{"id":20466,"date":"2021-11-12T08:52:01","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T07:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albertodegiuli.com\/en\/2021\/11\/selvaggio-blu-extreme-sardegna\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T18:28:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T17:28:26","slug":"selvaggio-blu-extreme-sardegna-maggio-ottobre-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.albertodegiuli.com\/en\/2021\/11\/selvaggio-blu-extreme-sardegna-maggio-ottobre-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Selvaggio Blu Extreme 2026 in Sardinia, unforgettable trekking with via ferrata and rappels. May 25-31 and October 19-25"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s been more than 10 years since I started guiding groups on the Selvaggio Blue (the “Wild Blue trek”), known as the most challenging trek in Italy. I’ve always offered the version that Marcello Cominetti calls “Vista Mare”, he showed me the way on my very first trip, just as I learned from him the idea that Selvaggio Blu must be a real (and tough) experience as unique as it is uncomfortable, without luggage transfers or tents along the way. The Selvaggio Blu “Vista Mare” on the third day features a more challenging route than the original, passing through Su Ledere<\/em> (in local language this means “dangerous path) and the Goloritz\u00e9 Ferrata, bypassing the Boladina Gorge which would force you to a steep climb towards Punta Mudaloru and for descending down to the sea.<\/p>\n

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The long rappel on Monte Plummare. Selvaggio Blu Extreme, day 2.<\/p><\/div>\n

The introduction of this “ferrata Goloritz\u00e9” back in 2013 has somehow changed the wide offer of guides and travel agencies for the Selvaggio Blu, some began to call “Selvaggio Blu Extreme” the version with the Goloritz\u00e9 via ferrata and some other spectacular abseils. Other colleagues then started to sell a reverse itinerary, still featuring 5 hiking days, starting from the location called Margine along the S’Istrada Longa<\/em> until Cala Goloritz\u00e9, calling it “Blu Selvaggio” or “Selvaggio Blu Extreme”.<\/p>\n

I’ve always looked at this version of the Wild Blue with a bit of suspicion, thinking that the original is always the best, a bit like those masterpiece films that have sequels. Is it possible to make Selvaggio Blu attractive not only to those who have never explored this magnificent part of the Sardinia coast, but also to those who have already done the classic itinerary or the “Vista Mare” version? Back in 2021, either because of the desire to change and discover something new around this area, and also because I wanted to bring my very first Selvaggio Blue group back in Sardinia (after many adventures together in the Dolomites and all the Alps), we went to have a look at the most exciting parts of this “Selvaggio Blu Extreme”. And I can tell you that we were blown away! From Cala Sisine to Cala Goloritz\u00e9 each stage is more beautiful, more exciting than the other. Each one is exceptional in its own right. There’s the exposed via ferrata on monte Plummare, the rappel right above the big cave, the landing on the most beautiful beach of the coastline, an incredible cave, the most exposed ledge…<\/p>\n

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The impressive 55mt rappel down to Cala Mariolu. Selvaggio Blu Extreme.<\/p><\/div>\n

It is truly an “Extreme” trekking, but don’t get scared by this. Safety is always guaranteed in the most exposed sections, if there’s not already a fixed rope the mountain guide will take care of it. To join this trip it’s required a solid hiking experience (all the stages are mostly on uneven and exposed rocky terrain), good training (an average of 6 hours of walking per day, 6-700 vertical mt\/ day max) sure footedness and not being afraid of heights, but first of all being flexible and easy going, in order to build a nice team spirit. Experience with via ferratas and abseiling is not mandatory but recommended.<\/p>\n

We spend the overnights outside, on a “under the stars” accomodation, with sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The first overnight of the trek is on a private sheepfold, very much like a campsite, where they serve us a delightful dinner. During the hike we carry a light backpack, all the equipment we need for the night will be transferred in the evening with the food and water needed for dinner, breakfast and picnic the following day. However, I like to recommend bring a 40L backpack, in case of changes in the plan due to weather.<\/p>\n

DEPARTURES 2026: MAY 25-31 and OCTOBER 19-25. 7 days (5 hiking days) . LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! (MIN. 4 PEOPLE PER GROUP)<\/h4>\n

What’s included:<\/strong> professional IFMGA\/UIGAM mountain guide service for the 5 hiking days, \u201cSelvaggio blu\u201d tax, 2 nights in hotel *** with half board (double and triple rooms, single room with extra charge on request), one night on a private sheepfold during trekking (with fab dinner and breakfast), all lunches and dinners on the hiking days, water supply during the trek, boat service to get back to Santa Maria Navarrese at the end of trek (or by jeep, depending on the navigation of the sea), technical equipment if needed (harness, sling, carabiner and ATC descender).<\/p>\n

I\u2019m also available to guide any private group (4 persons min.) on spring time (from April to late May) and autumn (from September to early November), eventually with more comforts (overnight in sheepfolds with tipical dinner, luggage transfer etc) and also with overnights in a private yacht.<\/p>\n

