Tavolara Trek from Porto San Paolo: Climb to Punta Cannone

Follow ancient quarrymen paths to the summit of a limestone island rising from a protected marine paradise.

This guided Tavolara trekking excursion takes you from Porto San Paolo by rubber dinghy to one of Sardinia's most dramatic islands, combining a moderate mountain hike with a short via ferrata ascent to the summit of Punta Cannone. The experience unfolds entirely within the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, where the natural environment remains largely undisturbed. All necessary climbing equipment, including harness, helmet and via ferrata kit, is provided on the day.

Tavolara rises sharply from the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the eastern Sardinian coast near Olbia, its limestone and granite flanks streaked with subtle pink tones. The island belongs to a marine protected area that safeguards both terrestrial and underwater ecosystems, hosting endemic plant species and rare fauna found nowhere else. Arriving by dinghy from Porto San Paolo, visitors step directly into a landscape that feels genuinely remote despite its proximity to the mainland.

The hiking route follows a trail originally cut by limestone quarrymen, a historical layer that adds context to the natural scenery. Over roughly seven kilometres and six hundred metres of elevation gain, the path climbs through scrubland and rock to a plateau offering unobstructed views of the surrounding coastline. The final section to Punta Cannone is a short via ferrata of approximately forty-five minutes, rated suitable for experienced hikers equipped with the provided gear.

The descent retraces sections of the ascent route before returning to the small port for the dinghy transfer back to Porto San Paolo. The overall hiking level is classified as EEA, meaning the route is intended for experienced hikers using appropriate equipment. Physical commitment required is described as challenging, making this tour best suited to participants in good physical condition with some prior hiking experience.