They stand on cliffs overlooking the sea, battered by the mistral wind and scorched by the sun. They are commonly called "Saracen Towers", but history tells us an even more fascinating truth.

These stone giants were not built by the Saracens, but by the Spanish (Aragonese) starting from the 16th century, specifically to defend the Sardinian coast from the continuous and fierce raids of Barbary corsairs. They were a true masterpiece of military engineering: each tower was positioned so that the previous and the next one could be seen with the naked eye. By day they communicated with smoke signals, by night with huge fires. In a few minutes, the alarm of a pirate sighting could travel for dozens of kilometers along the coast, allowing the villages to ring the alarm bells and prepare for defense.

Today, these stone sentinels offer the perfect scenery for those looking for the wildest and most rugged side of Sardinia. If you are an expert hiker, used to elevation gains, uneven terrain, and exposed trails, the North-West coast offers unforgettable challenges.

Here at Villa Malvasio, we are the ideal "Base Camp" for explorers: here are 3 breathtaking trails not to be missed, reachable a short distance from our property.

1. The Vertical Thrill: Torre della Pegna (Capo Caccia)

A trek for those who do not suffer from vertigo. The Capo Caccia promontory hides one of the most spectacular and dizzying trails on the island. The path winds along the limestone cliff, through Mediterranean scrub and sheer drop-offs, until reaching the Torre della Pegna, located over 200 meters high overlooking the cobalt blue sea.

• Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers). Presence of highly exposed sections and scree.
• What you will see: A 360° panoramic view of the Gulf of Alghero and Foradada Island. You will perfectly understand the concept of "visual dominance" of the coast.
• Distance from Villa Malvasio: About 45-50 minutes by car to reach the starting point (Tramariglio/Capo Caccia area).

2. The Extreme North: Torre del Falcone (Capo Falcone - Stintino)

Forget the crowded beaches. This path takes you to the roof of the promontory overlooking the famous La Pelosa beach. The climb to the Torre del Falcone is short but intense, with steep slopes on schistose rock. Once at the top, at 114 meters above sea level, the spectacle is absolute.

• Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers). Steep slopes and slippery terrain, especially downhill. Exposed to the wind.
• What you will see: From here, Spanish soldiers controlled the passage to the Gulf of Asinara. Below you will see the small Torre della Pelosa on the islet, and in front, the immensity of the Asinara National Park.
• Distance from Villa Malvasio: About 40-45 minutes by car.

3. The Stone Desert: From Torre Argentina to Capo Marargiu (Bosa)

A long, harsh, and wild coastal path. You leave the limestone behind to walk on ancient volcanic rocks (trachyte and basalt). From the evocative Torre Argentina, the trail is not always marked and requires a strong sense of orientation and physical endurance.

• Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers). The volcanic terrain is hard, shade is non-existent, and the route takes several hours. An abundant water supply is necessary.
• What you will see: Besides Torre Argentina, the remains of minor watchtowers. This is the habitat of griffon vultures, which you may see soaring above you in a landscape that recalls desolate, primordial wastelands.
• Distance from Villa Malvasio: About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car along the panoramic Alghero-Bosa coastal road (one of the most beautiful roads in the world).

Tips for your expedition

These trails are to be tackled completely autonomously. Being routes for experts, we recommend the use of suitable technical footwear, abundant water supplies (there are no springs on the coast), offline GPS maps, and avoiding the central hours in the summer months. The perfect time for these excursions is from October to May.

Villa Malvasio: Your ideal Base Camp

After hours of walking among rocks, wind, and sea salt, the only thing you want is a cozy refuge. At Villa Malvasio you will find everything a hiker needs:

1. Secure and private parking where you can leave your rental car.
2. Absolute tranquility for a regenerating rest away from the tourist chaos.
3. Rooms equipped with every comfort and ample space to organize your gear.

👉 Get ready for adventure: Check availability and book your stay at the best price on our official website. The wild coast awaits you.