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On the via ferrata of Mt Plumare, Selvaggio Blue Extreme, Day 3.<\/p><\/div>\n

TRIP PROGRAM<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Day 1:<\/strong> the meet & greet is normally at 6-7pm at Albergo Santa Maria<\/a>. Briefing and gear check after dinner.<\/p>\n

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S’Istrada Longa. Selvaggio Blu Extreme, day 2.<\/p><\/div>\n

Day 2: <\/strong>from the hotel we get on the 4×4 for a car transfer of approximately 1 and a half hour to Margine, in the Supramonte of Baunei. It’s a downhill hiking day. The trail is wide at first and the more you hike downhill the more it gets narrow. S’Istrada Longa, it’s a long ledge that gets very narrow in some sections. In the most exposed parts there are bolts where I can fix a rope. Once you reach the valley<\/p>\n

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S’Istrada Longa. Selvaggio Blu Extreme. Day 2.<\/p><\/div>\n

floor, we walk on the last part of the dirt road to Plan’e Murta<\/em>, and we go further down for another twenty minutes to reach Cala Sisine for a first refreshing swim. 6h of walking, overnight stay at “Su Coile” near the beach, with typical dinner (generally seafood, but it’s possible to have meat upon request).<\/p>\n

Day 3: <\/strong>the real deal starts. For those who have already done the classic Selvaggio Blue, this journey starts right where you landed on your last rappel. You cover the 250mt of gain right in the first part of the stage. We gear up on a beautiful panoramic spot, then we walk further on old gravel road that gets narrower and narrower before turning into a narrow ledge. A first short abseil brings us to the first section equipped with steel cables. The vegetation and the place where you hike is incredible, a cave with bright orange sand reminds you of pictures from Mars! The key section is shortly afterwards: a 30 meter traverse equipped with a cable allows you to climb accross a yellow, sheer and steep wall without any handholds. We continue with other equipped sections, always exposed, until we reach the first real abseil of the day, a 35 mt steep descent to reach a balcony, which is followed by one of the longest abseils of the trek, 55 meters vertical at the beginning and then completely overhhanging . After a well-deserved picnic, we continue along the Selvaggio Blue trail, hiking accross the Plumare landslide to get into the Oronnoro<\/em> forest. Cala Biriala is not that far away, we will reach the beach with a magnificent 45 meter rappel. 6 hours hike total.<\/p>\n

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Selvaggio Blu Extreme. Day 3<\/p><\/div>\n

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The first of the 7 rappels of Bacu Padente<\/em>. Selvaggio Blue Extreme, day 4.<\/p><\/div>\n

Day 4: <\/strong>another adventure awaits. From the trees above the beach of Cala Biriala we follow the path to the Biriala<\/em> staircase. We shortly leave the main trail, as we point at a tree equipped for a first rappel of exactly 30 meters which takes us in a sort of “secret forest” right above the sea. We will traverse through the trees following old foot tracks, some short scrambling section. To get off the trees we have to climb up an old wooden staircase, where I normally fix a rope for back-up. The Selvaggio Blu classic trail is right next to corner. For the next hour we follow<\/p>\n

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Selvaggio Blu Extreme, beginning of day 4.<\/p><\/div>\n

a good rocky trail till it gets narrow again. From the top of Monte Urele<\/em> we start a thrilling descent with 7 rappels, with a spectacular underground cave to go accross. With a last technical section equipped with a rope right above the sea level, we will get to the Grotta del Fico.<\/p>\n

Day 5: <\/strong> Steep awakening for the upper body this morning! Just few meters from the table of the Grotta del Fico, we clip our carabiners to a “Sardinian via ferrata” and climb the steep rusty steps that take us 25 meters higher, into the woods. The fourth stage is long and varied, often crossing the original Selvaggio Blu. Climb an exposed staircase again, a small technical wall under the Five Star Cave, follow a good trail along the woods up to the characteristic porthole. We will pass inside it, the wall of Punta Mudaloru, with the key section of the stage, is in front of us. A charcoal pit takes us to the bottom of Bacu Mudaloru, from here a small track takes us to the base of yet another technical section of the day. A traverse on an exposed wall followed by two juniper logs, fixed firmly on a vertical yellow-grey dihedral with couple bolts. It is the beginning of the horizontal crack, waiting for us few meters further.<\/p>\n

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Selvaggio Blu Extreme, day 5.<\/p><\/div>\n

Here you have to crawl, pushing your backpack in front of you, the adrenaline is high (also the safety, thanks to a rope fixed by the guide). We continue our journey crossing the wild forest of Ispuligi; you reach a characteristic panoramic balcony, where we find the leaning juniper trunk of Su Fronte de As Postas, a very little frequented shepherds’ path that leads to the top of Serra e Lattone. Cala Mariolu is below us, we still have to follow the tracks of the goats along an exposed ledge and two rappels, the last of which is almost 60 meters deposits us directly on the rocks a few meters from the white gravel of the beach. 7-8h.<\/p>\n

