Tavolara: hiking + via ferrata
BOOK NOWTavolara trekking + via ferrata
Tavolara merges unspoiled nature with bold passages and immense panoramas, conjuring a truly unforgettable adventure.
Tavolara island is an impressive mountain that rises from the sea near Olbia and San Teodoro. From its summit, at 560 meters, it watches over the beautiful coast of northern Sardinia with such beaches as La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi and the whole Costa Smeralda, spotting even the silhouette of the highest peaks in Corsica.
Tavolara = √(nature² + adventure²)
Our destination isPunta Cannone, the tip of the island, at 560 metres above sea level. Its vertical walls are adorned with luxurious Mediterranean vegetation and populated by wild goats, eagles and the tiny Etruscan shrew.
Our meeting is at 6:45 am in Porto San Paolo, where we take the boat service to reach the island. From the beach, our journey starts with a very steep and panoramic path. This is probably the hardest part of the day but the view pays back. Closer to the top the path becomes easier and after approx 2 we will arrive at the base of the high and vertical walls on top of the island. Though, to reach Punta Cannone, the summit of Tavolara, we will have to commit to the exposed passages protected by the Via Ferrata di Tavolara. From here we will finally gain the immense panorama over the beautiful coastline. The view from the top can take your breath away, embracing the island of Tavolara, the shoreline of eastern Gallura and all the little islands scattered all around.
From the top we will have to walk down, reaching the beach at about 2:30 pm.
Return from Tavolara
From the docks by the beach, you will be free to take any of the tourist boats that get back to Porto San Paolo. These run at 3:30 / 4:30 / 5:30 and 6:30 pm
A Brief History of Tavolara
Before Tavolara became the Bertoleoni family’s kingdom, it used to be a resting place for pirates and goats only. Giuseppe Bertoleoni, a Corsican fisherman, moved to this unpopulated island in 1807 and was appointed king of Tavolara in 1836 thanks to his friendship with the king of Sardinia Carlo Alberto. Giuseppe became very famous worldwide as the king of the smallest kingdom ever. His son, Paolo I, forged a coat of arms and a flag and painted them in front of their “royal house”. In 1896 Carlo I became the new king of Tavolara. The unfortunate sinking of 2 vessels forced him to sell two-thirds of the island to the state which, 30 years after, was purchased by the Marzano family.
In 1930 the island gave work to a small group of families, who processed the limestone to produce lime and fished the waters around the island. Although the Bertoleoni family was invested with a royal title, they always remained poor people who had to fish and farm to feed their families.
In 1962 the Italian army created a subterranean military base in the northern half of the island. Since then most of Tavolara is an off-limit area and the waters are a protected area. This gave birth to the Protected Marine Area and fostered the population of birds, mammals and birds which is immensely rich and varied.
DETAILS
Meeting time: 6:45 am
Meeting Location: Porto San Paolo
Reaching the summit at Punta Cannone:10:30 am approx
End of the trekking: 2:00 pm approx
Back to Porto San Paolo: you can take any of the boats from Tavolara (3:30 / 4:30 / 5:30 / 6:30)
Tavolara trekking + via ferrata
€ 69
Book your trekking to Tavolara with us. The price includes a return boat transfer and all the necessary equipment.
INCLUDED
- Transfer from Porto San Paolo + return
- Harness
- Kit Via Ferrata
- Helmet
NOT INCLUDED
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack (30 litres of volume)
- Food and beverages (2 liters of water are required)
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How difficult is the trekking to the summit of Tavolara?
The trekking to Punta Cannone, the summit of Tavolara, is fairly hard. Starting from sea level we will walk to the very top of the island at 567 metres above sea level. It includes walking on a very steep and uneven path and scrambling, where we will need the help of a fixed rope to progress.
The final part of the trek includes a short Via Ferrata, equipped with an 80 meters long steel cable. We will wear helmets, harnesses and via Ferrata kit to overcome these exposed passages. It is not hard but participants should be confident walking on narrow ledges and scrambling on easy rock passages. There are passages equipped with fixed ropes and metal steps.
Is this the "Via Ferrata degli Angeli" ?
No, this is not the Via Ferrata degli Angeli.
Our tour follows the easiest trekking to Punta Cannone. The Via Ferrata degli Angeli is very hard and it is unthinkable leading groups, especially in the summer as it faces south and has no shade at all.
What do I need?
Please wear boots or trainers and comfortable clothes for a 4 hours trek (including return). We recommend a soft-shell jacket as it is often windy on top.
Have 2 litres of water, some food to eat at the top, sunscreen lotion and a hat.
