This fantastic hike, which leads through the eastern mountains of Sardinia, is certainly one of the absolutely most beautiful on this wonderful island. It is a climbing-free short version of the Selvaggio Blu and is suitable for all those who do not want to abseil down rocks during the hike. The big highlights of the Selvaggio Blu, such as the "Pedra Longa" rock needle or the beach "Cala Goloritze", are nevertheless included. You experience some of the most impressive views and landscapes of Sardinia and can marvel at the Ogliastra Mountains from all sides. I found the tour terrific. Chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
General: The Ogliastra Mountains are a breathtaking and majestic mountain landscape which lies directly on the coast of Sardinia. It covers an area of about 1800 square kilometres and is surrounded by untouched nature. The majestic peaks of the Ogliastra Mountains rise into the sky and offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The rugged cliffs and deep valleys are a paradise for hikers who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. It is a place where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest. Amidst the wild landscape you will find small villages and animals that have lived here for centuries and have adapted to the harsh and untouched environment. The houses are built of natural stone and wood and blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings.
As always, I recommend my video of the tour:
Journey
Flight: It is best to take a flight to Sardinia. Then either take the bus or a car to Santa Maria Navarrese, the starting point of the hike. Sardinia has a total of three airports, two in the north and one in the south, near the capital Cagliari. The ferries run either to Olbia in the north or to Cagliari in the south.
Bus: It takes about 5 hours by bus from Olbia. By car about two and a half hours.
Ferry: I took a ferry from Livorno to Olbia and then travelled on to Santa Maria Navarrese by car. The ferry takes about eight hours.
The journey was generally very pleasant.
Route
In total, you have to cover about 50 km and a good 2000 metres in altitude. I completed the tour in two days, which is very sporty. For the average hiker or the connoisseur, I would recommend at least 3 days, especially because you can extend the tour at the Refugio with several beautiful day tours or beach days in lonely bays. You can use the Refugio very well as a starting point for this.
Attention: On some trails there are sections where you have to climb or abseil. Rangers have also told me that many trails no longer exist or are completely overgrown and you can easily get lost. So it's not for beginners.
Tip: At the Refugio, however, there are rangers who can give you good advice.
Day 1: The hike starts in Santa Maria Navarrese, a small fishing village on the east coast of Sardinia, directly at the sight called "Torre dei Saraceni" which is located directly on the beach. After a short climb and a fantastic view from a beautiful viewing platform, you already reach the beginning of the famous Selvaggio Blu, the most beautiful hike in Sardinia. From here, the path leads through a dense forest area up to the steep cliffs that form the coast of the island. The view from up here is breathtaking - you can overlook the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean and the beautiful landscape of the island. As there is little shade and you are exposed to the movement of the air all day, I would like to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sunscreen, specially developed for mountaineers, as well as my ultra-light sun cap and wind blocker!
• Sun cap
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the challenging mountain trails:
"Only where you have been on foot have you really been". Quote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The first highlight you will soon reach is the beautiful rock needle "Pedra Longa". There is a great restaurant there, so take a break. The path then continues along the cliffs, where you have the opportunity to swim in hidden bays. The colours of the water here are incredibly clear and bright, and you can see many different types of fish and marine life. Beware of the giant ticks though, I found one on my foot.
Tip: So don't forget the Tick tongs!
The walk then continues through a landscape of wild olive groves and maquis before finally reaching Cala Goloritze beach. This beach is one of the most beautiful in Sardinia and has crystal clear water and fine sand. The sand consists of small white balls. I can only say that it is fantastically beautiful! Finally, your day ends at the Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze.
Day 2: I got up early in the morning to experience a brilliant sunrise on Punta Salinas (466m). The atmosphere between the olive groves and the sound of the sea is very special. Goosebumps! Hopefully, your hiking day will also begin in such an eventful way. The hiking trail winds through the dry but panoramic landscape to Baunei. I liked the town very much. It's kind of cute and has typical little Italian shops. Then it's another sweaty climb up to Monte Oro and Monte Scoine, where an unforgettable view of Santa Maria Navarresse and the surrounding coast awaits you. The rest of the way back is extremely adventurous, leading you through a bizarre and densely forested landscape.
On the hike, you're sure to be amazed by the self-built huts. These are simple animal farms. The owners come round once a day to feed the animals.
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Accommodation
Refugio: About halfway along the trail is the "Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze" where you can stay overnight in a tent. You can also use the Refugio as a great starting point for day trips. In Santa Maria Navarrese there are hotels, flats and a camping site.
Attention: Wild camping is generally forbidden in Sardinia (and in the whole of Italy) in the middle of nature.
For optimal preparation for any tour, I recommend the workouts on my Youtube channel:
Weather and best time to travel
The best time to go hiking in Sardinia depends on individual preferences and destinations. In general, April to June and September to November are the best months to go hiking in Sardinia. In spring (April to June) the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures of 15-20 degrees Celsius. The landscape is also particularly beautiful at this time of year, with wildflowers in bloom and green hills.
In autumn (September to November), temperatures are slightly cooler but still pleasant for walking, with average temperatures of 15-25 degrees Celsius. The autumn scenery in Sardinia is stunning, with red, golden and brown leaves on the trees.
During the summer, Sardinia can get very hot, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. The heat can make walking difficult and it is important to bring enough water and sunscreen. In winter, conditions for hiking can be difficult due to rain and snow.
Further important information
Thunderstorms: Observe the behaviour during thunderstorms!
Permit: In order to visit Cala Goloritze beach, you need a permit, which you can get at the Refugio. However, you should make sure to book it online beforehand. You can get information at the following link:
Nature reserves: Sardinia has several nature reserves where certain rules and restrictions may apply. You should find out about the regulations in advance.
Surefootedness: To be safe on the trail, sure-footedness and the right footwear are the most important factors - after all, falls due to tripping and slipping are the most common cause of accidents when hiking. So remember: the right footwear and the right walking technique are therefore incredibly important. You are sure to find the right footwear in the article below!
Water: Only available at the Refugio! In an emergency situation, however, you should always use a water filter. Otherwise illnesses are inevitable. In high summer you need at least 5 litres of water per day!
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Wild & adventurous: these are the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Europe.
Safety advice
All the safety rules of mountain sports also apply to hiking and trekking! You can find the safety rules in the link below:
Recomended stages
1. stage: Santa Maria Navarrese - Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze approx. 25km
2. stage: Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze - Santa Maria Navarrese approx. 25km
You will pass the following places along the way: Fonts Surrele source 1,8 km
Pedra longa Restaurant 5,8 km
Punta Giradili (732 m) peak 11,7 km
Irbiddossili Corridor/terrain 17,2 km
Aguglia (143 m) peak 21,1 km
Golgo (Su Sterru) cave entrance 27,6 km
Baunei village 37,1 km
Monte Oro (669 m) peak 40,5 km
Monte Scoine (647 m) peak 42,3 km
Montare Pittaine peak 44,1 km
Santa Maria Navarrese (9 m) village 47,4 km
Tancau sul Mare (9 m) village
Packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
GPX and map information
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/3vEab4
Here is the route on the map:
Conclusion
The hike is demanding and requires a good physical condition, but offers you unforgettable impressions of the most beautiful landscape of Sardinia. I especially liked the coastal cliffs and unique animal farms. I really enjoyed the tour! I wish you a great time and lots of success ;)
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback or suggestions via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.