Trek the Selvaggio Blu Trail in Sardinia
Tackle Italy's most challenging trek – a 40km trail with 4200m of vertical gain, five abseils and two via ferratas over five days
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with a expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide, plus a logistical support teamHotel & Wild Camping
1 night in a hotel, 5 nights wild campingMeals
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinnersTransfers
Airport and local transfers, with jeeps to transport your overnight luggage and camping gearEquipment
All your climbing, via ferrata and abseiling kit, plus camping gear (excluding sleeping bag)Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Test your limits with thrilling climbs, scrambles and abseils as you traverse vertical sea cliffs
Hike across impenetrable forests, teetering rock arches and narrow chasms on this wild and adventurous route
Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Cala Sisine and Cala Golotizè, and cruise along Sardinia's dreamy coastline
Immerse yourself in the wilderness and camp under the stars, by beaches, caves or abandoned shepherds’ huts
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Sardinia!
Touch down in Cagliari Airport and transfer to Sardinia's eastern coast. Your home for the night is a hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese, a small town on the east coast of the island, close to the wild mountains you'll be exploring on this adventure. Settle in and meet your mountain guide for a trip briefing and equipment check. This evening you'll feast on mouthwatering Sardinian specialities, before getting some rest ahead of your epic adventure.
Day 2
Into the wild: Santa Maria Navarrese to Monte Ginnirco
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast and take a short transfer to Santa Maria Navarrese. Your path from there will soon reach Pedra Longa, named after the imposing rocky spire emerging from the sea and the official start point of the Selvaggio Blu ('Wild Blue') trek. From here, you'll leave civilisation and fully immerse yourself in some of the wildest and most impenetrable landscapes Italy has to offer. Set off along a relatively easy panoramic trail and get the first glimpse of the glittering sea. Continue up the steep rocky ledge of Punta Giradili, one of Sardinia’s finest sea cliffs. From the top, the views over the Arbatax Gulf and the peaks of the Gennargentu hinterland will take your breath away. Set camp in the forest, and tuck into a bountiful Sardinian dinner.
Day 3
Vertical heights: Monte Ginnirico to the Genna 'e Mudrecu Ridge
Hiking
Grab breakfast and pack your picnic lunch before handing your overnight gear to the local team, who will transport it to the next camping spot for you. Test your stamina as you hike on the edge of a 200m cliff, high above the sea. Following the Capo Monte Santo crag, power through a steep, zig-zagging trail – eyes peeled for the rare Eleonora's Falcon – until you reach the beautiful limestone fjord of Portu Pedrosu. Jump into the water for a refreshing swim and enjoy your lunch break on such a magical camping spot. Follow the mule track through thick forests of Holly Oaks and Junipers, passing at the edge of high panoramic cliffs and by abandoned shepherd's huts. Reach the top of a panoramic ridge, where 4WDs will drop the luggage and you'll make camp. Enjoy another typical Sardinian dinner and a magical camping spot.
Day 4
To Su Porteddu via Goloritzè Cove
Hiking
Via Ferrata
Wake up early this morning to witness the sun rising from the sea. Lace up your boots and get ready for a day of easier climbs and via ferrata. Hike towards Punta Salinas, overlooking the Orosei Gulf – fringed by limestone cliffs. A steep descent will lead you to the famous crystal clear waters of Cala Goloritzè, a white stretch of beach overlooked by the iconic Punta Caroddi, a 128m rock needle which has become a mecca for international climbers. Spend a few hours at the beach to relax and swim in the crystal clear sea. Getack on a trail, but not for long – more wild terrain is looming behind the trees. Climb a section of scree and tackle a 30m via ferrata with spectacular views, continuing on until you reach the campsite Su Porteddu, where you'll camp for the night.
Day 5
An adventurous route to Bacu Padente
Hiking
Rise early and get ready to tackle the next exhilarating stage of the Selvaggio Blu. You'll cross some difficult terrain, which includes a section of abseiling (23m). It is, however, incredibly beautiful as you'll explore some of the hidden gems of Sardinia's east coast and experience its primordial beauty. You'll be traversing exposed passages with dizzying views over the emerald sea, glimpsing unforgettable views of limestone cliffs and white beaches. Tonight, you'll set camp near Su Padente Canyon and celebrate your efforts with a fantastic meal in the wilderness.
Day 6
Trek, climb and abseil to Cala Sisine
Hiking
Via Ferrata
The final push! Today's final stage will involve another demanding section as you traverse unforgettable wild scenery and mountaineering passages. You'll tackle four roped descents (from 25m to 45m), as well as a 40-metre section on a via ferrata. Your efforts will be repaid once you reach your final destination and the end point of the trek: the dreamy cove of Cala Sisine. Set by the rocky promontory of Punta Plummare, the beach is a top contender for one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Enjoy a celebratory dip in the crystal clear water, then toast your epic achievement with a farewell dinner at a nearby campsite, where you'll spend the night.
Day 7
Aaaand relax...
Boat Ride
Congratulations, you've completed the hardest trek in Italy and had one of the most unforgettable adventures of your lifetime. Spend the morning relaxing with a well-deserved lie in, or soothe your muscles with a reinvigorating swim at Cala Sisine. Explore the beach or just hang out before you embark on a 90-minute boat ride along the coast you just traversed by foot, passing pristine coves and secluded beaches. Your transfer will depart from Santa Maria Navarrese mid-afternoon, and will take you back to the airport in time for your evening flight home. Arrivederci!
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Cagliari Airport
13:30 on Day 1
Ends
Cagliari Airport
18:00 on Day 7
Transfers
A group airport transfer is included on Day 1 which will depart Cagliari Airport around 13:30. It will take just over two hours to reach Santa Maria Navarrese, halfway between Cagliari and Olbia. Your return transfer will arrive at Cagliari Airport at around 18:00 on Day 7, so you'll need to book flights departing from 20:00 onwards.
It will be difficult to use public transport to reach the start point of the trek independently if you chose to travel at different times or from/to Olbia, so we strongly recommend taking advantage of the set group transfers from/to Cagliari.
Private transfers can also be arranged on request – see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Cagliari from airports in London and Europe. Alternatively, you can also search for indirect flights via Rome or Milan – it’s often easier to search for two single flights (with connection in Milan or Rome) rather than a return.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Without doubt, meals will be a highlight of the adventure. The trek is fully sported by a fantastic local team who take care of all the food preparation, along with kit and luggage porterage. In the morning you'll enjoy a good breakfast which usually includes a choice of tea, coffee, milk, homemade cakes, bread, butter and local jams. You'll also be provided with a packed lunch before setting off for the hike, usually featuring freshly baked bread with a choice of cured meats and cheese, vegetables and fruit. Each evening at the camp, you are in for a treat with a range of delicious Sardinian specialities, including appetisers (cheese, cured meat and roasted vegetables), a main course (meat, pasta) and side dishes – the perfect way to refuel after a challenging day of activity. In addition, you'll be able to enjoy complimentary wine, liqueurs and sweets.
Vegetarians, Pescatarians, mild Gluten-free diets and Lactose-free diets can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form when you book. However 100% strictly Vegan, Nut-free or Coeliac diets (requiring separate cooking equipment to prevent cross-contamination) cannot be accommodated on this trip.
What is the accommodation like?
Santa Maria Navarrese
You'll spend your first night at a welcoming and friendly three star hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese, such as the Hotel Nicoletta or similar, on a twin share basis with ensuite bathrooms, AC and WiFi. In the evening, you'll meet your mountain guide for a trip briefing and equipment check, and then enjoy a delicious Sardinian dinner getting to know your fellow group members. A comfortable start to a wild trip!
Wild camping
For five nights of the trip you will sleep under the stars in twin-share tents in the Sardinian wilderness, far away from any sign of civilisation. All your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, overnight luggage, cooking kit, water, etc.) will be transported by a local team using a 4x4, so you won't need to carry this with you on the trek, however you will be expected to pitch your own tent. Your local guide can assist where needed.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own personal space, you can request your own room in Santa Maria Navarrese and a private tent for five nights (subject to availability). See Optional Extras for prices.
This trip has been rated as Tough
A good level of fitness is required, as you'll be out for up to 10 hours a day in a difficult environment – moving over challenging terrain and ascending considerable heights. You must be confident walking on steep and very uneven terrain, scrambling and descending on scree. Having a head for heights and good balance is absolutely crucial, as you'll be traversing many narrow paths and exposed sections next to vertical drops. The route and terrain, therefore, requires great stamina, so previous trekking experience on difficult mountain terrain is preferable (although not essential). You'll be fully supported by a team of local guides who will take care of the equipment porterage for you, so you'll be hiking only with your daily backpack. You'll sleep five nights in the forest, away from any trace of civilisation or comfort, so an adventurous spirit and adaptability are crucial for the enjoyment of this unique experience.
