They say it’s the most challenging trek in Italy — and certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. Selvaggio Blu is both a tribute and a hymn to nature, a monument to that Sardinia of sea and cliffs, ancient flavors, and Mediterranean forests we all dream of.
It was 1989 when Mario Verin and Peppino Cicalò had the inspired idea to recover and connect the old shepherds’ paths of the Supramonte, creating this coastal traverse between the gulfs of Arbatax and Orosei. More than thirty years later, Selvaggio Blu has become a benchmark for those who love and respect wild nature. It’s the trail that “doesn’t exist,” guided only by the magnificent blue of the island’s sea.
The Selvaggio Blu we offer with the Cortina Mountain Guides is a reinterpretation of the original route. Over the years, we’ve chosen to include all the most beautiful and thrilling sections of Selvaggio Blu, adding new rappels and exposed passages to enhance the adventure — and to sleep as close to the sea as possible.
It is a true journey back in time. Along the route, you encounter the “Coili” — the old shepherds’ shelters, now no longer in use but still well preserved — offering a glimpse into traditional pastoral life of the past.
The trail is never obvious or straightforward and requires a good sense of orientation. In some sections, particularly across the deeply carved limestone fields, extra concentration is needed. Here, water and wind have shaped the rock into sharp limestone ridges, making the terrain uneven, uncomfortable, and physically demanding to walk on.
The trek follows, as much as possible, a route close to the coastline, although in certain stretches it is necessary to move inland. This means following faint paths that wind through Mediterranean scrub, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the Gulf of Orosei. These rocky sections are overcome through more technical climbing passages up to grade IV, abseils of up to 60 meters, fixed rope sections, and exposed traverses on intertwined juniper trunks known as Iscala ’e fustes.
Each stage has its own unique features, but all share one thing in common — they end with a descent to the sea, where afternoons can be spent swimming in some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches. These same beaches become our dining and sleeping spots, where we enjoy dinner and fall asleep under the stars, lulled by the sound of the waves.
We want to offer Selvaggio Blu as a true holiday experience.
That’s why we collaborate with a local logistics team that transports heavy luggage (spare clothes, food, water, and all overnight gear) to each stage.
The first night will be spent at Ovile Bertarelli, where dinner is lovingly prepared by the Bertarelli family using fresh, local, zero-kilometer ingredients. On the following nights, dinners will be prepared by the guides, featuring local products — from grilled fish or meat to pasta dishes — all paired with fine Cannonau wine and homemade mirto from local farmers.
During the day, participants will move from one stage to the next carrying only a light backpack with essentials for lunch and the equipment needed for the climbing sections, ensuring you can fully enjoy the stunning panoramas of the Baunei coast, day after day.
Meeting in the afternoon in Santa Maria Navarrese at Hotel Santa Maria and check-in in double or triple rooms.
Single room available upon request, with a supplement. Dinner at the hotel and briefing with the participants.
6–7 hours total
1,000 meters
The first day of the trek serves as an acclimatization stage, offering an immediate taste of the beauty of the Selvaggio Blu. The route passes the spectacular Pedra Longa spire, followed by a beach stop for the first swim in the sea — the perfect way to recharge before tackling the demanding and sun-exposed ascent along the airy Giradili ledge. A short stop at Us Pigius, and from here we take a brief detour from the original Selvaggio Blu route to reach Coile Bertarelli, a beautiful shepherd’s hut where a delicious dinner featuring traditional local products awaits, along with the first night under the stars.
About 5–6 hours
300 meters
On the second day, after a short off-road transfer from Ovile Bertarelli to Ovile Su Idileddu (Ginnirco), we rejoin the original Selvaggio Blu route. During this stage, navigation challenges continue, along with the first climbing sections, including a short Grade III passage to overcome Bacu Tenadili.
Following the cliffs, we then descend gradually until reaching the beautiful cove of Porto Pedrosu, where the first swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean awaits. Another fifteen-minute walk will take us to Porto Cuau, where we’ll spend the night.
About 5 hour
700 meters
The third day is a true mare e monti stage, leading to one of the most panoramic viewpoints of the entire Selvaggio Blu: Punta Salinas, before a short descent toward the sea. The route does not present major alpine difficulties, but we will tackle a short abseil to refine rope and rappelling techniques.
A UNESCO-protected natural monument, Cala Goloritzè is a small sandy cove hidden between dramatic cliffs. The iconic limestone spire that guards it is a renowned destination for climbers from all over Europe. Swim at Cala Goloritzè, followed by a boat transfer to Cala Mariolu, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
About 6/7 hours
800 meters
This stage marks the first true mountaineering section of the Selvaggio Blu. We’ll cross the Mariolu forest, navigating exposed passages secured with fixed ropes, before reaching a spectacular 55-meter free-hanging abseil that leads straight into the Mudaloru cave. Shortly after, we’ll crawl across an inclined ledge and make a short descent to Mudaloru Beach, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim.
After the break, we’ll resume our hike by ascending the Bacu and following the rocky walls of Urele, encountering three more abseils before reaching the Grotta del Fico, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the cave.
We’ll then transfer by boat to Cala Biriola, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night.
About 3/4 hours
400 meters
Rely on our Mountain Guide for a fun hike in safety.
The price includes:
– Mountain Guides
– Accommodation in a hotel with half board on the first and last night, and the second night in a shepherd’s hut with dinner and breakfast
– Logistics and luggage transport during the trekking stages
– Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for 5 days
– Selvaggio Blu permit fee
Hotel accommodation is in double or triple rooms.
Single room requests must be specified at the time of booking and may incur a surcharge, depending on hotel availability.
The price does not include:
– Flights
– Car rental or airport transfers to/from Santa Maria Navarrese
– Drinks at dinner on the first and last night in the hotel
– Extras at Ovile Bertarelli
Total price:
€1,400.00
The Guides who will accompany you
