Pevero Health Trail and Monte Zoppu – Swimming coves and summit views on the Costa Smeralda
Small swimming coves, strangely shaped granite rocks and a summit with sweeping sea views: this circular walk reveals the wild, secluded side of the glamorous Costa Smeralda. From the famous Hotel Romazzino, the route leads through fragrant Mediterranean scrub to the summit of Monte Zoppu, returning via Spiaggia del Cervo. There’s little need for the fitness equipment along the trail: the steep climbs and descents provide quite a workout on their own!
Explore the wild side of the Costa Smeralda on the Pevero Health Trail. Around 13 kilometres of paths through fragrant Mediterranean scrub connect swimming coves, exercise stations and traces of rural life from bygone days. The trail network is marked. Our route includes the climb up Monte Zoppu, rewarded with sweeping views over the coast and sea.
Explore the wild side of the Costa Smeralda on the Pevero Health Trail. Around 13 kilometres of paths through fragrant Mediterranean scrub connect swimming coves, exercise stations and traces of rural life from bygone days. The trail network is marked. Our route includes the climb up Monte Zoppu, rewarded with sweeping views over the coast and sea.
The walk starts at the car park immediately behind the luxury Hotel Romazzino, where several free parking spaces are available. A dusty granite path leads from here through the Mediterranean scrub towards Poltu Liccia. Lovely little pockets of beach lie tucked between the rocks. Just a few steps down to the water and you can swim with views of the yachts at anchor. If you’d rather earn your refreshing dip, save the swimming stop for the way back.
The path first drops steeply into a small valley before climbing straight back up the other side. Along the way, we pass several exercise stations on the Pevero Health Trail, a fitness trail whose equipment is in varying states of repair. But the loveliest stretches lie between them: strawberry trees, mastic shrubs, rosemary and rock roses line the path. Pale granite boulders rise out of the greenery, weathered into unusual shapes.
At a fork marked ‘Ginestra’ on the map at the entrance to the Pevero Health Trail, the left-hand path leads towards Romazzino and the right towards Monte Zoppu. We keep right: this is where it gets steep! This path does not appear on the official map, but signposts point towards ‘FONTE P.TA MT. ZOPPU’. Passing an old spring, the trail climbs uphill, with some sections requiring scrambling.
At a fork marked ‘Ginestra’ on the map at the entrance to the Pevero Health Trail, the left-hand path leads towards Romazzino and the right towards Monte Zoppu. We keep right: this is where it gets steep! This path does not appear on the official map, but signposts point towards ‘FONTE P.TA MT. ZOPPU’. Passing an old spring, the trail climbs uphill, with some sections requiring scrambling.
The climb up Monte Zoppu is demanding. You’ll need sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness for the steep path. Once at the top, take time for a well-earned breather: the bays and hills of the Costa Smeralda spread out below. The view takes in Porto Cervo and Pevero beach, stretching south to Capo Figari, the Gulf of Olbia and the distinctive rocky ridge of Tavolara island.
The descent also calls for care. Red-and-white marker posts show the way in places, but the onward route is not always immediately obvious. Sure-footedness and a little sense of direction are needed here.
The descent also calls for care. Red-and-white marker posts show the way in places, but the onward route is not always immediately obvious. Sure-footedness and a little sense of direction are needed here.
A descent with a view: the path drops steeply towards the coast through juniper, strawberry trees and mastic shrubs. Red-and-white marker posts show the way at intervals. Myrtle and rock roses grow among oddly shaped granite rocks on this wild side of the Costa Smeralda. Out at sea, boats and yachts round the Porto Cervo peninsula, passing the bays of Romazzino, Liscia Ruia and Razza di Juncu as they head towards Porto Rotondo in search of a secluded cove.
Bedriaga’s rock lizard, native to Sardinia and Corsica, lives here; pine martens and wildcats have also been spotted. As you descend, fresh views open up over bays and offshore islands. Social media fans will find a purpose-built wooden Instagram spot, with the sea and Mediterranean scrub providing the backdrop for their next holiday photo.
