Sardinia’s spiritual trails: getting to know the island following the footsteps of the pilgrims
The faith itineraries that cross Sardinia are the best way to have a spiritual journey in the magnificent territory.
There are many reasons to choose a holiday in Sardinia: the crystal-clear sea, the white beaches, the wild nature, the incredible rock monuments shaped over the millennia, the ancient traditions that still remain part of everyday life but also the spiritual trails, authentic journeys for the soul in a spectacular territory.
They are the pinnacle of the Sardinia of religious tourism, the ideal destination for faith and devotion that, every year, is visited by thousands of pilgrims who walk the paths between places of worship, monasteries surrounded by greenery and ancient sanctuaries.
The spiritual trails can be followed on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or on board the historic Green Train that crosses the island. In all cases, they will offer unique opportunities to experience slow tourism, in contact with nature, culture, traditions and ancient events of communities, villages and cities. These are real, intimate and enriching experiences that truly leave an impression.
Spiritual paths in Sardinia: the unmissable 5
An uncommon way to experience Sardinia is to observe it through the eyes of the pilgrim, in search of signs of faith hidden in a naturalistic landscape of rare value.
The spiritual trails offer a different kind of tourism, closer to the territory, cadenced at a slow and meditative pace, perfect for those who want to carve out quality time away from the frenzy and pressing commitments of everyday life and regenerate their soul.
Let’s discover the 5 unmissable trails on a trip to Sardinia.
Cammino di Santu Jacu
A route of 1250 kilometres connects the various parish churches dedicated to St. James apostle, located throughout the island. Marked for the first time in 2010, it is characterized by 5 points of departure/arrival: Cagliari, Porto Torres, Olbia, Oristano and the Sulcis Islands. It involves 30 municipalities and is marked with a yellow arrow and shell painted on the rock, like all European paths dedicated to the Saint.
Cammino di San Giorgio Vescovo
Inspired by Saint George who was born in Cagliari in the year 1000 and lived in Sardinia, this trail follows the locations of his apostolic mission. The route, 300 kilometres long, is divided into daily stages starting from Cagliari and arriving in Orgosolo and Oliena, touching the geographical areas of Parteolla, Trexenta, Ogliastra and eastern Barbagia. In a landscape that gives peace to the soul and enchants the eye, the Tacchi and Toneri d’Ogliastra deserve a special mention.
Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara
A “religious mining” trail that crosses the paths, roads and railways that connected the mining centres and villages of south-western Sardinia. The immense historical, environmental and cultural heritage that the mining life of the past has left us has earned recognition from UNESCO. Walking, the pilgrim has the opportunity to confront the difficult reality of the mine discovering the dedicated museums and sites of industrial archaeology and admiring, at the same time, an environmental paradise designed by unspoiled nature. The fil rouge of this journey of about 400 kilometres, included in the Atlas of Paths of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, is Santa Barbara di Nicodemia, patron saint of miners.
Cammino di Sant’Efisio
It is the trail of devotion, the most heartfelt of the island, travelled since 1656 without interruptions even during the Great War. The Way of Sant’Efisio is characterized by the procession that accompanies the simulacrum of the Saint, starting from Cagliari on the first of May and arriving, two days later, in Nora (and return). The route winds along some stops such as Su Loi, La Maddalena beach, Giorgino, Sarroch, Villa San Pietro and Pula, without ever losing sight of the beauty of the turquoise sea and the coast and passing through interesting locations such as the Stagno di Santa Gilla and the archaeological area of Nora.
Cammino di Nostra Signora di Bonaria
To finish, the Way of Our Lady of Bonaria, starting from the Basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia and arriving at the Basilica of Bonaria in Cagliari. This is a new devotion trail that looks at the ancient tradition of Sardinian devotees between the beauty of the hinterland. The trail is open to all who would like to find themselves and inner peace. Created in 2021 and dedicated to the Madonna venerated on the island, it is a privileged opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the locations and stop to listen to the stories of the people who look after the pilgrims.
Would you like to walk the evocative spiritual trails of Sardinia and experience a holiday of elegance and charm? Book a stay at Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari
