Cagliari: hike to the top of the Devil’s Saddle

Exploring the Devil’s Saddle: A Detailed Look at Cagliari’s Scenic Hike

If you’re in Cagliari and craving a change of scenery, a hike up to Sella del Diavolo, or the Devil’s Saddle, offers a surprisingly peaceful escape from the city’s buzzing streets. We’ve come across this tour and think it’s a solid choice for those who love a gentle outdoor adventure with some historical flavor thrown in. It’s accessible, beautiful, and packed with viewpoints, making it a memorable addition to your Sardinian itinerary.

What really appeals to us is how close this experience is to the city center—no long drives needed—and how it combines nature, history, and spectacular scenery all in one outing. Plus, the chance to explore Punic and Roman ruins adds a layer of depth most simple hikes don’t offer. On the flip side, it’s not the most strenuous activity, so if you’re seeking a serious mountain trek, this might not satisfy that craving. This tour feels well-suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed walk with meaningful sights, rather than a full-day, intense hike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Close to Cagliari: Perfect for a quick nature break without leaving the city.
• Historical insights: Walk among Punic and Roman archaeological remains.
• Iconic viewpoints: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Poetto Beach, and Molentargius pond.
• Guided experience: Led by a licensed environmental guide, adding educational value.
• Family friendly: Suitable for most but not for those with mobility issues or very low fitness.
• Duration: Around 2.5 hours, flexible start times, easy to fit into a day.

What the Tour Offers: A Balanced Overview

This 2.5-hour hike offers a great blend of outdoor activity, scenic vistas, and historical exploration. Starting at Viale Calamosca, the journey takes you along beautiful Mediterranean paths through typical scrub and aromatic plants—think thyme, rosemary, and other fragrant herbs—setting the perfect tone for a relaxing walk. The pace is moderate, so it’s accessible for most, but you’ll want sturdy shoes and a bit of stamina.

As you start climbing, the views start to open up, giving you a chance to see the city of Cagliari from a vantage point that’s both popular and iconic. The top of the Devil’s Saddle delivers sweeping panoramas, including the cityscape, coastline, and lagoon areas. This spot is not just a photo op; it’s a genuine highlight where you can soak in the scenery and feel a sense of tranquility away from urban chaos.

Exploring the Archaeological Riches

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to explore ancient ruins along the way. The Punico-Roman remains tell stories of a time when this hill was a strategic defensive site. You’ll see some early towers and archaeological sites that bring history to life, especially if you enjoy learning about past civilizations. Guides help contextualize these remains, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Reviewers mention that the archaeological elements add depth to the walk. One noted, “It’s fascinating to walk among the ruins knowing they’ve stood for centuries.” They also appreciate that the tour isn’t just about the views but also involves discovering the stories of ancient life on this hill.

The Final Reward: Cala Mosca Beach

The tour wraps up near Cala Mosca, a small, pretty beach perfect for cooling down after your walk. On hot days, a quick dip in the sea is highly recommended, and many find this a lovely way to end the experience. The proximity to the water makes this a flexible finish—some might choose to stay and relax, while others can head back to the city.

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The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at Viale Calamosca: This spot is easy to access from the city, and it’s where your guide will meet you. The meeting point is straightforward—just in front of the CTM bus stop near Cala Mosca.
• Walk to Sella del Diavolo (30 minutes): The initial ascent takes you into Mediterranean vegetation, where aromatic plants fill the air and set the scene for a peaceful hike.
• Scenic views on the way (15 minutes): As you climb, you’ll pause at viewpoints that showcase different angles of Cagliari and its surroundings.
• Guided tour at the summit (45 minutes): Here, your guide will explain the archaeological remains and share stories of the hill’s strategic importance through history.
• Return walk (45 minutes): The descent offers different perspectives and a relaxed pace back to the starting point.
• End near Cala Mosca: With the option to stay and enjoy the beach or head back.

The entire route is designed to offer a mix of easy walking, stunning scenery, and cultural insights. And because the tour is led by a licensed environmental guide, you’ll get informative commentary that adds to the overall experience rather than just a hike with no context.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The price covers guidance by a licensed environmental guide and the hiking tour itself, which is good value given the quality of sights and the expert narration. You’ll need to organize your transportation to Viale Calamosca separately, as that’s not included. Also, food and drinks aren’t part of the package, so bringing water and snacks is a smart move—especially if you plan to linger at Cala Mosca afterward.

For the hike, proper footwear is a must—think sturdy hiking shoes or trainers—and comfortable outdoor clothes. The terrain is natural, so open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops aren’t allowed. If you’re bringing children, keep in mind that unaccompanied minors and those with mobility issues might find this challenging, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or crutches.

Practical Tips for the Hike

• Bring at least one liter of water to stay hydrated, especially in warm weather.
• Wear comfortable, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes that can handle uneven terrain.
• Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point to avoid missing the start.
• Plan for sun protection—hat, sunscreen—since much of the walk is exposed.
• Check the weather forecast before booking; avoid if heavy rain is predicted, as paths can become slippery.
• Consider timing: starting earlier in the day might be cooler and more comfortable, especially during summer.

How This Tour Compares and Who It’s Best For

Compared to other experiences around Cagliari, this hike strikes a good balance between scenic beauty, cultural learning, and manageable effort. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys light outdoor activities with meaningful sights—not just a quick walk but one with historical context and outstanding views.

If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a more leisurely pace and appreciates history and natural beauty, they’ll find a lot to love here. And if you’re short on time but want a memorable nature escape close to the city, this is an ideal pick. However, those with mobility issues or low fitness levels may want to consider whether this walk suits their needs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the cost, this experience offers a nice combination of scenery, history, and light exercise. The guided element enriches the walk with stories and contextual details, making it more engaging than just a solo hike. The views from Sella del Diavolo are genuinely spectacular, giving you a fresh perspective on Cagliari and its surroundings.

This tour works well for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic outing that’s easy to fit into a day. It’s not a strenuous trek but offers enough elevation and variety to keep things interesting. Plus, ending at Cala Mosca provides a perfect opportunity to unwind with a swim or a seaside stroll.

All in all, if you’re in Cagliari and craving a peaceful nature fix with a dash of history, this hike is worth considering. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable excursion that adds a bit of local flavor to your trip.

FAQ

Is transportation to the starting point included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Viale Calamosca, where the meeting point is located.

How long does the hike last?
The entire experience runs for about 2.5 hours, including walking and sightseeing stops.

Are there any age restrictions?
Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or low fitness.

What should I wear?
Sturdy hiking shoes are mandatory, along with comfortable outdoor clothing, sun protection, and water.

Can I swim at Cala Mosca after the hike?
Yes, on hot days, a swim at Cala Mosca is a perfect way to cool off and relax after your walk.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, most able-bodied travelers with a moderate fitness level will handle it well.

What do the archaeological remains include?
You’ll explore Punic and Roman remains, including defensive coastal towers that reveal the hill’s historical significance.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price includes the guide and tour. You’ll need to cover your own transport and snacks.

What language is the tour in?
Guides speak both Italian and English, so check your preferred language when booking.

All in all, this hike to the Devil’s Saddle offers a scenic, educational, and relaxing way to experience Cagliari’s natural beauty and history—ideal for those who enjoy light outdoor adventures combined with cultural insights.

You can check availability for your dates here: