Devil's Saddle hike Sardinia: Ruins and Poetto beach views
Walk through Cagliari's layers: archaeology, fortifications and a view that spans the coast
A guided hike to Devil's Saddle, the promontory above Cagliari, takes you through Mediterranean scrub past the Temple of Astarte, a Punic cistern, a WWII fort and the Sant'Elia lighthouse tower to views over Poetto beach and Molentargius ponds. The walk covers uneven ground and takes about three and a half hours, with a licensed guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hike to Devil's Saddle viewpoints
- Walk through Mediterranean Maquis
- See Calamosca Lighthouse and fortifications
- Admire views over Cagliari city
- Reach top with Temple of Astarte ruins
- View Poetto beach from summit
What’s included
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- licensed tour guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian or French.
- Thursday and Saturday 15:00
Information
Hike to Devil's Saddle near Cagliari with licensed guide: climb the promontory above Poetto beach, see the Temple of Astarte ruins and WWII fort.
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The experience
The hike starts in the city and climbs toward the promontory that overlooks Poetto beach. As you walk, the guide points out the different layers of Cagliari's past: you'll pass the ruins of the Temple of Astarte, a Roman cistern and a Punic one, the remains of the Sant'Elia lighthouse tower, and fortifications from the Second World War. The Mediterranean Maquis, the scrubland of aromatic plants, surrounds the path, and the scents shift as you climb.
The ground is uneven throughout, and the walk is graded as very easy, but it does ask for steady footing. You'll need trekking shoes or trainers, at least a liter of water, a hat and suntan lotion in summer. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a licensed guide. Bring your own water bottle. The best views come at the top: Poetto beach spreads below, and the Molentargius ponds lie beyond it, with the modern city and the old Castello district visible across the water.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (under 7): free.
What's the Temple of Astarte, and why is it on this hike?
The Temple of Astarte is an ancient ruin on the promontory itself, part of Cagliari's archaeological layers that the guide explains as you climb. The site sits at the top of the walk, where the views open up.
How much climbing is involved, and what does the ground feel like underfoot?
The hike is graded very easy, but the ground is uneven throughout, so you'll need good shoes with grip. Trekking shoes or trainers are essential. The path is not paved.
Can I see Poetto beach from the top, or do I just look down at it?
Poetto beach is visible from the top of the promontory. It spreads below you as one of the main views the hike is known for, along with the Molentargius ponds and the city beyond.
What's included in the tour, and what do I need to bring?
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a licensed guide. You'll need to bring at least a liter of water, a hat, suntan lotion in summer, and sturdy walking shoes. Water is not provided.
How long does the whole thing take, and what time does it start?
The hike takes about three and a half hours. The guide is available in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
Operated by Arasolè - Day tours and experiences in Sardinia. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Devil's Saddle hike Sardinia: Ruins and Poetto beach views
3h 30m · EN · ES · FR · IT
from € 50 per person
≈ US$ 56 in your currency
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