Guided hike to Cala Luna, Sardinia: 8 km trek with beach swim

Down a Mediterranean gorge, across a dry riverbed, to a beach hemmed by cliffs

A guided hike in Sardinia descends 8 km from the Supramonte mountains to Cala Luna beach on the Gulf of Orosei, passing shepherd's huts, ancient juniper trees and a limestone canyon. You swim and rest at the beach, then climb back out on a steep path. The full day takes around eight hours with hotel pickup included. A boat return from Cala Gonone is available for an extra fee if you want to skip the uphill trek.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike from mountains to Cala Luna beach

• Pickup from town
• Transfer to mountains
• Start trek at Buchi arta
• See old shepherd's huts
• Descend gorge past juniper trees
• Enjoy panoramas over Supramonte
• Arrive at Codula di Luna canyon
• Follow dry river bed
• Reach Cala Luna beach
• Lunch and swim break
• Hike back on steep path

The experience

The hike starts in the mountains near Buchi Arta, where your guide points out old stone shepherd's huts before the path drops into a gorge lined with giant juniper trees and Mediterranean scrub. The trail opens onto views of the Supramonte and then follows the dry riverbed of Codula di Luna: a wide canyon that narrows as you approach the coast. Cala Luna itself sits at the base of limestone cliffs, famous enough that you'll recognize it from photos, and the beach is wide enough that you have real time there, not a rushed stop.

Once you reach the sand, you can swim in the sea and eat lunch (bring your own or arrange it beforehand, as food is not included). The return is the harder part: a steep climb back up the same path to the car. If eight hours of hiking feels like too much, you can arrange a boat pickup from Cala Gonone harbor instead. It's a scenic trip along the gulf and cuts the physical demand in half, though you pay extra for the boat ticket at the harbor.

The guide speaks English, Italian or French and manages the transfer from your hotel or a port pickup to the trailhead, so you don't navigate the mountain roads yourself. The trek runs in all weather, so bring layers and proper shoes. The path is rocky and uneven, especially on the descent and the return climb.

What’s included

• Local guide in English, Italian or French.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (or port pickup if you prefer).
• guided trek with all route navigation.
• time to swim at Cala Luna beach.

Information

Lasts 5h–10h, from € 65 per person, with a live guide in English, French and Italian, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 21 May 20274 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 15 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, French and ItalianOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 to 75 years) · Child (7 to 10 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 30 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Jebel Sardinia

Is this one for you?Choose the boat return if the steep uphill climb worries you. It cuts the physical demand in half and gives you the beach and the descent without the exhausting climb back. The full hike both ways suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants the complete mountain-to-coast experience and doesn't mind the effort on the way up.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 10 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How steep is the hike back up from Cala Luna?

The return climb is the hardest part of the day. A steep path that takes effort after you've already hiked down. Most people find it manageable but tiring, which is why the boat option from Cala Gonone exists for those who want to avoid it.

Can I swim at Cala Luna, or is it just a photo stop?

You have real time at the beach to swim and rest, not a quick visit. Bring a towel and plan to spend an hour or more there before the return hike.

What is Codula di Luna?

Codula di Luna is a wide limestone canyon with a dry riverbed that you walk through on the way down to the beach. It's one of the most striking parts of the hike, with high walls and a clear path through the middle.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is not included. Bring your own food and water, or arrange a packed lunch with the operator before the day starts.

Can I take the boat back instead of hiking up?

Yes. After your time at the beach, you can catch a boat from Cala Gonone harbor back to the coast, which skips the steep return climb. You pay the boat ticket separately at the harbor.