Ferrata Cabirol

Overview

The Ferrata del Cabirol cuts across the towering limestone cliffs that plunge into the sea on the Capo Caccia promontory in northwestern Sardinia. This varied route weaves together ledges, traverses, and vertical sections in an exceptionally evocative marine setting, delivering a complete and memorable experience. Please note that this via ferrata is currently closed and partially dismantled by municipal order.

Approach

The starting point is on the Capo Caccia promontory. From Alghero, take Provincial Road 55 bis toward the promontory, passing the signs for the airport. Park in a wide pull-off along the scenic road at the Belvedere viewpoint overlooking Isola Foradada. From here, an unmarked but clearly visible trail heads south, skirting the edge of the cliffs. The path passes by the Grotta delle Brocche Rotte and, after about twenty minutes, reaches the sign marking the start of the Ferrata del Cabirol.

Via Ferrata

The route begins with a straightforward descent to a low ledge. Turn left onto a wide, unprotected ledge that gradually narrows over loose, sandy ground, leading to a rocky roof equipped with the cable. The route continues along the ledge, offering exposed horizontal progression until a first vertical section. Here, a short, slightly overhanging stretch is made easier by the presence of stirrups. The terrain then shifts with several airy traverses across compact rock-exposed but not technically demanding. A more athletic passage follows: the cable is anchored in a way that pushes your body outward, requiring dynamic, continuous movement to manage the effort efficiently. Next come two vertical descents, more physical than technical in nature. The pace picks up with an overhanging traverse that demands determination and good body control to avoid rapid fatigue. After rounding an arête, you descend a vertical, exposed section, using the natural rock contours for footholds. This final sector alternates between short, suspended ledges and moderately challenging vertical stretches until the end of the Ferrata del Cabirol. The climbing time from the start is approximately three hours.

Descent

From the end of the ferrata, head left and descend along the cliff edge. In about fifteen minutes you return to the parking area, for a total hike time of around three hours and forty minutes.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata del Cabirol can also be climbed in the reverse direction from the description given. In that case, at the initial junction, continue along the cliff edge for about a hundred meters until you spot a cairn; from there, descend to reach the start of the ferrata. In the Sassari area, less than an hour's drive away, you'll find other interesting ferratas such as the Ferrata di Giorrè and the Ferrata della Regina. Heading toward the eastern coast near Olbia, you can climb the spectacular Ferrata degli Angeli. In the inland area of Nuoro province lies the Ferrata di Badde Pentumas, while in Oristano province you'll encounter the newer Ferrata del Castello di Medusa. In the Carbonia-Iglesias province, you can tackle the Ferrata di Gutturu Xeu inland and the magnificent Ferrata la Pan di Zucchero on the namesake sea stack.