You don’t have to know how to abseil. Your professional mountain guide will take care of all rope manoeuvres. You just have to relax and carefully follow their instructions. You also don’t have to be a trained climber, but you should have good balancing skills and be confident climbing easy sections of rock. The only essential requirement is that you are not overly afraid of heights, as along the trek you will often have to scramble on scree and leaning rock walls. More difficult climbing passages are equipped with fixed ropes and will require you to wear a harness and via ferrata kit (which will be provided by your host).
What if i need to skip an activity?
You would have to complete the daily hike to get to the final destination and camping spot, but if you wish to take a rest day and prefer to skip a stage of the trek, you can! Each day, a transfer will reach the group in the evening to deliver luggage and dinner, and another transfer in scheduled in the morning to bring breakfast and pick up your luggage again. After breakfast, you may decide jump on the 4x4 and get a lift to the mountain hut where you can take a day off at leisure. In the evening, you can then jump in the same vehicle and rejoin the group, continuing the trek the following day.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger duffel bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you to each camp spot, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
Due to safety reasons and challenging nature of the trek, the trip cannot run during the hottest summer months of July and August. From May to June and September to October the daytime temperatures in Sardinia range from 22–30°C and cool off to 13–18°C at night, making this the ideal season for hiking. Unseasonable weather is possible at any time of year, but your guide will be assessing the weather conditions daily and will plan the walking times, routes and schedules accordingly. Rain is uncommon, so you're sure to get a lot of sun.
Absolutely brilliant. Pushed me to
Absolutely brilliant. Pushed me to the limit of what I could do and perhaps a little bit beyond. Ivan got me through my anxious moments and it is one of the special achievements of my life.
Fabulous!
If you like adventures, and are fit enough for some steep, rocky climbs, then you’ll love this trip! Varied walking with stunning views, swimming, scrambling and abseiling were highlights, and lots of good food and wine. Ivan’s love for Sardinia and the mountains is infectious. Some of the camp spots were a bit busy with other groups, but logistics were impeccable. I’ve not eaten or laughed so much in a long time. Top tips: bring a pocket knife for lunch, some cash in case of a beer/soda stop, and if you’re with a super-fit group, don’t be afraid to walk at the front to slow the pace a little!
Awesome experience with an amazing
Awesome experience with an amazing guide. The trek was challenging, the scenery beyond description and the food/services were top notch. I highly recommend this experience for those that want to challenge themselves and experience a beautiful and rugged environment
One of the best trips I've done
An excellent guide, a lovely group of people, great weather, incredible views, rugged terrain guaranteed to burn a few calories, 5 days spent in the elements, and feeling one with nature - what else could I ask for? Came back to my everyday life completely invigorated, with memories that will last a lifetime.
Selvaggio Blue
What a trip! I normally organise my own adventures so I had my reservations about a guided trip but this exceeded all expectations. It was really well organised and yet still really adventurous and wild. The food and drink was all local and a real highlight at the end of a tough day . Ivan is a great guide and makes you feel like you on an adventure with a mate not some organised tour . I can’t recommend this trip enough .
Amazing
Amazing trip, fun challenging and breath-taking.... our guide Ivan was the best!
This trip needs to be on your bucket list!
Wow. Utterly brilliant trip. Ivan is officially the world’s best guide with such in-depth knowledge of the route & its history (cool gruesome stories!). He paced it perfectly for our group. Nicely challenging route, stunning scenery, daily swims, great banter, amazing food, plentiful wine, warm water ‘shower’ each evening. Who could ask for more? So highly recommended.
Stunning adventure in the Wild Blu
This was truly an epic escape from the real world, with 5 days of laughter, wild camping, trekking, sea swimming, scrambling, via ferrata and abseiling, in the very safe hands of our guide, Ivan.
I had totally forgotten about the real world within a day and whilst this was a real adventure in the Sardinian coastal wilderness, it always felt well-paced and chilled.
The terrain is rough with lots of loose rock, so lightweight ankle-high shoes helped. Be prepared for a decent amount of exposure and scrambling....but that's the fun part after all!
Ivan has lots of great (and macabre) stories about Sardinia and he is an expert at picking the best lunchtime swimming spots! ....I'd be shocked if you've seen better spots. You'll also get to enjoy a lot of traditional Sardinian cuisine....just don't fill up too much on the pasta course.
