Sardinia Is Offering Free Hotel Stays if You Hike This Epic Trail—Here's How it Works

I hiked for days through an untamed Sardinian landscape, where limestone cliffs jutted from azure waters. I wound along vast sand dunes and followed shady paths thick with the scent of juniper and eucalyptus trees. Sometimes the wilderness broke, offering a glimpse of tiny hamlets, red roofs dotted upon hillsides. By night, I posted up in clean, secure hostels—and because I was traveling as part of the Leg’s Go In Cammino campaign, some of my accommodations were free.

In the past, a trip to this remote region of southwestern Sardinia might have proved difficult—and expensive—but it’s becoming increasingly accessible. In October 2023, the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara Foundation launched the Leg’s Go In Cammino campaign, which offers hikers under 35 up to three free nights of accommodation in affiliated posadas (family-run inns), hostels, B&Bs, and campgrounds along the Cammino Minerario Di Santa Barbara (CMSB) trail. This program runs from January 15 to June 15 and from September 15 to December 15, perfect timing to experience Sardinia’s sun-soaked appeal.

Named after Saint Barbara, the patron saint of mining, the Santa Barbara Mining Trail is a 311-mile journey that traces a former mining route. It traverses stunning landscapes, archaeological ruins, and roughly 150 abandoned mining sites. The 30-stage trip, which opened in 2017, takes place across trails trodden with loose rocks, mule tracks, dirt paths, and occasionally on paved urban roads. The stages average about 10 miles each, and range in difficulty—with some varying widely in elevation and others with a flatter terrain. Tackling all 30 in a single trip isn’t the norm for most, but those who do come away with a trophy made by a local craftsperson, plus hard-earned boasting privileges.

The booking process to secure your comped accommodations is slightly opaque. First you’ll pay a €5 online donation to secure your CMSB credentials, also called a pilgrim’s passport, which identify you as a participant and deem you eligible for discounts at certain accommodations along the way—especially useful if you plan on traveling for longer than the three nights covered by the Leg’s Go program. The credentials can be picked up in the foundation’s headquarters in Iglesias, the CMSB’s official starting point. If you plan on starting on a weekend, don’t make the same mistake I did. The office is closed on weekends (and keeps limited hours during the week), so have it mailed to your home prior to departing.

After securing your credentials, you’ll indicate whether you’re traveling for one, two, or three nights and request vouchers through the organization’s website. The program requires you to select from one of the organization’s 13 itineraries, make a monetary donation, and input information like trip dates and whether you plan to travel by bike or by foot. After you receive the vouchers via email, you can begin contacting the affiliated accommodations to make your reservations.

Hiccups are an understandable reality for any new project. In August, when I reached out to make reservations with my vouchers, I learned that there were no longer any affiliated accommodations in Portixeddu for my second night, which meant I had to pay out of pocket to stay there. The lesson to be learned here is that it’s always useful to make those calls before you finalize your plans. However, I did stay in an affiliated hostel, Ostello Henry, on my first night of the trek, and found it clean, simple, and comfortable.

Packing is always personal, but my goal on a multi-day hike is to pack as lightly as possible in hopes of sparing my back (and shoulders and hips and feet.) It was predictably warm and sunny during my mid-September trip, with temperatures reaching up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, so I didn’t waste space on layers. Instead I focused on the essentials: clothing, sun protection, snacks, and water. I carried a 32-liter backpack with a hydration pack. For footwear, I wore trail running shoes. All this worked pretty well for me, but it’s up to each traveler to determine what they personally need. I saw hikers with trekking poles and without, as well as wearing an assortment of shoes and other gear. However, in my opinion, an open mind and a healthy dose of determination are among the most important things any hiker can carry.

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to selecting your itinerary and which portion of the trail to hike. The CMSB website describes the highlights of each stage, as well as the difficulty. I opted to hike a chunk of Itinerary 302, a route that I started in Masua, trekking 12 miles to Buggerru. The coastal trail was reasonably strenuous, with a switchback-filled ascent that led to unobstructed views of Pan di Zucchero, a mammoth rock encircled by deep blue waters. The path got easier as I traveled through Oasi Beach, pausing to scarf down a Magnum bar, and take a break on the sand alongside sunbathing nonnis. I spent the night in Buggerru, before walking a lovely seven miles to Portixeddu, where I ended my journey. It was a beautiful hike, but there are many others to choose from.

Once you’ve chosen your path, it will take some patience to reach your starting point, whether that’s the official first stage in Iglesias or a different point of your choosing. Sardinia has three main airports, with the primary hub being Cagliari Elmas Airport, located in the capital city to the south, as well as a train and bus system. However, despite the island’s relatively compact size, the most efficient mode of transport is still a vehicle like a car, motorcycle, or bike. It’s possible, and certainly cheaper, to reach any of the starting points through a combination of bus, train, and taxi—and the CMSB has information about how to do so—but be sure to dedicate multiple hours if you decide to go that route.

A priority for any hiker, experienced or otherwise, should be to download the official CMSB app. It includes a stage-by-stage interactive map with historic points of interest and affiliated facilities. More critically, the map can be downloaded for offline use, as you may lose cell service along the hike. At times, the winding trails can be confusing and strenuous, making occasional disorientation almost a given. Beyond consulting the app, keep your eyes peeled for blue and yellow plaques with the organization’s logo to confirm you’re headed in the right direction. If you can’t spot an official sign, don’t fret. Paths are also marked with an assortment of colored markers that signal you’re on track, often in the form of a spray painted rock, trees, or fences.

Whichever path you take, just be sure to make the experience your own. Take breaks when you want, see the sights that inspire you, and—regardless of your hiking level—always pack enough water.

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