From Arzana: trekking to Punta La Marmora with aperitif

Discover Sardinia’s Highest Peak on a Guided Trek with Tasting

This 6-hour hiking excursion from Arzana takes you to Punta La Marmora, the highest point in Sardinia at 1,834 meters. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour combines nature, archaeology, and culinary delights. The adventure begins with a visit to the Nuragic village of Ruinas at 1,200 meters, marking the highest Nuragic site on the island. From there, an 8-kilometer trail winds through the mountain terrain of Gennargentu, offering panoramic views and opportunities to spot wild animals. The journey culminates at Punta La Marmora, where hikers enjoy a picnic featuring Sardinian cheese, cured meats, and traditional baked treats.

While the terrain involves boulders and uneven paths, the experience suits those with mountain hiking experience. The tour is ideal for adventurers seeking authentic natural and cultural encounters, with the chance to connect with Sardinian traditions through food and spectacular scenery. The provider Escursì maintains a high rating of 4.7, reflecting the quality of the guides and overall experience. The meeting point is near the Murru hotel in Arzana, with ample free parking available.

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Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, including travel, hiking, and picnic
• Location: Starts in Arzana, Sardinia, Italy
• Main activity: Trek to Punta La Marmora, the island’s highest peak at 1,834 meters
• Highlights: Visit to the Nuragic village of Ruinas at 1,200 meters, panoramic mountain views, and local Sardinian food tasting
• Difficulty: Rated EE (experienced hikers), involving boulders and wild trails
• Includes: An 8 km trail, picnic with traditional Sardinian products, and guidance from a local expert
• Transport: Drive from Arzana to the trailhead, approximately 45 minutes on mostly paved, winding roads
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues
• Pets: Allowed if kept on a leash and muzzled for small dogs

Starting at the Nuragic Village of Ruinas at 1,200 meters

The tour begins with a visit to the Nuragic village of Ruinas, a significant archaeological site at 1,200 meters altitude. This site is notable for being the highest Nuragic settlement in Sardinia and provides a glimpse into ancient Sardinian civilization. Visitors explore the remains, gaining insight into the island’s prehistoric past. The silence and serenity of this site set the tone for the entire experience, emphasizing a connection with history and nature.

Immediately after, the guides lead you on the 8-kilometer trail through stony ground and Mediterranean scrubland. The route is crafted for those prepared for mountain terrain, with boulders and uneven paths that require good hiking shoes. Along the way, encounters with wild animals are possible, adding an element of natural discovery. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and landscape, making every step worthwhile.

Trekking to Punta La Marmora’s Summit

Reaching Punta La Marmora involves navigating ancient scree and wild trails that smell of Mediterranean scrub. The ascent rewards hikers with 360-degree vistas extending to the blue sea far in the distance. At the summit, the atmosphere is peaceful, with a sense of achievement and closeness to nature. The silence at the top is profound, interrupted only by the gentle breeze and the occasional bird call.

The highest point in Sardinia offers extraordinary panoramic views, making this effort feel especially meaningful. This is a prime moment for photography and reflection amid the vast landscape. The altitude may cause some pressure, especially for those unaccustomed to high elevations, so a gradual pace is encouraged.

Sardinian Tasting at the Peak

At the summit, the tour includes a picnic featuring traditional Sardinian foods. The cheese, cured meats, pistoccu bread, and coccois prenas (potato and cheese filled cupcakes) are served alongside dried Sardinian treats. These authentic products are enjoyed in the breathtaking setting, connecting you with the culinary heritage of Sardinia.

The picnic is thoughtfully prepared, with options available for allergies, intolerances, vegetarians, and vegans upon request. The local flavors provide a tasty, cultural layer to the natural experience, making the hike both visually and gastronomically rewarding.

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Practical Details of the Trek

The entire route covers approximately 16 km, with a 680-meter elevation change. The hiking level is rated EE (experienced hikers), reflecting the challenging terrain of boulders and wild trails. The total duration is about 5 hours of hiking, plus transportation to and from the trailhead.

Participants should wear hiking shoes, bring water, and wear sportswear suitable for mountain conditions. The drive from Arzana to the trailhead is about 45 minutes on mostly paved roads, with 2 km of dirt road that remains in excellent condition.

Meeting Point and Access

The tour departs from a meeting point near the Murru hotel in Arzana. Free parking is available nearby, making it easy for participants to start their adventure. The guide is recognizable and leads the group into the winding mountain road towards the Nuragic village.

The experience provider, Escursì, boasts a 4.7 rating and specializes in outdoor activities that combine nature, archaeology, and local culture. The tour is conducted in Italian, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trek is best suited for adventurers with mountain hiking experience, comfortable on uneven and rocky terrain. It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments. The altitude and terrain challenges mean that participants should be physically prepared.

Those who enjoy spectacular views, archaeological sites, and local cuisine will find this tour particularly rewarding. The opportunity to stand atop Sardinia’s highest peak combined with tasting traditional foods makes this a memorable experience for active travelers seeking an authentic connection to Sardinian culture and landscape.

Final Thoughts on the Gennargentu Mountain Trek

This guided hike to Punta La Marmora offers a balance of adventure, culture, and gastronomy. The expert local guide enhances the experience with knowledge of the landscape and history, while the spectacular scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop. The picnic with Sardinian products elevates the journey, making it more than just a hike.

While the terrain demands a certain level of fitness and experience, it rewards with stunning views and a sense of achievement. The limited accessibility for those with mobility issues or young children is a consideration, but for experienced hikers, this tour delivers authentic mountain adventure with a taste of Sardinian tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 are not recommended, as the terrain and altitude may be challenging for younger hikers.

What should I bring on the hike?
Bring hiking shoes, water, and sportswear suitable for mountain conditions.

Can pets join the trek?
Yes, small dogs are allowed if brought with a muzzle and leash; larger dogs need a leash.

How long is the hike?
The total trail length is approximately 16 km, with a 680-meter elevation difference.

What is included in the picnic?
The picnic features Sardinian cheese, cured meats, pistoccu bread, coccois prenas, and dried treats.

Is there an option for dietary restrictions?
Yes, options for allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, and vegan diets are available upon request.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in Italian.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is near the Murru hotel in Arzana, with ample free parking nearby.

What is the difficulty level?
Rated EE, suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with rocky and uneven terrain.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a unique chance to reach Sardinia’s highest point, enjoy breathtaking views, and savor authentic local flavors—perfect for those ready for a mountain adventure in the heart of Sardinia.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby