Sardinia is a perfect island for sports all year round. In winter, you will be spoilt for choice thanks to the multitude of natural environments, especially in the Sardinian east land. The nature of the hinterland is a favourite destination for hikers, horse-riders, cyclists and walkers. The lakes and rivers that hide among our mountains are perfect for canyoning and kayaking excursions, while the coasts, smoothed by the wind and winter swells, are a paradise for board sports and sailing. The interior of the island is also ideal for those who love skiing. For a snowy winter tour in Sardinia, you only need to reach the villages with the coldest temperatures, such as Fonni, Desulo and Tonara, which are tinged with white in winter.
Skiing week in Sardinia
For many, snow and Sardinia might be an oxymoron, but that is not the case and it is time everyone knew that. The peaks of the Gennargentu get white in winter and it is possible to practice snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding. If this sounds very strange to you, you should know that it has actually always been possible to ski on the island, so much so that in the 1930s real ski competitions were instituted, particularly in the Gallura territories of Monte Limbara and the peaks of Fonni and Desulo.
Today, there are no longer official competitions, but it is still possible to try your hand at this sport in the Bruncu Spina ski resort, of which there are three stations: the Bruncu Spina station, the most famous, has 3 kilometres of pistes of different levels, the S’Arena facility and the small Monte Spada ski station, which is especially suitable for beginners and children. Here you can rent equipment and test yourself on skis and snowboards even for beginners. Of course, afterwards, don’t miss the catering services offered by the ski resort, after sport you always have to eat well!
Trekking and guided hikes along the island’s most scenic paths
In winter, you can go exploring the most beautiful nature trails either on your own following the many marked trails or together with professional guides who not only know the area well but will also be able to tell you interesting facts and little anecdotes.
Sometimes treks lead you to the discovery of mysterious and evocative archaeological remains such as the excursion to the megalithic complex of Biru ‘e Concas in Sorgono or the trek to the nuragic village of Tiscali. Other times, however, it is possible to walk in the company of curious animals, as in the Mui Muscas park in Ortueri, a unique place, home of the Sardinian donkeys, especially suitable for a family excursion. Some of the territories of Sardegna east land can be visited on a mountain bike, such as the woods of Ussassai, where you can admire bizarre rock formations among springs and holm-oak forests, the Bingionniga forest in Jerzu, a natural oasis where the famous Ogliastra heels soar solitary, and the Tepilora Park, to find yourself in a succession of holm-oaks, small lakes and rocks in the splendid Baronia area. For an even more suggestive experience, take a horseback excursion in the Supramonte territories, an unforgettable moment in which you will be able to feel in perfect harmony with the surrounding territory.
Sardinia not only sea with water sports to do all year round
The east coast of Sardinia is not only a protagonist in summer, in fact, there are many good reasons to discover the villages on this coast even in winter, and one of them is sport.
For lovers of water sports, the east coast offers breathtaking natural views where kayaking excursions can be made, as in the case of Orosei and its splendid creeks, but also canyoning among the torrents that become particularly steep and adrenalinic after the rains. The area is also rich in rivers and lakes where guided canoe or kayak excursions are possible.
For those who can’t leave the sea in winter, there are several sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing schools in Ogliastra where you can test yourself against the waves and winter winds.
