Sardinia Wild Blue Trek

Day 1: Arrive into Sardinia

Arrive in Cagliari Elmas International Airport (CAG) and have a private transfer to your hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese (2.5 hour transfer, 150km / 93 miles) where you will meet your local English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide. After you’ve settled in, you’ll have a trip briefing and equipment check.

The hamlet of Santa Maria Navarrese is at the foot of a hill covered with olive trees, fig trees, locust trees and lotus trees, and dense brush. This coastal village is named after a small church erected in 1052 by the Navarre Princess, daughter of King Garcia Sanchez V.  She had likely fled her country because of a “love sin,” and is said to have wanted to thank the Madonna for saving her life during a shipwreck near the frightening “Monti Insani,” now called Monte Santu. Today, Santa Maria has become a renowned seaside location.

Day 2: Santa Maria – Pedra Longa – Farm House Ovile Bertarelli

Begin your trek today with an incredible hike along the islands coastline! From Santa Maria take a short private transfer to Pedra Longa – a rocky spire that is accessible via an easy and panoramic trail along the coast. Pedra Longa is the most impressive spur on the isle, surrounded by an azure sea, which makes the cliff walls appear to fall more vertically into the water. The monolith appears in front of you as an imposing calcareous massif, composed predominantly of karst. Measuring approximately 120 meters (394′) in height, the soaring shape has a large base and a rounded top; it has come to be known as the symbol of Baunei and all of Sardinia.

From here, you’ll hike up the dolomitic ledge of Punta Giradili – its huge 750-meter (2,461′) walls and peaks are considered by many as one of Sardinia’s finest sea cliffs.  Continue to Cuile Duspiggius, a fascinating sheepfold perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea and keep on your trail until you reach Ovile Bertarelli. An entirely self-sustained farmhouse and evocative example for the defense of Sardianian cultural heritage, Ovile Bertarelli is the winner of several awards for its valuable contribution to Sardinia’s architecture. Enjoy a delicious typical Sardinian dinner, and spend the night outdoors, on the grounds of the farm.

(5 hours hiking, 700m / 2,300′ ascent)

Day 3: Hike to Porto Pedrosu - Quau

Transfer to Ginnircu in the morning and start your hike to Capo Monte Santu, a rocky elbow teetering a thousand feet over the deep blue sea and continue walking along the edge of 200-meter (656′) cliffs, high above the sea. From Capo Monte Santu, it is approximately four hours to Portu Pedrosu and Portu Quau, two beautiful small fjords surrounded by grey limestone. Enjoy some scrambling in the area before boarding a chartered boat, your accommodation for tonight.

(5 hours hiking, 450m / 1,476′ descent)

Day 4: Iribidosilli – Cala Goloritzé – Altopiano di Golgo

Transfer to Iribidosilli by car and hike to Punta Salinas for a fantastic view of the Mediterranean sea  and the vertical limestone cliffs that fall into the Orosei gulf. A fast descent brings you to the astonishing Aguglia di Goloritze and on to the stunning white and blue cove of Goloritzé.

Cala Goloritzé is a small white sandy stretch of beach overlooked by the 128-meter (420′) high Punta Caroddi, also known as Aguglia. It is the most photographed beach in the Ogliastra area of Sardinia – as soon as you lay eyes on it, you will surely understand why! The beach is covered in white pebbles, with clear water, visible to a depth of 30 meters (98′). Not surprisingly, it dedicated as an “Italian National Monument” in 1995

(5-6 hours hiking, 400m / 1,315′ ascent, 500m / 1,640 descent).

Day 5: Golgo - Bacu Mudaloru- Grotta del Fico

Transfer to Altopiano di Golgo and hike to the Grotta del Fico (Cave of the Fig), passing by Bacu Mudaloru. The first part of the hike is on very steep, rocky terrain, transitioning to a beautiful forest along a ridge (530m / 1,739′). When you reach a high plateau, continue along a vertical ridge hiking and doing a couple of rappels. Descend with ropes 45 meters (148′) down to the Grotta del Fico.

The Grotta del Fico is probably the most beautiful cave in Sardinia. You are sure to be amazed by the spectacular formations, lights and shadows that dance along the walls and in the water, and fresh water falls inside the cave. Beyond its beauty, it is important in both the history of Sardinian speleology (the scientific study of caves and other karst features) and wildlife research, specifically monk seals, who were last seen here in the early 1980s.  Boat transfer to Cala Biriala, where your boat anchors for the night. Accommodation on board of the boat.

(4 hours hiking, 400m / 1,313 descent, 200m / 656′ asscent.)

Day 6: Cala Biriala - Cala Sisine

Today’s playground is a thin stretch of land squeezed between high rock walls and the sea, interrupted by a short vertical step. Continue as yesterday, looking for the best passages between rock, caves and water, until you reach Cala Sisine. For those who would like to take one final swim, now is your chance!

(4/5hours hiking,  200m / 656′ ascent, 200m/ 656′ descent.)

At Cala Sisine, you will be met by the boat and transfer to Santa Maria Navarrese for farewell dinner.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast and departure. Private transfer to Cagliari Elmas International Airport (CAG).