp to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 09:00 and 15:00Private high-flying excursion: Is Cannoneris showcases Sardinia's authentic green landscape, home to the largest holm oak forest in Europe, rising over 900 meters. Take this private tour with your family. Pickup is included.

Sulcis, Amazing, from IglesiasUp to 4 per booking · Guide in Italian · 09:00 and 15:00

Cheese making experienceUp to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 09:00This five-hour experience includes a Sardinian lunch prepared by a shepherd in a striking, enchanting setting, featuring the renowned roast suckling pig. On a private off-road jeep ride from Chia, you'll watch a local shepherd practice the age-old craft of cheese making. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bitan Daily Tours

Is this one for you?Book the standard tour if you want the forest, wildlife and ruins in a morning or afternoon without the longer meal component. Choose the cheese-making option if you have a full afternoon and want to spend time with the shepherd and sit down to a Sardinian meal afterward.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What wildlife might I see in Is Cannoneris Nature Reserve?

Deer, eagles, mouflons and wild boars inhabit the holm oak forest, and you may encounter them during the walking portion of the tour through the reserve.

What are the Nuraghi I'll see on this tour?

Nuraghi are ancient stone buildings built around 1500 BC using the drystone technique, scattered across Sardinia as Bronze Age settlements. You'll see examples of them during the walking section of the reserve.

Is the cheese-making experience included in every option?

Cheese-making is a separate purchase option. If you choose it, you'll meet a shepherd, watch the milking and milk-warming process, walk through vineyards, and finish with a Sardinian suckling pig meal.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs four to five hours from departure in Chia, including the Jeep drive, walking section and snack time in the reserve.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Chia?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the Chia area, so transport is covered as part of the tour.