Long distance hiking sardinia is wild and adventurous: This fantastic trekking trail in Sardinia, which leads through the eastern mountains, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on this wonderful island. It is a climbing-free short version of the Selvaggio Blu, which is particularly suitable for those who do not want to abseil down rocks during the hike. The main highlights of the Sardien long-distance hiking trail are the striking “Pedra Longa” rock needle and the beautiful “Cala Goloritze” beach. Here you can experience some of the most impressive views and landscapes in Sardinia and marvel at the Ogliastra mountains from all sides. I thought the tour was fantastic - chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Recommended stages
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Accommodation
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Long distance hiking sardinia
The Ogliastra Mountains are a breathtaking and majestic mountain landscape located directly on the coast of Sardinia. It covers an area of around 1800 square kilometres and is surrounded by unspoilt nature. The imposing peaks of the Ogliastra Mountains tower high into the sky and offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The rugged cliffs and deep valleys are a true paradise for hikers who want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. It is a place where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the unspoilt beauty of nature to the full. In the midst of this wild landscape, you will find small villages and animals that have adapted to the harsh environment for centuries. The houses are built from natural stone and wood and blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings.
As always, I recommend my video of the tour:
Long distance hiking sardinia arrival
Flight: The best option is to fly to Sardinia and then continue your journey either by bus or 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. Ferries run to Olbia in the north or to Cagliari in the south.
Bus: The bus journey from Olbia to Santa Maria Navarrese takes about 5 hours, by car you can be there in 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 and the whole journey was generally very pleasant.
Long distance hiking sardinia Route
In total, you have to cover around 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 connoisseur, I would recommend at least 3 days, especially because you can extend the tour at the Refugio with numerous beautiful day trips or relaxing beach days in secluded bays. The Refugio is therefore an excellent starting point to experience even more.
Please note: On some hiking trails in this region, there are passages where you have to climb or abseil. Rangers have also told me that many of these hiking trails either no longer exist or are completely overgrown, making it very easy to get lost. These routes are therefore not suitable for beginners.
Tip: There are rangers at the Refugio who can help you with valuable information and advice.
Recomended stages
Stage 1: Santa Maria Navarrese - Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze approx. 25km
Stage 2: Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze - Santa Maria Navarrese approx. 25km
Long distance hiking sardinia Guide
Day 1: The hike begins in Santa Maria Navarrese, a charming fishing village on the east coast of Sardinia, right next to the Torre dei Saraceni, a picturesque sight on the beach. After a short climb and a fantastic view from a well-placed viewing platform, you reach the start of the famous Selvaggio Blu - probably the most beautiful hike in Sardinia. From here, the trail leads through a dense forest area up to the steep cliffs that characterise the island's coastline. The view from this height is breathtaking - you have a sweeping view of the deep blue Mediterranean and the picturesque landscape of Sardinia. As there is little shade and you are exposed to the movement of the air all day long, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream, which was 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:
‘Give your woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’ Quote from Marilyn Monroe
The first highlight you will soon reach is the impressive ‘Pedra Longa’ rock needle. There is a nice restaurant there where you can take a break. The path continues along the cliffs and you have the opportunity to swim in secluded bays. The water here is incredibly clear and luminous, and you can discover a variety of fish and marine life. Be careful of the giant ticks though - I discovered one on my foot at the time.
Tip: So don't forget the Tick tongs!
The hike continues through a fascinating landscape of wild olive groves and fragrant macchia until you finally reach Cala Goloritze beach. This beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Sardinia, with crystal-clear water and the finest sand made up of tiny white pebbles. Simply marvellous! Your day ends at the Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze, where you can relax after your hike.
Day 2: I got up early in the morning to experience a spectacular sunrise on Punta Salinas (466 metres). The special atmosphere between the olive groves and the gentle sound of the sea gave me goose bumps. I hope you can experience this magical moment too. I hope your hiking day starts just as impressively. The path winds its way through a dry but incredibly scenic landscape until you finally reach Baunei. This small town immediately impressed me - charming, with its typical Italian shops. Then it's another sweat-inducing climb up to Monte Oro and Monte Scoine, where an unforgettable view of Santa Maria Navarrese and the surrounding coast awaits you. The way back is even more adventurous as it takes you through a bizarre, densely wooded landscape.
You are sure to notice the self-built huts, which are simple animal farms. The owners come by once a day to look after the animals - an impressive, authentic way of life in the midst of this wild nature.
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: The ‘Refugio Cooperativa Goloritze’ is located about halfway along the route, where you can spend the night in a tent. You can also use the Refugio as a great starting point for day trips. There are hotels, flats and a campsite in Santa Maria Navarrese.
Wild camping: is prohibited in Sardinia and generally throughout Italy.
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 your individual preferences and destinations. In general, the months from April to June and from September to November are the ideal months for hiking on the island.
In spring (April to June), the weather offers mild and pleasant temperatures of around 15-20 degrees Celsius. At this time of year, the landscape is particularly beautiful as it is covered in blooming wildflowers and green hills, making hiking a visual delight.
In autumn (September to November), temperatures are slightly cooler but still pleasant for hiking, with average values of 15-25 degrees Celsius. The autumn scenery in Sardinia is breathtaking as the leaves on the trees turn shades of red, gold and brown, adding a special atmosphere to the hikes.
Heat: In summer, Sardinia can get very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. Long hikes are then strongly discouraged!
In winter, the conditions for hiking can be more difficult due to rain and snow, and many hiking trails can become inaccessible or slippery.
Further important information
Thunderstorms: Observe the behaviour during thunderstorms!
Permit: In order to visit Cala Goloritze beach, you need a permit, which you can obtain from the Refugio. However, you should definitely book it online beforehand. You can find information under 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: In my opinion, there was a minimally exposed passage shortly after Pedra Longa. However, it was bearable for me with a fear of heights. The paths are often full of scree, so you have to be careful when walking.
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!
Animals or vermin: Worth mentioning is the Petermännchen, a fish with a strong poison in a sting on its back. It is found throughout the Mediterranean and burrows into the shallow sand, stepping on the sting causes severe pain. Always seek medical attention after a sting.
A tiny spider, the female black widow, also has a strong venom. It lives in holes in the ground. However, you will probably never encounter her. With its red body with dots, it resembles a ladybird and only bites when it feels cornered.
As in other European regions, some animals look dangerous, but are actually not. You are most likely to encounter small scorpions, whose sting is unpleasant but harmless. Some snakes are somewhat larger, but all are harmless. Jellyfish also occur, albeit rarely, although only the tentacles of the jellyfish pose a danger.
Packing list
Here I present the most important hiking equipment that I personally own, have tested extensively and have also bought myself. I attach great importance to the weight, quality and price of my equipment. It should feel comfortable on longer tours and be light at the same time. I can also recommend the women's equipment as my wife uses it and it is essentially the same as the men's equipment.
Attention: Please note that the hiking equipment is general and should be adapted depending on the season and individual needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something via one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This helps me to maintain my blog and you support me in 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:
Sardinia trekking
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
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
Sardinia trekking 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.
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