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The horizontal crack on Monte Mudalloru. Selvaggio Blu Extreme, day 5.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Ferrata Goloritz\u00e9, Selvaggio Blu Extreme. Day 6.<\/p><\/div>\n

Day 6: <\/strong>that’s the last day of the Selvaggio Blu Extreme. Today we get to Cala Goloritz\u00e9 following the Su Ledere Goloritz\u00e9 trail the other way, equipped by Marcello Cominetti and the team of Explorando Supramonte back in 2014. From the bivy spot in Cala Mariolu we hike up on an easy path until you find the remains of a gravel trail that cuts horizontally through the woods up to the edge of the cliff where the Goloritz\u00e9 via ferrata exits. We descend along the steel cable until we reach the woods and the trail shows up. You cross 3 steep landslides, partly with the help of fixed ropes, before reaching the white slab above Cala Goloritz\u00e9. The last descent of our adventure awaits us before the well-deserved relaxation and refreshing swim.
\nClimbing to the top of the Guglia di Goloritz\u00e8 (suitable for climbers with a minimum level of 6a+) is the cherry on top of the cake. Easy Gymnopedie<\/em> (6b+ max) can be defined as the most difficult normal route in Italy. The journey on Guglia di Goloritz\u00e9 takes 2-3 hours, and it is possible to organize it at the end of the excursion with an earlier start from Cala Mariolu. With the dinghy we finally get back to Santa Maria Navarrese. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.<\/p>\n

Day 7:<\/strong> departure after breakfast.<\/p>\n

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On the Goloritz\u00e9 ferrata. Selvaggio Blu Extreme, day 6.<\/p><\/div>\n

GEAR LIST :<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Climbing up the old wooden staircase on day 4. Selvaggio Blu Extreme.<\/p><\/div>\n

– 40-50L backpack (i’ve used for years the Arcteryx AFL 45, it’s GREAT pack, solid, really waterproof after years of intense use)
\n– Mid weight sleeping bag (comfort temperature 5-10 C, don’t bring those old, fat and heavy sleeping bags that they don’t warm you up neither. – Something like SP-II by Sea to Summit<\/a> is perfect, even too warm )
\n– Sleeping pad (the closed cell foam mattresses are enough, but if you’re looking for something more comfortable and still super light, I recommend you the NeoAir Xlite by Thermarest<\/a>, it’s just great and takes very little room inside your pack)
\n– Climbing harness (those light ones for ski touring or mountaineering are perfect), 2 big screw gate carabiners, via ferrata kit and ATC for abseiling.
\n– Climbing helmet
\n– Head torch
\n– Mug, plate and cutlery ( the brand Sea To Summit sells great dinner ware, check the X-Series out )
\n– Comfortable hiking\/approach shoes with Vibram sole, better if low ankle. No trail running shoes, as they will fall apart after couple days. You don’t need proper mountain boots (sandals or flip flops for the night are not compulsory but recommended).
\n– Light Gore-Tex jacket
\n– Light down jacket (like Patagonia Down Sweater \/ Nano Puff jacket, just a Vest is ok as well)
\n– Light fleece (like Patagonia R2 is fine)
\n– Couple t-shirts, white color or bright is fine.
\n– Long pants and short pants
\n– Underwear and socks – i recommend a fresh pair of socks per day
\n– Swimsuit
\n– Buff classic tubular
\n– Sun hat, beanie, sun lotion and sun glasses
\n– Insects repellent
\n– Light beach towel
\n– Trekking poles, I recommend the packable ones (like Black Diamond Distance Series)
\n– Spare battery for charging the phone (every night, once at the beach, there’s phone service. A 10000mAh power bank is more than enough)
\n– No need to bring your own water flasks!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Selvaggio Blu Extreme, ready to get back to Santa Maria Navarrese!<\/p><\/div>\n

HOW TO GET TO SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE<\/strong>
\nIf you’re flying from an European country, RyanAir and other low cost air lines fly to Sardinia to Olbia and Cagliari airports. If you land in Cagliari Airport, I always rent a car from the airport and I’ve always tried to meet the participants and give people a ride to Santa Maria, sharing the cost of the car and fuel (if flights schedule work). Otherwise, you can get to Santa Maria Navarrese by bus (4 hours), I also can arrange a shared taxi ride (generally around 40 euro each way). I can also recommend to rent a car for the whole week with GoldCar<\/a>, in any case you don’t have to worry about the car as it will stay safe in the private parking of the hotel. Normally it takes 2-2.30h from Cagliari Airport to get to Santa Maria.<\/p>\n\n\t\t