As I’ve described on other pages, the Selvaggio Blu is probably Italy’s most demanding trek – I’d call it a “borderline trekking” experience. Having an expert guide who navigates the route and handles all logistics is highly recommended, if not essential. Many sections are exposed; the guide ropes you through the hardest passages but can’t hold your hand the entire way. You need to rely on your own legs and experience.

Melanie climbing Scala di Sos Oggiastros, Giradili.

So, is it possible to bring a family, maybe even children? My answer is “Why not?” It all depends on the children’s mountain experience. Every parent knows their kids – their limits and their strengths. Giving Under-10s an adventure like this is certainly a significant, perhaps even slightly daring, choice. It’s true the Selvaggio Blu offers many variants, and all the toughest sections can be bypassed via inland paths. But it’s also true that the adventurous parts – the ropes, short climbs, and longer rappels – really motivate kids to push themselves a bit harder than usual.

In late March, with Ricarda and her family (youngest Melanie was 8!), we had both weather and sea conditions on our side. Over five days, we followed my classic Selvaggio Blu “Vista Mare” itinerary starting on foot from Santa Maria Navarrese, with a few small adjustments to the stages. On day two, we took it more leisurely than I usually do, reaching our stopover point – the natural fjord of Porto Pedrosu – by early afternoon. The next day, we took a boat ride to Cala Goloritzé (skipping the least interesting part of Selvaggio Blu) to tackle the challenging Su Ledere variant up to Cala Mudaloru. On day four, for the first rappel above Mudaloru, we chose the dizzying one over the big sea caves, just before the classic “C-shaped ledge” – where Melanie, thanks to her height, didn’t even have to duck!

“C-shaped ledge”, Mudaloru. Selvaggio Blu

On day 5, starting from the Grotta del Fico (Fig Tree Cave), we took the classic exit just above the waterline. The heat became noticeable climbing towards Ololbizzi, and with it came a drop in the girls’ energy. You could feel the tiredness and the sense of being “almost there.” It’s important not to overdo it and risk spoiling a unique, positive experience. That’s why I opted for a grand finale at Cala Biriala, following the classic rappels after Sa Nurca canyon and finally, the last, breathtaking one onto the big sea cave (grottone) right on the beach of Cala Biriala. The boat ride back with Claudio on a water I’ll never see so flat again was the icing on the cake – a worthy end to an unforgettable adventure.

Selvaggio Blu, fourth stage. From Fico to Biriala.

It was an incredible experience for me too, seeing kids camping outdoors, far from everything and everyone (comforts first and foremost!). Moving confidently through those environmental challenges is no small thing. In hindsight, Ricarda wouldn’t have brought her girls… I say it went well just as it was. The right place at the right time, with the right people.