Trip Guide: Kayak Hike and eBike Adventure in East Sardinia

Four nights on Sardinia’s east coast, three full days of activity, one coastline explored by bike, on foot, and from the water. This guide covers everything you need to know to show up prepared for this multi-activity adventure.

You’ll hike through one of Europe’s deepest canyons, eBike along panoramic tracks, and kayak along dramatic limestone cliffs to beaches only accessible by foot or sea. Each day is a different terrain, activity, and a different way to move through this part of Sardinia’s east coast.

Coastal landscape over East Sardinia with turquoise sea, rugged cliffs and mountain views

Women hiking through a narrow rocky canyon trail in East Sardinia

Getting There

Getting to Sardinia is straightforward. You’ll fly into Olbia Airport, where we’ll pick you up and transfer you to the hotel together as a group.

What flights should I book?

London Gatwick to Olbia with Easyjet fits our schedule perfectly. If you’re not travelling from London, you’re welcome to book any flight that gets you to Olbia in time for the transfer. Not sure if your flight works? Just ask, we’re happy to help.

Suggested Flights

LGW – OLB – 12:35 – 16:10 | EZY8345
OLB – LGW – 11:30 – 13:00 | EZY8344

Group Transfers

Arrival Day: Pick-up at Olbia Airport at 17:10
Departure Day: Drop-off at Olbia Airport at 9:30

What if my flight doesn't match the group transfer times?

The transfer runs like a train – it leaves on time, regardless. If your flight lands too late or departs too early, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to or from the hotel. Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, just contact the booking team to find out more.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to make your own way to meet the group. We’ll support you with local transport information on the day, but the group transfer cannot wait. This is exactly why comprehensive travel insurance isn’t optional. Make sure your policy covers travel delays and missed connections.

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book, not the week before you travel. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, travel delays, missed connections, medical emergencies, baggage and equipment loss, and all the outdoor activities on this trip. Travel insurance is a requirement for all Gutsy Girls trips, and it’s your responsibility to check your policy covers adventure activities.

Two yellow kayaks paddling in clear coastal water near a sandy shoreline

Fitness & Skill Level

Difficulty: Moderate

You’ll move your body every day for three full days. There’s nothing extreme, but you need a solid base level of fitness and the stamina to handle back-to-back active days without falling apart by day three. This trip is beginner-friendly across all three activities – no prior kayaking, ebiking, or canyon hiking experience required.

- 4-5 hours of activity each day across three consecutive days
- A canyon hike on uneven, rocky terrain with exposed sections and towering limestone walls
- A 25km eBike route across varied Sardinian terrain
- A kayaking day along dramatic limestone cliffs to beaches only accessible by foot or sea

Fitness Requirements

Cardio: Medium-intensity cardio three times a week is your baseline – running, cycling, swimming, or anything that keeps your heart rate up. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the experience instead of just getting through it.

Activity-specific prep: Get out on your bike before you arrive. The motor on the eBike helps, but you’ll still need to cycle 25km of varied terrain. For the canyon hike, practice on uneven ground with some decent ascent and build up leg strength. By the time the trip starts you’ll need to be comfortable being active for 4–5 hours at a time.

Other considerations: Cumulative fatigue after three back-to-back days is real, even with the variety. The canyon hike involves exposed sections and towering limestone walls so if heights make you uncomfortable, this trip probably isn’t for you.

How fit do I need to be?

You need a solid base level of fitness to really enjoy this trip, as three full days of activity means you’re moving your body every day. If you do regular cardio and can manage a few hours of activity without calling it quits, you’ll be fine. This isn’t a stroll in the park, but it’s not Everest either.

Do I need experience in any of the activities?

No. This trip is beginner-friendly across all three activities. You must be able to ride a bike though and enjoy covering longer distances. You also need a willingness to give everything a proper go and the fitness to back it up.

What does a typical active day look like?

You’ll be out from morning until late afternoon, with breaks for lunch and the occasional swim. The variety actually helps – kayaking uses different muscles than hiking, and the extra power boost on the eBike day gives your legs a little recovery time.

Do I need to be comfortable with heights?

The canyon hike involves exposed sections and towering limestone walls. If heights make you uncomfortable, this trip probably isn’t for you.

Hikers walking along a narrow rocky gorge with a stream in the background

Women snorkelling underwater in a group, clear blue sea with fins and masks visible

Sleep & Eat

You’ll be sleeping in a traditional Albergo Diffuso. Rooms are spread across former houses and farm buildings as part of a conservation-focused restoration programme. It’s clean, comfortable and spacious, with twin and private en-suite rooms and WiFi.

All meals are included, from dinner on arrival night to breakfast on departure day. Expect food built around Sardinian flavour and fresh regional produce. Breakfasts are at the hotel to fuel your day, lunches are packed for the trails and dinners are at local restaurants or a traditional shepherd’s farm. One evening you’ll also make and eat your own fresh pasta at a pasta-making workshop. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, but let us know in advance.

What are the rooms like?

Spacious and tidy private and twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms and WiFi, spread across a few carefully restored buildings. Towels and hairdryers are provided.

