Enjoy an incredible wilderness experience with these 9 canyoning spots in Sardinia. So, andiamo!
Climb rock faces, cross waterfalls and explore the nooks and crannies of a lush and sometimes unpredictable natural environment… Are you tempted? Then you’ve got to try canyoning in Sardinia!
Canyoning involves progressing along a natural course, following a river and through gorges. It’s an ideal outdoor sport for discovering Sardinia’s natural riches and filling your head with wonderful memories.
And thanks to the island’s diverse terrain and landscapes, there are plenty of canyoning spots to choose from. And there’s something for every level! So before you set off: pack your sports gear and check out our guide to 9 canyoning spots in Sardinia.
A reminder: the time indicated sometimes depends on the distance to the start of the canyoning spot. It therefore does not necessarily represent the exact duration of the canyoning session. Thanks to Sardinia’s mild climate, you can canyoneering in all seasons. However, make sure that weather conditions are optimal on the day.
1. Siscia route
Photo credit: Facebook – Raumer Srl
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Difficulty: intermediate
Course length: 1.76 kilometers
Go to the heart of the Sassari region, near the town of Cargeghe. And discover this incredible canyoning course in Sardinia! There, you’ll be able to tame the natural obstacles of this jungle, and perform a series of sporting feats. During your canyoning session, for example, you’ll climb limestone rocks and cross a few slow-flowing streams.
And « chi va piano via sano« … So even if this natural playground is easy to get to grips with, be careful! After all, the highest vertical drop is 15 metres.
2. Sa Figu route
Photo credit: Facebook – Austrian Canyoning Association
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Difficulty: difficult
Length of route: 3 kilometers
Let’s stay in the Sassari region, this time heading for the village of Ittri. Nearby is Sa Figu. And let’s start with the special feature of this canyoning spot in Sardinia: it’s carved out of pink granite. So you can « jump in » and explore the pink walls of this beautiful Sardinian canyon.
Next, you’ll reach the waterfalls and take a dip in the natural pools. Canyoneers will love this route, with its many jumps and abseiling descents!
3. Rio Pitrisconi route
Photo credit: Facebook – Thinking Sardinia
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Course length: 1.1 kilometers
This is surely one of the best-known canyoning routes in Sardinia. It’s located in the north-east of the island, close to the coastal town of San Teodoro. And there, you’ll swap limestone for beautiful granite rocks. So let’s get on with the Rio Pitrisconi adventure!
To begin with, you’ll make your way through a majestic gorge, from which several waterfalls flow. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the rocks, slide down the natural toboggans and immerse yourself in the water. In short, the Rio Pitrisconi trail is the perfect way to create beautiful memories…
4. Sa Spendula course
Photo credit: Facebook – Escursi.com – experience sardinia
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Course length: 500 metres
Less than an hour from the town of Cagliari, in the south of the island, discover the Sa Spendula course. In Sardinian, Sa Spendula means « waterfall »: and that’s the whole point of this canyoning route in Sardinia.
You’ll be clinging to granite rocks as you make your way through a magnificent canyon, where numerous waterfalls grace the route. You’ll also cross Mount Margiani and Mount Omo. Take the time to test the natural pools and let yourself be carried away by the flow of the water.
You can also test your jumping skills, as there are more than three jumps on this itinerary! But rest assured: Sa Spendula is accessible to canyoneers of all levels.
5. Rio Oridda route
Photo credit: Facebook – Xconcepts Canyoning
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: intermediate
Length of route: 4 kilometers
It’s in the south-east of the island that we find you for this new spot. Come and experience the Rio Oridda: a must for canyoning in Sardinia! Here, you’ll find a succession of pools and waterfalls in a breathtaking itinerary (literally and figuratively!).
Above all, you’ll soon reach the climax of the route: a magnificent view overlooking the Orrida waterfall. Then, once you’ve closed the gorge, it’s on to the joys of pools, basins and natural pools.
You’ll also be able to climb the walls of a beautiful 36-metre waterfall, before moving on to simpler stages. In short, a complex but fun course that you’ll be proud to master!
6. Rio Zairi course
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dimitrije Ostojic
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: easy
Course length: 4.13 kilometers
This time we’re staying in the same area to discover the Rio Zairi, a small torrent that rises in the Linas massif. To begin with, this canyoning route in Sardinia is renowned for its simplicity. It’s therefore more suitable for beginners, although seasoned canyoneers will have a lot of fun!
The route is anchored in Gonnosfanadiga territory, where granite is king. First, you’ll have the chance to try out a 6-metre descent. Then let yourself slide down the natural toboggans, leading to magnificent « made-in-mother-nature » pools. Want more? Try the jumps!
7. Su Gorropu course
Photo credit: Facebook – I Sirboni Trekking Canyoning Via Ferrata in Sardegna
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Course length: 1.5 kilometers
Discover the deepest gorge in Sardinia. Su Gorropu promises a thrilling canyoning experience. The Rio Flumineddu is responsible for the erosion, forming gigantic limestone cliffs.
This is the ideal playground for canyoning in Sardinia. You’ll climb up impressive walls, until you’re able to contemplate the gorge. Yes, this route offers an incredible panorama!
8. Codula Fuili route
Photo credit: Facebook – Torbato’s Canyoning
Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Length of route: 3 kilometers
Head for the island’s east coast for another canyoning session in Sardinia. The Codula Fuili course is in fact a « dry » spot. This means that the watercourse that eroded the rock to create the canyon no longer exists. So, if you’re not necessarily at ease in a watery environment, this canyoning spot in Sardinia will be ideal!
To begin with, you’ll take a beautiful descent into the gorge. Then the route becomes more like a hike on the rock faces. Finally, you’ll reach the sea, in pretty little calanques. Here you can cool off a little after your efforts.
9. Bacu Padente route
Photo credit: Facebook – Canyoning Club Tropica & schlücht.li
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: intermediate
Course length: 6 kilometers
Not far from Codula Fuili is another must-see spot for canyoning in Sardinia: Bacu Padente. It lies at the heart of one of the island’s wildest areas. You can explore the walls, climbing up to 35 metres above the sea. Of course, the panoramic view over the Gulf of Orosi is splendid!
Also, this route passes through an impressive cave, which will make you look like budding cavers. What’s more, this canyoning spot is part of what’s known as « abseiling ». So if you’ve got a good knowledge of climbing, it’s bound to be a big advantage on this route.
So, which spot will you choose for your canyoning session in Sardinia?