The organisation with supplies for the wild campsites is spot on and make sure you embrace the panoramic au natural shower spot at camp 4!
I feel very lucky to have had an awesome group of people to share the experience with and who made it as fun as it was.
Thanks MBA and Ivan!
Selvaggio Blu
Ivan was a great guide and host. Who was both knowledgeable about the trail & mountaineering and the history of place. The itinerary was a great challenge but nicely packaged into sections, with amazing lunch spots by the sea. A truly epic trip that hit the mark and delivered more than expected.
If you`re looking for a
If youre looking for a challenging hike the scenery alone makes this a must do trip. Lunch with a swim in crystal clear waters and an evening supported
wild glamp with delicious food is a bonus. Add in a passionate, knowledgeable, hilarious and confidence-building guide makes this an unmissable adventure. Do it - you won
t regret it.
An amazing adventure!
An amazing adventure - Ivan was a fantastic guide, so knowledgeable and fun. The hike was challenging but so satisfying, and made all the better by lunchtime swims in crystal clear waters every day and wild camping in remote spots with noone else around.
A once in a lifetime, incredible trip.
A wonderful, once in a lifetime-type trip. I went in not really knowing what to expect, given the difficulty scale and reviews online, however I was not disappointed and instead was blown away by the experience. It’s a challenging trek, but nothing unmanageable or ridiculous. Ivan is an incredible guide who not only made us laugh all week with funny stories, but told us details and history of the trek and area throughout. The food was amazing, and camping under the stars in a primary forest is an experience I won’t forget. Special mention goes to swimming in the sea at lunchtime every day!!
The Selvaggio Blu is a
The Selvaggio Blu is a fantastic adventure that will take you through some amazing and scenic mountain terrain. You will get to do some super fun via ferratas along with some abseils which makes this trip even more fun.
The standout for me was our guide Ivan, he was awesome! Lots of local knowledge with great story telling and most importantly had a great sense of humour, which makes this trip unforgettable.
If you are here on this page, then you should definitely book this trip you will not be disappointed.
One of the best trips ever!
I have been on a few dozen active adventures around the world and several with MBA - and have to say this is in my top 3 of best hikes ever! The scenery, the food, the challenges and glamping all made for an amazing experience.
The tough (red) rating had me a little concerned about what was so different or harder than my challenging (orange) rating hikes, but if you are relatively fit and like to be pushed a bit outside your comfort zone, you will LOVE this trip.
I would do it all again! Ivan is an amazing guide!
Incredible Hike/Views + Amazing Food + Great Company
This was my first Much Better Adventure (or even group trip), and I would 100% go on a future trip. A few standouts -- the hike itself was challenging (though do-able with being in ok-shape) and was rewarded with beautiful views. Everyday we'd hike down to eat lunch by the beach (with some incredible Mediterranean swims) and thanks to the delicious packed lunch the crew had prepared, had such a pleasant break from the fun hike. I loved getting to know such diverse, interesting, and enjoyable people on the hike; this was such a bonus. Ivan, the guide, was so professional and also fun and supportive.
Good trip, good guide, logistics
Good trip, good guide, logistics well taken care of.
Blu paradise!
My interest was sparked in this trip when someone described it as a Mediterranean Cuillin Ridge! I was a little apprehensive about this trip as it got a tough rating, but I'd been told with a good head for heights it was achievable. As expected I found it tough but the beautiful blue sea, stunning landscapes and scenery, the scrambling, abseils, via ferrata, all made the extra effort worth while! I was encouraged by our guide (Ivan) not to quit, when I thought I couldn't go on anymore, on my last day. His confidence in my ability to finish gave me a new lease of life I did not regret. The group of people I was out with were super funny and chatty and the vibe for sure kept me going! Absolutely unforgettable and the very best of mba trips I have done! Thanks for the best of the best! 😁
Just Book It.
I don’t even know where to begin… If you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, value nature & sustainability, & enjoy heights, you should absolutely do this.
Ivan is absolutely wonderful and we couldn’t have had a more excellent group of people on the adventure. Every day was filled with laughter. Words can’t explain how wonderful every day was. The organization and level of comfort was top notch (asides from chilly April evenings/mornings that made me wish I chose a thicker puffy). We were well fed with excellent food. I would call it luxury camping/trekking if I’m honest.
If I had any tips for people when packing/deciding if they want to do it:
- Expect to hike a good bit on very rocky terrain. The hiking wasn’t too difficult or intensive, just technical. Having good balance is necessary. Trekking poles aren’t needed but a good and durable hiking boot or sneaker is a must.
