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Golden Dunes of the Costa VerdeSilver mountains to golden dunes
Nights: 7
Starting point: Sa Perda Mercada (agriturismo), near Ingurtosu. The food here is all grown locally and meals are enjoyed at a communal table with other guests in this idyllic rural setting. Day 1: an easy panoramic circuit crosses the gently rolling countryside, where mountainous granite formations give way to smooth green hills towards the sea. (13km) Accommodation: Sa Perda Mercada (as above) Day 2: after a short transfer, you follow old miners' trails past abandoned mine buildings and through lush vegetation of holm, cork-oak woods and Mediterranean scrub before you arrive at Montevecchio. The splendour of the Blue Room in the Palazzo della Direzione and the museum of mining life reflect the former wealth of this area. (13km) Accommodation: La Miniera Fiorita (farmhouse), Montevecchio. A delightful base where dinners of locally grown seasonal produce are enjoyed with your fellow guests. Day 3: after a short transfer, you set out on a demanding circuit that leads you to the legendary mountain of Hercules, Monte Arcuente, a dormant volcano that boasts unrivalled views from its summit. After the steep, but short, ascent you are rewarded with superior views over western Sardinia before descending slowly back towards Montevecchio. (10km) Accommodation: La Miniera Fiorita (as above) Day 4: from Montevecchio, you head towards the coast on gently meandering footpaths that criss-cross the glistening River Irvi and its wooded tributaries until you reach the immense Piscinas Beach and the wonderful sight of golden sand dunes. (15km) Accommodation: Residence Scoppadroxiu (residence), Piscinas. Your final hotel consists of a series of intimate bungalows in a sheltered position, and has a wonderful restaurant terrace with extensive views over the Mediterranean scrub-covered dunes towards the sea. Days 5 & 6: with two days here you are free to explore the Unesco-protected area of the Piscinas dune range, one of the biggest in Europe that stretches for several kilometres along the Costa Verde. We also suggest a circuit that heads inland towards the old village of Ingurtosu, passing buildings of great artistic industrial interest, such as the Brassey washery, named after its English owner, the Viscount of Brassey, and following old railway lines to reach a newly opened multi-media museum (pay locally) dedicated to the area's rich industrial past. (16km) Accommodation: Residence Scoppadroxiu (as above) Options to upgrade & extend: For something extra special, we recommend upgrading to the secluded Hotel le Dune for your last three nights. This superior 3-star hotel, set in a provileged position amidst the pristine dunes, makes a perfect retreat in which to relax and wind down. Dinner is included in the excellent restaurant serving fresh fish and typical regional dishes on the terrace looking out across the golden sand to the sun setting over the sparkling sea. Whichever option you choose for your last three nights, this holiday can be combined with our Discovery Journey, Sardinia's Rich Interior (on which you have the use of a hire car). Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Recommendations for extra nights: with an extra night at the Residence Scoppadroxiu you can fully explore the Unesco-protected area of the Piscinas dune range. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: The Mountains of Sicily (grade 2), Sardinia's Rich Interior (grades 1, 2 & 3) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Cagliari & Alghero Extra nights 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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The delightfully quiet mountain range of Monte Linas slopes gently towards the sea, separated from the rest of the island by the Medio Campidano plain to the east, the Iglesiente Mountains to the south and Oristano to the north. Cloaked in dense oak forests roamed by Sardinian deer, this little-known area was once made rich by mineral mining. Today, a rich flora and fauna, as well as surprising architectural gems, delight the eye, as inviting paths lead through this historic and haunting landscape, towards the magnificence of the golden sand dunes of the Costa Verde. Family-run agriturismos welcome walkers, serving home-grown, locally sourced produce that satisfies and fortifies.
Mountains frame the views 
