Donkeys and donkey trekking in Sardinia
Since time immemorial, donkeys have been loyal companions and helpers to humans. These animals, unjustly maligned as stubborn and stupid, are in fact intelligent and gentle. We modern city dwellers in particular can learn a lot from them: calmness, serenity and the ability to say ‘no’ when something doesn't suit us. No wonder that hiking with donkeys, whether for a few hours or several days, has been growing in popularity for several years. These grey, long-eared companions teach us to shed the hustle and bustle of everyday life, pause for a moment and enjoy the present. They are deceleration on four legs. Of course, donkey treks are also offered in Sardinia, both in the off-season and in the high season.
Hiking with donkeys in Sardinia – a special treat
At Trekking Someggiato Santa Maria Navarrese, for example, you can book donkey hikes lasting several hours or a whole day, with self-catering or – if you wish – a typical Sardinian picnic. In summer, when it would be too hot during the day, there are 1.5-hour evening tours that start at 6.30 p.m. – including a picnic around the campfire at the end.
For those who prefer a more energetic pace, we recommend the donkey races in Ollolai. This ‘Paglio’, modelled on the famous horse race in Siena, shows the donkeys from their spirited side.
The Asinu Sardu – An original Sardinian donkey
A very special destination for donkey enthusiasts is the Parco Mui Muscas near Ortueri, in the centre of the island. This is home to the last fifty specimens of the Asinu Sardu, a donkey breed threatened with extinction.
The white donkeys of Asinara – Sardinia's mysterious donkey stars
Another rare animal can be admired in the national park on the small island of Asinara, located off the north-western tip of Sardinia, where white donkeys live. It is unclear when and how they arrived on the island, but anyone who has seen these enchanting animals will never forget them.
With a Sardinian ‘Adiosu’, I bid you farewell for today.
Joachim Waßmann