Bedriaga’s rock lizard, native to Sardinia and Corsica, lives here; pine martens and wildcats have also been spotted. As you descend, fresh views open up over bays and offshore islands. Social media fans will find a purpose-built wooden Instagram spot, with the sea and Mediterranean scrub providing the backdrop for their next holiday photo.
Through dense scrub and between unusually shaped granite formations, we continue to Spiaggia del Cervo, the ‘Deer Beach’. The bay serves as the beach for the luxury hotel of the same name. Its guests arrive by shuttle boat; we’ve made our way here on foot. The bar is reserved for hotel guests, so pack plenty of water and something to eat for your walking break.
Eventually, it’s time to head back, and the return is fairly relaxed. From Spiaggia del Cervo, an easy track leads back towards Cala Liccia and Romazzino. If you fancy a short detour, follow the sign for ‘Stazzu’. This old granite farmhouse, built in the traditional Gallura style, recalls a time when shepherds and farmers lived here and the luxury of the Costa Smeralda was still a distant prospect.
Around Arzachena, simple granite farmhouses still tell the story of that world: livestock, small fields and hard work shaped daily life. Among dry-stone walls and Mediterranean scrub, it remains surprisingly close to the jet set. A fascinating contrast to the yachts offshore, the clubs serving aperitivi with a view and the exclusive restaurants of the ‘Costa’.
On the way back, we pass Cala Liccia again. Now’s the time to take off your walking shoes and find a spot by the water among the rocks. After the steep summit trail, even a second swim is welcome! We then follow the familiar path back to the car park behind Hotel Romazzino.
Around Arzachena, simple granite farmhouses still tell the story of that world: livestock, small fields and hard work shaped daily life. Among dry-stone walls and Mediterranean scrub, it remains surprisingly close to the jet set. A fascinating contrast to the yachts offshore, the clubs serving aperitivi with a view and the exclusive restaurants of the ‘Costa’.
On the way back, we pass Cala Liccia again. Now’s the time to take off your walking shoes and find a spot by the water among the rocks. After the steep summit trail, even a second swim is welcome! We then follow the familiar path back to the car park behind Hotel Romazzino.
Plan je wandelvakantie op Sardinië met Sardinia4all!
Costa Smeralda: a touch of luxury or a taste of local life? With us, you can enjoy both! Which accommodation suits your walking plans, which beach is best for a break afterwards, and which room is right for you? Just ask us – we’ll help you find the right base for your walking holiday.
Timo
Sardinia4all
Timo
Sardinia4all
A few more tips to explore:
• Discover Sardinia on foot – our favourite walks along the coast and through the mountains
• Grande Pevero – a short coastal circuit on the Costa Smeralda
• Capo Figari near Golfo Aranci – walking routes to coves and the lighthouse
• Monte Pino near Olbia – pine forest paths with views across Gallura
• Tinnari – walk to a rugged beach on the Costa Paradiso
• From Capo Comino to Berchida – through the pine forest to an unspoilt beach
• Monte Albo – climb Punta Su Mutrucone for views across Baronia
• Cala Luna – follow the coastal trail near Cala Gonone to the beach
• Su Gorropu – a day’s walk among the towering cliffs of the Supramonte
• Sa Portiscra – old shepherds’ huts and panoramic views in the Supramonte
• Grande Pevero – a short coastal circuit on the Costa Smeralda
• Capo Figari near Golfo Aranci – walking routes to coves and the lighthouse
• Monte Pino near Olbia – pine forest paths with views across Gallura
• Tinnari – walk to a rugged beach on the Costa Paradiso
• From Capo Comino to Berchida – through the pine forest to an unspoilt beach
• Monte Albo – climb Punta Su Mutrucone for views across Baronia
• Cala Luna – follow the coastal trail near Cala Gonone to the beach
• Su Gorropu – a day’s walk among the towering cliffs of the Supramonte
• Sa Portiscra – old shepherds’ huts and panoramic views in the Supramonte
