Mines in Blue
Mines in Blue
7 Days and 6 Nights Along Sardinia’s Wild Costa Verde
Mines in Blue is a spectacular trekking adventure along the wild coastline of south-western Sardinia.
Over seven days, we will explore the extraordinary landscapes of the Costa Verde, walking through ancient mining areas, immense sand dunes, secluded beaches, limestone cliffs and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the island.
From Ingurtosu and the Piscinas dunes to Scivu, Capo Pecora, Buggerru, Cala Domestica, Canal Grande, Masua and Nebida, the route combines the wild beauty of Sardinia with the fascinating history of one of the Mediterranean’s most important former mining regions.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Sardinia
Arrival of participants at Cagliari Airport, followed by a transfer to Hotel Soffio di Vento.
Depending on the group’s arrival time, we may also organise a short introductory hike to the summit of Monte Arcuentu.
Day 2 – Ingurtosu, Piscinas and Scivu
7:30 am – Wake-up and breakfast
Transfer to Ingurtosu for the start of the first stage
9:30 am – Arrival in Ingurtosu
12:30 pm – Arrival in Piscinas and packed lunch
5:30 pm – Arrival in Scivu and preparation of our overnight camp
Stage Description
Total distance: 16.6 km
Elevation gain: 150 m
The first stage of Mines in Blue begins in the former mining village of Ingurtosu and takes us through the mining area of Naraculi before reaching the extraordinary Piscinas dunes.
From Piscinas, a long walk along the coast and the beaches of Scivu leads us to the area where Scivu meets Pischeredda.
At Scivu, surrounded by one of the wildest landscapes on the Costa Verde, we will set up our bivouac camp for the night.
Day 3 – Scivu, Portixeddu and the San Nicolò Dune
7:30 am – Wake-up and breakfast
8:30 am – Departure
12:30 pm – Arrival at Capo Pecora and lunch
1:30 pm – Arrival in Portixeddu
2:30 pm – Departure towards the San Nicolò Dune
5:00 pm – Arrival at the dune and preparation of our overnight camp
Stage Description
Total distance: 15.7 km
Total elevation gain: 800 m
The second stage of Mines in Blue starts from Scivu beach and follows the coast uphill towards the Arbus watchtower, before descending through Managu and Su Tramatzu to reach Capo Pecora.
From the cape, we continue towards Portixeddu and the forestry station before heading towards the impressive San Nicolò Dune.
Here, surrounded by the wild coastal landscape, we will set up our camp for the night.
Day 4 – San Nicolò Dune to Buggerru
7:30 am – Wake-up and breakfast
8:30 am – Departure
12:00 pm – Ascent towards Bacchitte ‘e Montes and lunch
1:00 pm – Descent towards Buggerru and check-in at Hotel Rosa dei Venti
Stage Description
Total distance: 11.5 km
Elevation gain: 900 m
The third stage of Mines in Blue begins at the San Nicolò Dune and climbs towards the panoramic viewpoint of Bacchitt’e Montes, at approximately 420 metres above sea level.
The trail climbs steadily through a fascinating landscape where we will encounter the ruins of old abandoned mines and, possibly, the remains associated with the ancient mining settlement of Metalla.
From the panoramic viewpoint, we descend towards Buggerru, crossing the impressive Nanni Frau open-pit mine.
Once in Buggerru, we will check into our accommodation and spend the night in town.
Optional Activity – Galleria Henry
During the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Galleria Henry in Buggerru.
Galleria Henry is an outstanding example of Sardinia’s industrial mining heritage, located in the former Planu Sartu mining area on the island’s south-western coast.
Originally excavated through solid rock in 1865, the tunnel was enlarged in 1892 to allow a steam locomotive to transport minerals along a railway line. The approximately one-kilometre-long gallery represented a major technological development at the time, replacing the slower transport of minerals by pack animals.
