Rock Climbing in Sardinia

The polished whites, grays, and oranges of limestone cliffs are enough to bring rock climbers from around the world to an area—but add the brilliant azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as climbing routes of every difficulty, and you have a rock climbers paradise.   The Italian island of Sardinia, closer to north Africa than Italy but just a short flight from Rome, maintains a cheerful character of independence amid a harsh history of conquest.

Fly from Rome or Munich to the capital city of Cagliari (pronounced KAI-yar-ee) and wander the historic Pisanfort for a day before renting a car or catching a shuttle to the tiny coastal hamlet of Cala Gonone.  There are many family-run hotels, inns, and apartments along the serene bay, complete with restaurants that cook exquisite Italian food, as well as traditional Sardinian dishes such as porceddu.  Sardinia grows its own distinct grape varietals for post-climbing wine sipping.  You can find the rock climbing guidebook here (we weren’t able to find a copy for sale in Cala Gonone) or hire

a local guide.  The climbing is accessible by foot both north and south of town; with a vehicle you can reach areas throughout the granite mountains—and listen to the gentle rhythm of metal cowbells as the goats and their herders deftly browse the steep, rocky landscape.  The areas have been well-bolted, and the easier climbs are safe while still giving the climber the fun and dynamic movement found on limestone.  There are plenty of stalactites to climb, and even multi-pitch limestone towers.  Once you are sufficiently sore, take a day off to cruise down the coast via boat to check out limestone caves, deserted white beaches, and cliff jumping for the brave.  There’s also extensive hiking and mountain bike trails that wind in ribbons above the sea cliffs.

Visit the island in September and October and the weather has cooled off from sweltering summer, the zany European summer tourist season has tapered off, and the water is still warm and calm.  And adventure travel may be the future for Sardinia’s faltering economy.  Want to learn more about the interplay between adventure tourism and economic development or have an opinion or experience you want to share?  Read our Xola blog about Sardinia here.

- Jess Reilly