Trekking Tavolara and Ferrata

Tavolara Summit Hike – Essential Information

Although the technical climbing passages are relatively straightforward, the excursion requires stamina, concentration and confidence on steep, exposed mountain terrain.

What's Included in the Price

Everything you need for a safe and unforgettable adventure to the summit of Tavolara is included in the price:

• Professional mountain guide to accompany you throughout the experience

• Climbing harness for the equipped sections of the route

• Via ferrata kit with energy absorber and safety lanyards

• Protective helmet for the technical passages

• Round-trip RIB boat transfer to and from Tavolara Island

All technical safety equipment is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure and the breathtaking views from the summit!

What to Bring

To make the most of your Tavolara trekking adventure, we recommend bringing:

• 💧 At least 2 litres of water (3 litres during the hottest months)

• 🥪 Packed lunch to enjoy during the excursion

• 🍎 Fruit and energy snacks to keep you going throughout the hike

• 🎒 Comfortable backpack with enough space to carry your climbing harness and via ferrata kit

Required Clothing & Footwear

• 🥾 Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good grip, suitable for rocky and uneven terrain

Don't Forget Your Swimsuit!

Want to enjoy a refreshing swim after reaching the summit?

Feel free to bring your swimsuit and beach towel! You can leave them at the base of the island during the ascent and enjoy a well-deserved swim in Tavolara's crystal-clear waters at the end of your trekking adventure.

Important Information – Hiking Shoe Rental

🥾 Suitable hiking shoes are available to rent for €10 per pair.

If you would like to rent hiking shoes, please inform your guide at least one day before the excursion, specifying your shoe size so we can prepare the correct footwear for you.

Advance notice is required to ensure availability.

The Adventure: From the Sea to the Summit of Tavolara

A mountain rising above the Mediterranean

Your hiking adventure begins at Spalmatore di Terra, the beautiful beach on the western side of Tavolara.

From the very first steps, the island reveals a completely different character from the beaches below.

The trail climbs away from the shoreline through a rugged limestone landscape, gradually gaining height above the sea. The Mediterranean vegetation, rocky slopes and increasingly impressive coastal views create a spectacular setting for the beginning of the ascent.

As you follow the mountain path towards the Punta della Mandria area, the terrain becomes steeper and more adventurous.

Ancient lime kilns and the island's hidden trails

One of the fascinating aspects of this excursion is discovering traces of Tavolara's past along the way.

During the ascent, you'll encounter the remains of historic lime kilns, reminders of the island's traditional activities and its long relationship with the surrounding coastline.

Beyond this point, the route enters a more challenging section of the mountain.

A narrow rocky ledge leads towards the famous Scala e Fuste, a distinctive passage where fixed ropes help hikers overcome the exposed terrain.

This section is one of the most memorable parts of the ascent, combining the excitement of mountain exploration with extraordinary views over the sea.

Across the limestone slopes to Bocca del Cannone

After overcoming the lower equipped passages, the route continues along the mountainside.

The trail becomes more gradual as it traverses the limestone slopes towards the north-west, revealing ever-changing perspectives of the island and the Sardinian coastline.

Eventually, you'll reach Bocca del Cannone, an open mountain area also known as Pratone.

This is an important point along the itinerary, where the final approach to the upper ridges begins.

From here, the route becomes more technical, with equipped climbing passages leading towards the summit.

The excitement of Tavolara's via ferrata

The final ascent includes an equipped mountain route with fixed safety cables and rocky passages.

Depending on the itinerary chosen, the climb can follow one of two alternatives:

• A shorter via ferrata consisting of two relatively brief equipped sections.

• A longer equipped variation extending for approximately 100 metres.

The easier equipped route is classified F (Easy), making it accessible to physically prepared hikers who may not have previous via ferrata experience.

However, being comfortable with heights and exposed terrain is essential.

The combination of limestone rock, mountain exposure and incredible sea views makes this part of the experience particularly rewarding.

As you climb higher, the landscape opens towards the summit ridge, offering some of the most spectacular viewpoints in north-eastern Sardinia.

Punta Cannone: Standing on the Roof of Tavolara

Reaching the upper ridge is an unforgettable moment.