Today, the restored gallery can be visited by reservation. Its network of tunnels opens dramatically onto the sea through natural openings in the rock, creating a fascinating alternation of light and shadow and offering spectacular views over the coastline and the cliffs surrounding Buggerru.
It is a place where history, landscape and Sardinia’s mining heritage come together, offering a unique insight into the island’s industrial past.
Please note: the entrance fee for Galleria Henry is not included in the package. Each participant can pay their own admission fee on the day of the visit. The number of participants interested in joining the visit must be communicated when booking.
Day 5 – Buggerru to Canal Grande
7:30 am – Wake-up and breakfast
8:30 am – Departure from Hotel Rosa dei Venti
12:30 pm – Packed lunch at Cala Domestica
5:30–6:30 pm – Arrival at the shepherd’s hut in the Canal Grande area
Stage Description
Total distance: 14.5 km
Elevation gain: 650 m
The fourth stage of Mines in Blue begins in Buggerru.
From here, we climb towards the limestone plateau of Planu Sartu, passing through a fascinating former mining area.
We then follow the spectacular limestone cliffs until we reach Cala Domestica, where we will stop for our packed lunch.
From the beach, we climb back up to the cliffs and continue our trek through the dramatic coastal landscape of Canal Grande, eventually reaching the Sa Susuia shepherd’s hut, where we will spend the night in tents.
Day 6 – Canal Grande to Nebida
7:30 am – Wake-up and breakfast
8:30 am – Departure towards Masua
12:30 pm – Packed lunch at Bega Sa Canna beach
1:30 pm – Departure towards Nebida
5:30 pm – End of the trek and transfer to Cagliari
Stage Description
Total distance: 11.4 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
From the Canal Grande shepherd’s hut, we head west to rejoin the coastal trail leading towards the imposing sea stack of Pan di Zucchero.
As we approach Masua, the views of this extraordinary rock formation — known locally as Concali Su Terrainu — become increasingly impressive.
We then begin the long descent towards the coast, passing the port of Masua before reaching Bega Sa Canna, Masua beach and Porto Cauli.
In the afternoon, we return to the spectacular coastal trail and continue towards Porto Corallo, Porto Ferro and Portu Banda.
By late afternoon, we will reach the panoramic viewpoint of Nebida, marking the end of our Mines in Blue trekking adventure.
From there, we will transfer back to Cagliari for our final night.
Day 7 – Cagliari and Departure
On our final day, we will have the opportunity to explore the historic centre of Cagliari.
Alternatively, we can enjoy a short hike to the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle), one of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks, with beautiful views over the Gulf of Cagliari.
In the evening, participants will be transferred to Cagliari Airport or Port for departure.
Price and What’s Included
Price per Person: €1,150
The price includes:
- Dinner and hotel accommodation on Day 1
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Day 2, with overnight bivouac
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Day 3, with overnight bivouac
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Day 4, with overnight accommodation in a B&B, hotel or hostel
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Day 5, with overnight accommodation in tents at the shepherd’s hut
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Day 6, with overnight accommodation in a B&B, hotel or hostel in Cagliari
- Breakfast on Day 7
- 1 qualified GAE hiking guide registered with the Regional Register
- 1 qualified GAE hiking guide registered with AIGAE
- Daily luggage transfers between stages
- All transfers required to complete the itinerary
- Tents and sleeping mats required for the bivouac nights
- Logistical support throughout the trek
Sleeping bags are not included. Participants must bring their own sleeping bag.
ℹ️ Information
Cancellation Policy
In the event that a participant cancels their booking, the following cancellation fees will apply:
- Up to 60 days before departure: 10% of the total amount
- 59 to 30 days before departure: 50% of the total amount
- 29 to 15 days before departure: 75% of the total amount
- Less than 15 days before departure: 100% of the total amount
📞 Contact
📧 Email: thinkingsardinia@gmail.com
📱 Mobile / WhatsApp: +39 333 689 8146