WILD BLUE TRAIL
Selvaggio Blu
FROM SUNDAY TO SATURDAY
May
- 19 – 25
- 26 – 01/06
September
- 8 – 14
- 22 – 28
October
- 29/09 – 5
- 13-19
Wild Blue is defined 'The most challenging hike of Italy', this is a reductive and almost trial statement that does not do justice to this adventure that go through the wildest, inaccessible and beautiful part of Sardinia. The Wild Blue are five days of challenging day hikes in the heart of Ogliastra ... we'll move along a trail that is lost in space and time, through a wild coastal area characterized by wonderful mountain, imposing cliffs and a marvellous cobalt sea. Far from civilization, far from human settlements we'll be free from the guise of modern man ready to wondering about nature declined to its original splendor.
Wild Blue is defined 'The most challenging hike of Italy', this is a reductive and almost trial statement that does not do justice to this adventure that go through the wildest, inaccessible and beautiful part of Sardinia. The Wild Blue are five days of challenging day hikes in the heart of Ogliastra ... we'll move along a trail that is lost in space and time, through a wild coastal area characterized by wonderful mountain, imposing cliffs and a marvellous cobalt sea. Far from civilization, far from human settlements we'll be free from the guise of modern man ready to wondering about nature declined to its original splendor.
We'll be ready to use ropes, harnesses and helmets that promise us breathtaking views and keep us always in safe.If we are tired we will find new energy just looking to the amazing beauty of the majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into a cobalt blue sea. It's called trekking, but forget to walk on well-marked trails, the Wild Blue will force us to face limestone rocks typical of Supramonte. In our wonderful trip we'll have the privilege to discover a 'concert of wonders' around us: beaches, a cobalt blue sea, towering cliffs, twisted junipers, spectacular spires, hidden fjords but above all a state of nature that preserves the primordial wilderness.
Welcome to the Wild Blue...
Wild Blue in details:
SUNDAY
Day 1, Group Arrival
You should arrive at the Rifugio Goloritzè at about 6 pm. If you are using public transport there is a bus from Cagliari (3:30 pm) to Baunei (6:30 pm) and we can arrange a transfer from Baunei to the Rifugio. More info on how to reach the Rifugio on our FAQ Section below
Once at the Rifugio, our guide will welcome you, and you’ll pitch your tent on the campsite*. After an initial briefing to clarify all the details, we’ll gather for a pleasant dinner at the restaurant.
* = Depending on availability, we may have the opportunity to settle into the small shared bungalows. (bunkbeds)
OPTIONAL: In addition to the bed in shared bungalows, double rooms with private bathrooms are available upon request. Not included in the package, subject to availability.
MONDAY
Day 2
Right after breakfast and a final briefing with the guide, we will be escorted by off-road vehicles to the starting point. We will begin walking along the sea on an easy trail, then ascend the long climb to Punta Giradili. Despite the considerable elevation gain, the first day of walking is the most accessible and provides a good introduction to the challenges of the following days. We plan to reach the Ginnirco camp by 5:00 PM for our first night under the Sardinian starry sky.
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TUESDAY
Day 3
After dismantling the tents and preparing our luggage, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and by 9:00, we’ll begin the long descent towards the cove of Portu Pedrosu. The rugged terrain will challenge our knees, but by lunch time we’ll enjoy a dip in the sea.
From sea-level we’ll walk through forests and canyons to reach our next camp at the panoramic ridge Genna ‘e Mudrecu.
| Departure: Ginnirco (750 above sea level) Arrival: Genna ‘e Mudrecu (490 m above sea level) Distance: 11 km Time: 8 hours Elevation gain: +510 -765 m Rope descents: none Climbing: none |
WEDNESDAY
Day 4
The route will lead us to discover ancient shepherds’ huts, breathtaking panoramas, and the beautiful Cala Goloritzè. In the afternoon, we will tackle the first equipped section of the Selvaggio Blu, a taste of what awaits us in the following days. This night will be spent at the campsite Su Porteddu, where we can have a real shower and dine on a real table!
| Departure : Genna ‘e Mudrecu (490 m above sea level) Arrival: Su Porteddu (400 m above sea level) Distance: 7 km Time: 8 hours Elevation gain: +500 m -580 m Rope descents: none Climbs: 25 meters via ferrata |
THURSDAY
Day 5
| Departure: Su Porteddu (400 m above sea level) Arrival: Bacu Padente (250 m above sea level) Distance: 10 km Time: 8 hours Elevation gain: +630 m -770 m Rope descents: 2 (max 20 m) Climbing: Easy passages protected by fixed ropes |
FRIDAY
Day 6
| Departure: Bacu Padente (250 m above sea level) Arrival: Cala Sisine (0 m above sea level) Distance: 10 km Time: 8 hours Elevation gain: +840 m -1100 m Rope descents: 4 (max 45 m) Climbing: 2 sections on a via ferrata |
SATURDAY
Day 7
After breakfast at the Rifugio, we will weave goodbye and depart.
If you are using public transports, there is a bus from Baunei to Cagliari leaving at 9:30 am. We can arrange a transfer to help you get there in time.
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PRICE
Price per person: 1099€
The price includes:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The package of the Selvaggio Blu includes all the items below
- Professional local guide (fluent in English, Spanish and Italian)
- 2 nights on campsite at the Rifugio Goloritzè*
- 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at the restaurant Rifugio Goloritzè
- 1 night at the campsite Su Porteddu
- 1 dinner and breakfast at the restaurant Su Porteddu
- Transfer to the starting point and return
- All meals (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner) in very abundant doses!
