Sardinia

Rock Climbing in Sardinia, with its magnificent rocky interior and coastline, is a lovely experience. The island's charms lie in its untamed natural beauty. A combination of rugged rural scenery and one of the most dramatic coastlines in the Mediterranean. Its landscapes are timeless, incorporating rough mountains, windswept plains, sun-scorched plateaus and thick forests. All fringed by the most extraordinary Caribbean-blue seas. With its abundance of quality routes, cheap flights, and great climbing conditions in spring and autumn, it is easy to understand why rock climbing in Sardinia has always been popular.

Rock Climbing In Sardinia

Sardinia's dramatic cliffs and gorges provide exhilarating and often challenging opportunities for rock climbers. There are many established sport climbing crags across the island, most of which are single pitch.

We base our sport climbing holidays in the beautiful Cala Gonone area. Surrounded by the imposing grey peaks of Monte Tului (917m), Monte Bardia (882m) and Monte Irveri (616m), Cala Gonone enjoys an impressive setting. Since the 1930s it has developed from a tiny fishing port to an attractive tourist destination. Although development has been sensitive enough to ensure that Cala Gonone has retained its village atmosphere.

Cala Gonone has long been established as one of the main rock climbing areas in Sardinia and as such attracts many international visitors. Yet most of the time you find yourself at a very quiet crag. The single pitch sports routes in the Cala Gonone area, often with fantastic views on the Mediterranean Sea, offer many different styles. It is paradise for those who enjoy climbing slabs. And yet there are also steep limestone walls with pockets, edges and side-pulls. And some fierce overhangs, for instance in caves. Rock climbing in Sardinia is easily accessible - you never seem to be walking more than 5-10 minutes to find yourself at the crag.

Sample Itinerary

Saturday: arrival at Olbia airport, transfer to Cala Gonone, grocery shopping, relax in your accommodation or explore Cala Gonone.
Sunday: Single Pitch Sport Climbing with qualified guide
Monday: Single Pitch Sport Climbing with qualified guide
Tuesday: Single Pitch Sport Climbing with qualified guide
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: Single Pitch Sport Climbing with qualified guide
Friday: Single Pitch Sport Climbing with qualified guide
Saturday: departure, transfer to Olbia airport

We do not have a set itinerary of crags, however the first day is usually an easy route day and a good refresher of all safe climbing techniques.  From then on there are numerous crags to suit all abilities and desires, plenty to choose from! Some of our favourite crags in the area are La Poltrona, Dorgali, Cala Fuili, Margheddie, and Biddiriscottai. They are all limestone and offer a diversity of climbing inland or right by the sea, on slabs or steeper angled rock.

Sardinia Weather & Climate

Sardinia enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with damp winters and hot summers. July and August are considered too hot for climbing. Whereas winters often see rain and mist. This makes that the best times to go rock climbing in Sardinia are spring and autumn. In April and May the flowers are out in full force and the landscape retains a rich green flush. In September and October the sea temperature is higher so that's the perfect time for a swim in the sea after climbing.

Sardinia Accommodation

Your accommodation on this climbing holiday in Sardinia will be in a well-equipped apartment within walking distance of Cala Gonone village with its small harbour and gorgeous beaches. Or you will stay in a traditional countryside villa, conveniently located for the crags and within a 10 minute drive from Cala Gonone. Your instructor will be happy to drive you into town in the evenings for dinners and drinks. Both accommodation options have kitchen facilities and Wifi.  

Flights & Transfers

Fly into Olbia Airport, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia.

We offer one free transfer to your accommodation (on arrival day – normally a Saturday) and one free transfer to the airport on departure day. To take advantage of this service, and in order to minimise waiting times, please contact us for more information before buying your flight.

The transfer time from Olbia to Cala Gonone is approximately 1,5 hours.

Included

• 5 days guided single pitch climbing
• 7 nights accommodation
• Airport transfers (Conditions apply)
• Transport to/from the crags

For this rock climbing holiday in Sardinia we recommend that you have your own:

Harness
Helmet
Climbing Shoes

Dick's Climbing is a dedicated climbing shop that offers a large range of climbing equipment and shoes at good prices.