- Bring chapstick and facial moisturizer. For some reason, my Texas skin was very dry in the Sardinian climate.
- Nights were cold but the days warmed up nicely.
- They had a great system with hot water that was dropped off at the camp to allow us to shower in the woods with water bottles at the end of each day.
- I had zero climbing experience going into this, but no issues with any of it.
I’ve already shared this trip with several friends. It’s an absolute dream!
One of the best MBA
One of the best MBA trips so far - fantastic group, very well organised. Stunning scenery, great hiking and climbing plus Ivan was the perfect host and took great care of us.
Loved the experience- I’m not a hiker so this one was new for me and my partner. It’s a difficult trekking trail but I’d say no previous experience is needed other than a positive attitude and the willingness to keep moving. The terrain is very rocky - so hard sole shoes are a must.
Brilliant trip and Ivan the local organiser, guide and expert on the many dark and occasionally lighter tales of Sardinia was fantastic. There are some tiring sections and challenging scrambles for someone not used to them but that makes it all the better when you finish each day. You do need to be someone who's fairly fit and willing. There's plenty of abseiling and some short climbs that would be simple for some but were great for me. The description given is accurate and doesn't under or overstate things. Some of those ledges can feel pretty exposed until you get used to them but you're in great hands.
This has been the best trip I have done with MBA so far. The trek is quite demanding so you need a good level of fitness to be able to do this, and a good head for heights. But ah the views, they are stunning! The group of people I was with was amazing and Ivan a perfect host, funny and informative. The food was great and I enjoyed the simple back to basics lifestyle. We swam every day and laughed every night, I did not want the trip to end. Fantastic experience
Would 100% recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and hiking. I loved every minute, from the abseiling to the daily swims in the sea. Each day was well organised and Ivan's great sense of humor, knowledge and expertise made him an excellent tour guide.
The Selvaggio Blu will demand a lot from you, but it’s worth it. Enjoyed the wide range of scrambles and abseiling, with the chance to swim on the trail’s magnificent beaches each day. Make no mistake though; you’ll be roughing it in the woods each night. Ivan is a tremendous guide who went out of his way to make sure we saw and experienced the best of the trail. This trip is a grind, but a worthy one. Happy I completed it and would recommend Selvaggio Blu to anyone seeking a challenge!
This is a brilliant trip for anyone with a decent level of fitness, head for heights and lust for adventure. It's tough with lots of scrambling and some via ferrata and abseils so perfect if you're looking for something challenging. I loved the opportunity to swim every day at a cove or beach along the way.
Great trip, challenging, especially if not much experience of rock climbing and/or scrambling, but could manage it without. The swim every day helped!
Great trip, Ivan the guide is excellent. Good fun with the group. Loved the wild camping and the hiking. Loved the food. I couldn't rate it more highly.
This trip is an absolutely incredible, once in a lifetime, challenge. Ivan is a fantastic host who shares stories and local knowledge throughout the trek. Expect long days of trekking along stunning coastlines, awesome abseils and daily swim stops in the Mediterranean. The trip is well supported while still feeling completely wild and cut off, and the camp sites are great (expect late night visits from the local pigs!). I cannot recommend this trip enough.
Very challenging, would be impossible save for incredible professionalism of Ivan the guide, a true adventure and definitely a great trip
Trekking the Selvaggio Blu is one of the best trips I’ve done. The terrain is tough (rocky untrodden paths with plenty of loose scree), and as a non climber the via ferratas and abseiling tested my nerve but I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Ivan our guide was fantastic - kept us safe, shared much local knowledge and the perfect host at meal times. The support team were super efficient in coordinating fresh food each day along with the transport of over night bags. As with the other MBA trips I have done, the group dynamics were great - like-minded people of various ages and nationalities, up for the challenge with plenty of fun and laughter. We were able to swim in the sea every day - water a little chilly as were the evenings (travelled in May) so do pack a warm fleece. The boat trip on the last day wasn’t rushed so you get to take a good look at the coastline you’ve just trekked. I so enjoyed this remote part of Sardinia - it really does take you away from it all. Another fantastic trip from Much Better Adventures.