What about dietary requirements?

Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free can be accommodated, but options will be far more limited than you’re used to at home. This trip isn’t particularly suited to vegans as Sardinian cuisine is built on cheese, meat and fish. If you have specific requirements, contact us before booking so we can be upfront about what’s realistic.

Is there WiFi at the accommodation?

Yes, the hotel has WiFi.

Are there laundry facilities?

There’s no laundry facilities at the hotel. As it’s for four nights, we recommend you pack smart and be prepared to wear things twice. A bit of trail dust is part of the adventure.

Sunlit bedroom with double bed, bedside table and lamp in a home interior

Sunlit dining room with set tables, wooden beams and framed windows

Weather

Sardinia in summer means warm days, temperatures typically above 25°C, and plenty of sunshine. Pack layers as weather can shift, and you want to be comfortable whether you’re hiking in full sun or paddling along a breezy coastline.

What's the weather typically like in Summer?

Warm and sunny, typically 25°C plus, with plenty of sunshine. Pack sunblock and a hat, but also a light jacket for any evening chill.

What happens if the weather affects activities?

The itinerary is fully flexible and there are several alternative options if the weather is too extreme. Flexibility around this itinerary is a key part of this trip to ensure things are kept safe whilst you still have full fun days of activity.

Turquoise river winding through forested mountains under a blue sky in East Sardinia

Good to Know

Money: Most places accept cards, but bring a few euros for personal extras like gelato, drinks, and souvenirs.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Communication: During the activities you might not have much phone signal. The hotel has WiFi for evenings.

What if I get injured or unwell during the trip?

Your guides have first aid training and will handle any immediate situation. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation however. If you have any pre-existing conditions or take regular medication, make sure the team knows before you arrive.

Will my guides be female?

We work hard to use female guides wherever possible, but we can’t always guarantee it as sadly there are just fewer women in the adventure activity space. Our first priority is finding the most experienced, knowledgeable, and considerate local guides for each activity. We monitor guest feedback closely and that matters more to us than any other metric.

How many guests on this trip?

Max 7 guests.

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book, not the week before you fly. Booking early means you’re covered if you need to cancel before departure, not just for issues while you’re away. Your policy should cover travel delays, missed connections, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, baggage and equipment loss, and all activities on your itinerary.

Woman kayaking in calm turquoise sea beside rocky coastal cliffs

Women in polka-dot aprons prepare food together at a wooden table, hands shaping and topping pastries

Packing List

What We Provide

- Hiking poles
- eBikes and helmets
- Kayaking gear (kayaks, paddles, life jackets)

What You Need to Bring

Essential Clothing:

- Quick-dry t-shirts
- Long-sleeve tops for sun protection
- Lightweight mid-layer
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Light insulated or down jacket
- Hiking trousers, leggings, or shorts
- Hiking socks
- Swimwear
- Quick-dry shorts or leggings
- Rash vest or long-sleeve top
- Casual clothes for dinners and sleepwear
- Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
- Water shoes or old trainers for kayaking
- Waterproof trousers (optional)

Personal Kit:

- Small daypack (15–20L)
- Water bottle or hydration pack (at least 2 litres)
- High-factor sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Quick-dry towel
- Dry bags (for inside your daypack)
- Insect repellent
- Snacks for the trail
- Personal medication
- Compeed/blister plasters
- Toiletries
- Waterproof phone case (optional)
- Camera(optional)
- Snorkel (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)

Packing Tips

Layers: Sardinia in summer is warm but conditions shift near the coast and at altitude. Pack lightweight, breathable layers you can add or remove easily.

Sun protection: The Sardinian sun is serious. High-factor sunscreen, SPF lip balm, a sun hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. You’ll be exposed out on the water, on the bike, and on the trail all day.

Footwear: You need sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes for the canyon. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery near water. Trainers are fine for the eBike day, but you can’t hike in them. The beaches are pebbly so water shoes or old trainers are useful for the kayaking day.

Kayaking day: Wear swimwear, quick-dry shorts or leggings, and a rash vest or long-sleeve top for sun protection. Water shoes are also useful for getting in and out the kayaks.

Daypack: A 15–20L pack with at least two litres of water capacity. Dry bags inside keep things organised and protected.

What footwear do I need?

Three activities, three different shoes. We recommend sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for the canyon, trainers for the eBike day and water shoes or old trainers for kayaking.

What should I wear for kayaking?

Swimwear, quick-dry shorts or leggings, and a rash vest or long-sleeve top for sun protection. Don’t forget to also pack your water shoes or old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet for getting in and out of the kayaks on pebbly beaches. All kayaking equipment is provided.

Do I need to carry a bag during activities?

Yes, a 15–20L daypack covers everything you need: water, snacks, layers, and sun cream. Keep a dry bag inside to protect your essentials. Your main luggage stays at the hotel throughout the trip.

Do I need to bring special equipment?

No. All activity gear including eBikes, helmets, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and hiking poles is provided. Just bring the right clothing and footwear for each day.