- Daily transfers of luggage containing tents, sleeping equipment and spare clothing (luggage should be lighter than 15 kilograms)
- Waste collection
- Logistic support ready for the retreat
* = depending on availability we may sleep on small shared bungalows (bunkbeds)
HOW TO REACH BAUNEI?
Our meeting point is at the Rifugio Goloritzè, above the town of Baunei.
BY CAR
If you have a car you can drive it there and park it for free inside the fenced space.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you want to take public transport, we recommend landing at Cagliari airport. From the Cagliari coach station, you can take the Bus line 103. The easiest way to find the departure schedule is by searching on Rome2Rio or Google Maps
It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the town of Baunei. From there we can arrange a transfer to pick you up and go to the Rifugio.
Please note that if you need to take public transport, it is very impractical to reach Baunei from Olbia. If you have no other chance but to land at Olbia airport you should consider hiring a car or arranging by other means (Taxi, BlaBlaCar…)
BY TAXI
If you are coming with friends you may consider sharing a taxi. One way from Olbia airport, directly to the Rifugio costs € 260 and can accommodate up to 8 people. From Cagliari airport to the Rifugio costs € 240 each way
This is the company you should call: Pusceddu Viaggi
WHAT TO BRING
Daily use
- Ruck-sack 30 lt
- Large bag (possibly waterproof) to carry your tent, sleeping bag and spare clothes
- Headlight + spare batteries
- Trekking shoes with a hard sole
- 5 or 6 T-Shirts and underwear changes
- Bathing suit
- Ragged trousers + shorts
- Warm jumper
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat, glasses and sun-cream
- Insects repellent
- Towel and minimal toiletries
- Personal medication
Eating
- Knife, fork and spoon
- metal or plastic plate
- metal or plastic mug
Sleeping
- Small Tent (1 tent every 2 people)
- Sleeping Bag (3 seasons 0/+5 °C)
- Sleeping mat
Abseiling
CAN I HIRE TECNICAL EQUIPMENT?
- Tent (+ 2 inflatable mattresses): € 60
- Helmet: € 15
- Harness: € 15
- Kit Via Ferrata: € 15
All the above items are subject to availability. Please let us know what you may need with plenty of notice
WHERE WILL WE SLEEP?
We will pitch our tents in the forests and sleep under the stars.
Upon arrival, we will pitch our tent on the campground of the Rifugio*
During the trekking, we will sleep in the forests, far away from any sign of civilization. On the third night we will pitch our tent on the campsite Su Porteddu.
At the end of the Selvaggio Blu, we will return to the Rifugio and sleep one more night on the campground*
* = depending on availability we may sleep on small shared bungalows (bunkbeds)
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE SELVAGGIO BLU?
Using the Difficulty Scale created by the Swiss Alpine Club, we would grade the Selvaggio Blu as T5, which is almost the hardest possible. Of course, we have readapted the Swiss scale to terrain without snow or ice.
T5 – CHALLENGING ALPINE WALKING
PATH
Often without a path. Individual, simple climbing sections.
TERRAIN
Exposed. Challenging terrain, steep rocky slopes. Dense vegetation hides the path. Loose rocks, foliage and dirt make it difficult to walk. Danger of slipping.
REQUIREMENTS
Solid mountain boots are necessary. Approach shoes can be enough for those with solid mountain experience and excellent balancing skills. Secure terrain assessment and very good navigation skills. Good Alpine experience also in high Alpine terrain. Elementary knowledge in abseiling from improvised lower-offs.
I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ABSEIL, SHOULD I LEARN?
No, you don’t have to know how to abseil.
Our guides will take care of all rope maneuvers. You just have to relax and follow their instructions.
You just have to make sure you are not overly afraid of heights.
CAN I TAKE A DAY OFF IF I'M TIRED?
Yes, of course. You would have to end the day but can take a rest the following day.
Say, for example, after 3 days of walking you are very tired…
Keep in mind that each day we receive a transfer in the evening to bring luggage and dinner, and another transfer in the morning to bring breakfast and collect the luggage.
After breakfast, you can jump on the Defender and get a lift to the Rifugio. Take a day off and in the evening you can jump on the same Defender again to join the group and continue your trekking on the following day.
WHAT DO WE DO IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER?
If it’s just drizzling we can wear our rain jackets and walk, or wait for it to finish in one of the many caverns. Reaching the camp we may find a large tarp our team has pulled above our table.
In case the weather is seriously bad we would have to abandon the trail. We can:
- Reach our daily destination, where instead of camping we will get a transfer back to the Rifugio. We will eat at the Rifugio and sleep under a canopy. In case there’s availability you are welcomed to book a small bungalow or a room, but you shall pay this separately.
- Start again the day after. Taking a transfer to where we interrupted our trek.
CANCELLATION
In the unfortunate case that you have to cancel your booking, we may keep part of it as a voucher that you may re-use for a future booking within the same year. This is subject to availability, and if we would not able to accommodate your trip in the same year, the voucher will be automatically extended to the next year.
CANCELLATION REFUNDS
Over 2 months of notice: we refund 100% of what you paid
Over 21 days of notice: we will refund 80% of what you paid*
Less than 21 days of notice: we will refund 20% of what you paid*
*= in some cases the online payment platform may keep 1.4% of the transaction
CANCELLATION BY SARDINIA TREKKING
In the unlikely event that we may be forced to cancel a tour, we will refund 100% of what you paid.
Although cancellations from our side are rare, we advise all participants to always purchase insurance on flight tickets. This would guarantee no losses on your side.