Itinerary Activities
- 5 days of guided hiking, climbing, abseiling and via ferrata along the Selvaggio Blu route
- Boat ride along the coast
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide
- Plus a local team for logistical support
Accommodation
- 1 night in a hotel
- 5 nights wild camping
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 6 hearty breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches
- 6 Sardinian dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Cagliari Airport on Day 7
- All transfers during the trip
Porterage
- Jeeps to transport your overnight luggage and camping gear during the trek
Equipment
- All your climbing, via ferrata and abseiling safety kit
- All camping gear (excluding sleeping bag)
Permits
- Local park fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Twin-share tent
- Inflatable mattress
- All your abseiling, climbing and via ferrata equipment (helmet, harness, via ferrata kit and ropes)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (preferrably waterproof or with rain cover) put your tent, sleeping bag, and spare clothes in to. When filled with all your items, this bag should weigh no more than 15kg
- Daypack (30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack/drybags
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket
- Fleece jacket or warm jumper
- Buff or neckscarf
- Trekking shoes with a hard sole
- 5 or 6 t-shirts and changes of underwear
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts (bear in mind these may get damaged on the rocky passages)
- Trekking socks
- Swimwear and light towel
- Hat, glasses, and sun-cream
- Something to sleep in
- Sandals
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping bag (all season)
- Travel pillow or pillowcase
OTHER
- Knife, fork, and spoon plus a plate and a cup for meals
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent (strongly recommended!)
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle x2 (1.5-2 litre)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade (1 + 5 nights)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade (1 + 5 nights)
…
Private Arrival Transfer Cagliari Airport > Hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese (1-8 pax per vehicle)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer Cagliari Airport > Hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese (1-8 pax per vehicle)
…
Private Departure Transfer Santa Maria Navarrese > Cagliari Airport (1-8 pax per vehicle)
Payable Before Departure
Private Departure Transfer Santa Maria Navarrese > Cagliari Airport (1-8 pax per vehicle)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 105kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The Selvaggio Blu (translated as 'Wild Blue' in English) is an extreme adventure, often referred to as the most challenging trek in Italy. It's more than just trekking - it is a mountaineering and wilderness experience. The itinerary was developed in 1988 by two Italian guides, and it follows the coastline over the mountains and sea cliffs of Sardinia's Baunei area. The trail crosses thick forests, hidden caves and deep canyons, making it necessary to abseil, climb and walk along exposed paths. There are now many variations of the original trail, but on this trip you'll follow the original trekking route – including its technical sections – as it offers the best panoramas and the most rewarding experience.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
You don’t have to know how to abseil. Your professional mountain guide will take care of all rope manoeuvres. You just have to relax and carefully follow their instructions. You also don’t have to be a trained climber, but you should have good balancing skills and be confident climbing easy sections of rock. The only essential requirement is that you are not overly afraid of heights, as along the trek you will often have to scramble on scree and leaning rock walls. More difficult climbing passages are equipped with fixed ropes and will require you to wear a harness and via ferrata kit (which will be provided by your host).
Your local guide knows the itinerary and routes very well, having led Selvaggio Blu for years, and holds a professional mountain hiking certificate as well as First Aid certifications.
Yes, you are free to come with your own your abseiling, climbing and via ferrata kit if you prefer (helmet, harness etc). Please contact your host to let him know, or if you have any specific questions.
Climbing shoes are not required and all climbing sections on this trek can be tackled with standard trekking shoes.
You can leave any excess luggage with your host, who'll store them at the Rifugio Cooperative Goloritzé mountain hut (the official start point of the Selvaggio Blu trail) for the duration of the adventure and this will be delivered to you on the final day of the trip before you head to the airport.
Unfortunately, there are very few fresh water sources on the route, and they may be dry at any time. Therefore, the local team will be carrying drinking water containers which will be refilled each day at the wild camp spots. Please bring at least two 1.5-2L refillable bottles with you.
Yes, there is usually mobile reception on at least 70% of the route, with the exception of the camping areas on the second and third nights of the itinerary.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
If it’s just a case of drizzling rain you can wear a rain jacket and walk, occasionally you may have to wait for it to stop by seeking shelter in one of the many caves along the route. When camping, the local team can help by setting up a large tarpauline above the dining table, if needed.
In the case that the weather is seriously bad, your guide may decide to abandon the trail for safety reasons. In that case you'll reach your daily destination, but instead of camping you'll be transferred back to the Rifugio Cooperative Goloritzé mountain hut at the start of the trail. You'll have dinner at the hut and sleep under a canopy or in a small bungalow. The following day you'll take transfer and, if possible, you'll start hiking from the point where the trek was interrupted.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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