Beyond the gleaming superyachts and exclusive beach clubs of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda lies a wilder, quieter side to the island, one best explored on foot.
The Pevero Health Trail winds through fragrant Mediterranean scrub, linking sun-drenched coastal paths along northern Sardinia's dramatic shoreline. But for those willing to venture just a little higher, the trail leads up the granite slopes of Monti Zoppu. Here, panoramic views sweep across turquoise bays, leading down to quiet beaches that feel worlds away from the crowd.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing morning walk, a scenic summit hike, or a pristine spot to swim, here is everything you need to know about hiking the Pevero Health Trail and scaling Monti Zoppu.
Getting to the Pevero Health Trail
The starting point is on Via Capaccia, an stretch of road in the 07021 Arzachena postcode. From central Olbia the drive takes around 45 minutes with no traffic, so it is an easy half-day addition to a stay anywhere between Olbia and the Costa Smeralda resorts. Park along Via Capaccia and the trail begins almost immediately, winding between Mediterranean vegetation rather than along an exposed track.
Early Starts Pay Off
In the summer months, go early. There is very little shade once you are past the first stretch, and the Monti Zoppu climb in particular is far more pleasant tackled before the midday sun is directly overhead.
The Walk to the Fork
From where you leave the car, the path begins as a comfortable, straightforward walk, nothing technical at all. As it winds through dense Mediterranean scrub, you'll pass two lovely, quiet beaches: Cala Liccia and Cala di Linaldu.
Both make fantastic stops for a refreshing swim on your way back. However, I strongly recommend holding off until the return leg. Jumping in early on means finishing the rest of your hike covered in salt, just as the sun begins to beat down harder. Save the dip as your well-deserved reward after tackling the trail!
Two Routes, Two Experiences
At the fork, you have a genuine choice to make.
Right: Monti Zoppu
Turning right takes you up towards Monti Zoppu, a short but more difficult climb. It is steep enough to count as a proper hike rather than a stroll, and it demands reasonable fitness, but the view from the top takes in the gulf in a way that makes the climb worthwhile. If you want more detail on this stretch specifically, our separate guide to Monti Zoppu’s granite trails covers the terrain in more depth.
Left: Spiaggia del Cervo
If you don't feel like tackling the summit climb, turning left at the trail junction leads down toward Spiaggia del Cervo (also known locally as Le Nibàni). It’s a gentler option for anyone who would rather end at sea level than at a peak, or for groups hiking with mixed fitness levels.
Heading to Spiaggia del Cervo takes you down to a secluded, wild pocket of coastline. It’s a tiny, pristine cove framed by smooth granite rocks and fine sand, looking out toward the tiny Nibàni islands (the "islands of the gulls"). Because of the surrounding rocky headlands and crystal-clear water, it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling.
And if you're feeling really energetic, you can easily combine the two! You can hike down to the cove for a dip, and still climb Monti Zoppu for the views before heading back.
Distance, Elevation and Timing
The total distance works out to somewhere between 5.5 km and 7.7 km, depending entirely on which route you choose at the fork and whether you double back on yourself. Elevation gain ranges from 180 to 255 metres. Neither figure sounds dramatic on paper, but the Monti Zoppu side concentrates most of that climb into a short, steep section, so treat the lower distance estimates with caution if you are heading that way.
The Author’s Favourite Combination
My own preference is to take the Monti Zoppu route up for the view, then use the walk back to stop at either Cala Liccia or Cala di Linaldu for a swim. Both beaches are small enough to feel calm, and after the climb, cooling off in the sea is the obvious reward.
What to Bring
Water and sunscreen, non-negotiable in any season
A hat to keep the sun off your face during the exposed stretches
A towel if you plan to swim at Cala Liccia or Cala di Linaldu on the way back
Proper footwear for the Monti Zoppu climb, which is steep and uneven in places
Lunch Nearby
Hotel Romanzino sits close to the trail and is worth considering if you want lunch afterwards. Reservations are advisable, and bring a change of clothes if you have been swimming, since you will likely be arriving straight from the beach and it is a nice hotel.
A Bonus Stop: Salt Crystals on Via Capaccia
If you drive further along Via Capaccia before starting the hike, there is a beach where seawater has become trapped among the rocks and begun forming salt crystals. It is a small, slightly surprising detail easily missed if you park and set off without exploring the road a little further first.
Planning the Rest of Your Day
Because the trailhead sits inland from the main coastal towns, having your own car makes this far easier to combine with other stops in Gallura, whether that is a swim at Cala Liccia on the way back or lunch at Romanzino before heading on to Porto Cervo. If you are arranging a car rental or villa logistics for a longer Costa Smeralda stay, our Rental12 ecosystem is a useful way to sort transport and accommodation details in one place before you arrive.