The island falls away steeply on either side, while the Mediterranean stretches towards the horizon.

From the point where the equipped routes meet, approximately ten minutes of additional hiking brings you to Punta Cannone, the highest summit of Tavolara.

At around 565 metres above sea level, the viewpoint offers a remarkable panorama over the coast of Gallura and the surrounding islands.

On exceptionally clear days, the view can extend as far as southern Corsica.

The contrast between the white limestone cliffs, the deep blue sea and the turquoise waters along the coast creates one of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes in Sardinia.

Reaching this summit is much more than simply completing a hike. It's the reward for an exciting journey from sea level to the top of one of the Mediterranean's most distinctive islands.

The Descent: Another Perspective on Tavolara

After enjoying the summit views, it's time to begin the return journey.

The descent generally follows the same mountain route used for the ascent, allowing you to experience the landscape from a different perspective.

Depending on trail conditions and the abilities of the group, your guide may choose a slightly different return itinerary through the Punta della Mandria area.

Descending the mountain requires attention and care, especially along rocky and exposed sections.

As you approach the lower slopes, the beaches and clear waters of Tavolara gradually come back into view, marking the final stage of an extraordinary day of hiking.

Is the Tavolara Summit Trek Suitable for Beginners?

The hike to Punta Cannone is best suited to active people who enjoy mountain walking and are comfortable with physically demanding excursions.

You don't necessarily need previous via ferrata experience to complete the easier equipped route, but good fitness, secure footing and confidence at heights are essential.

Unlike an ordinary coastal walk, this excursion involves a significant uphill climb, uneven limestone terrain, narrow passages and sections protected by fixed ropes and cables.

The approximately 650 metres of total elevation gain make the ascent physically demanding, particularly in warm weather.

For hikers with the right preparation and an adventurous spirit, however, Tavolara offers an incredibly rewarding introduction to equipped mountain trekking.

Discover the Wild Side of Tavolara Island

Most visitors know Tavolara for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea and dramatic coastal profile.

Far fewer experience the fascinating mountain environment hidden above the shoreline.

The island's towering limestone formations create a remarkable contrast with the surrounding Mediterranean waters, while its steep slopes support typical vegetation adapted to the rocky coastal environment.

Hiking towards Punta Cannone gives you the opportunity to discover this lesser-known side of Tavolara.

Instead of simply admiring the island from a boat or the beach, you'll explore its mountain trails, rocky ledges and panoramic ridges.

It's a completely different way to experience one of Sardinia's most iconic natural landmarks.

An Extraordinary Hiking Experience Near Olbia and San Teodoro

If you're spending your holiday in Olbia, Porto San Paolo, San Teodoro or the surrounding coastal area, Tavolara offers an exceptional opportunity for a mountain adventure.

Although the island is famous for its marine environment, its summit route is among the most remarkable hiking experiences in north-eastern Sardinia.

The excursion combines Mediterranean scenery with the excitement of an equipped mountain route, creating an adventure that feels worlds away from the busy beaches below.

For outdoor enthusiasts, it is a unique opportunity to experience both the coastal and mountainous character of Sardinia in a single excursion.

Why Choose the Punta Cannone Trek?

Few hiking routes in Sardinia offer such a dramatic journey from the water's edge to a panoramic mountain summit.

This adventure is particularly memorable for its combination of:

• A spectacular ascent from the coastline to approximately 565 metres

• Breathtaking views of Tavolara and the Gallura coast

• Exciting fixed-rope passages and an easy-grade via ferrata

• Historic landmarks along the mountain trail

• Wild limestone landscapes and Mediterranean vegetation

• A challenging but rewarding experience for fit outdoor enthusiasts

• The unforgettable feeling of reaching the highest point of Tavolara

From the turquoise sea to the summit ridge, every step reveals a new perspective on Sardinia.

Experience Tavolara from Above

Forget the usual view of Tavolara from the beach.

Discover what it feels like to climb this extraordinary island, explore its hidden mountain passages and stand high above the Mediterranean.

The Punta Cannone trekking experience brings together adventure, natural beauty and the satisfaction of reaching a truly spectacular destination.

Get ready to explore the wild heights of Tavolara and experience Sardinia from a completely different perspective.