The Selvaggio Blu, "wild blue" in Italian, isn't a trail in the conventional sense. It is a route: an approximately 45-kilometer traverse along the cliff-face coast of the Gulf of Orosei in the Baunei municipality of Sardinia, identified and documented by Mario Verin and Peppino Cicalò in the 1980s on the basis of the paths used by Sardinian shepherds and charcoal-makers to access the otherwise inaccessible coast. There are no roads crossing the route. There are sections where ropes and rappelling equipment are required. There is no shelter except natural caves and the occasional abandoned shepherd's hut. Water must be carried or sourced from springs whose exact locations require map knowledge. The path markings are inconsistent. And the scenery, the Tyrrhenian limestone walls plunging 400-500 meters directly into turquoise water, the juniper and mastic scrub, the silence broken only by the sea and the occasional griffon vulture, is the most dramatic coastal landscape in Italy and arguably in the entire Mediterranean.
The Selvaggio Blu is rated as one of the ten most challenging long-distance trekking routes in Europe. It is generally completed in 5-7 days as a traverse from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Sisine or in reverse, with a support boat for water and food resupply at accessible coves. It requires significant physical fitness, technical hiking experience (including basic rope technique), navigation skills (GPS and 1:25,000 maps), and complete self-sufficiency in terms of food, water, and bivouac equipment.
How do you want to see it?
Sardinia, ItalyCompare the same experience on GetYourGuide and Viator, save what you like to My Trip, share it, and book when you’re sure. Nearest to this page first.
The Route: Section by Section
Starting Point: Santa Maria Navarrese
The most common starting point for the Selvaggio Blu going north-to-south is Santa Maria Navarrese, a small coastal village near Baunei. The northern start (beginning from Cala Sisine and going south) is also done by some parties. The choice depends on logistics: Santa Maria Navarrese has a small hotel and restaurant, making the first night easy. Starting from Cala Sisine requires a boat transfer.
Selvaggio Blu Trek: tours & tickets
Compare guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and day trips for Selvaggio Blu Trek.
See availability & prices →We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.Days 1-2: The Southern Cliff Sections
The first two days of the Selvaggio Blu involve the most technical terrain: steep descents on fixed ropes (tyroleans and rappels) to access sea-level coves, some of which serve as the only camping options. The coastal views open immediately from the first ridge: the Gulf of Orosei's clarity, the limestone walls, the absence of any human structure in sight. The physical commitment becomes apparent on Day 1. The beauty makes it worthwhile by Day 1 evening.
Days 3-5: The Central Section
The middle days of the Selvaggio Blu are less technical but more physically demanding in terms of cumulative distance and elevation change. The route enters the high Supramonte plateau in sections before returning to cliff-face paths above the sea. The canyon of Gorropu, the deepest gorge in the Mediterranean, accessible from the Selvaggio Blu route, is a significant detour worth the extra time.
Days 6-7: The Northern Section and Cala Sisine
The final days approach Cala Sisine from above, with progressive views of the Gulf of Orosei's northern section. Cala Sisine itself, accessible only by boat or by the Selvaggio Blu route, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia: white pebbles, turquoise water, and complete absence of commercial infrastructure.
Q&A: Selvaggio Blu Trek
How difficult is the Selvaggio Blu?
Very difficult. EE (Escursionisti Esperti. Experienced Hikers) rating from the Club Alpino Italiano, with sections requiring EEA (with technical equipment) for the rope passages. Specific requirements: significant trekking fitness (ability to carry 15+ kg pack for 8+ hours daily), experience with route-finding on unmarked terrain, ability to use basic rope technique for rappels, and complete wilderness self-sufficiency. The route isn't appropriate for hikers without previous multi-day technical trekking experience.
Do I need a guide for the Selvaggio Blu?
A licensed guide is strongly recommended and in some seasons effectively required, the route markings are insufficient for navigation without GPS and map skills, the technical passages require guidance, and the rescue logistics in this wilderness area are extremely difficult. Several guide services based in Baunei and Dorgali offer full service (guide, equipment, boat support): Cooperativa Goloroitze, Barbagia Insolita, and Selvaggio Blu Expert are among the most established. Costs typically €150-250 per person per day for guided service with boat support.
When is the best season for the Selvaggio Blu?
April-June and September-October. Summer (July-August) is too hot for the exposed cliff sections and the water sources can dry up. Winter is too cold for wild camping and some rope passages become slippery. Spring offers the best combination: cooler temperatures, reliable water, full daylight hours, and the Sardinian maquis in bloom. April on the Selvaggio Blu is one of the finest experiences in Italian trekking.
What permits are required?
The Selvaggio Blu crosses the Baunei municipal territory and the Gennargentu e Golfo di Orosei National Park. Some sections require a permit from the Comune di Baunei (free, requires advance registration). Camping is restricted to designated areas. Check current permit requirements with the Comune di Baunei office (comunedibaunei.it) before planning the trek.
Is it possible to do sections of the Selvaggio Blu without the full traverse?
Yes. Several day walks from the Supramonte plateau access specific sections of the coastal route, including approaches to Cala Goloritzè (the most famous beach, with its natural arch accessible also by boat from Santa Maria Navarrese) and the canyon of Gorropu. These day excursions require hiking fitness and navigation ability but not the technical rope skills or multi-day self-sufficiency of the full traverse.
What Nobody Tells You About the Selvaggio Blu
The Selvaggio Blu's water situation is the most critical logistical factor. Springs are marked on detailed maps but can be unreliable in dry years. The route's water sources should be verified with your guide or the current year's information from the local hiking community before departure. Carrying a minimum of 3 liters at all times is standard advice. Some experienced trekkers carry 5 liters between known sources in summer conditions.
The boat support option (a small support vessel that meets the trekking party at accessible coves for water and food resupply) transforms the difficulty level considerably. Without boat support, all water and food must be carried from the start, adding significant pack weight to already demanding terrain. Most organized Selvaggio Blu experiences include boat support as standard. Independent parties should seriously consider hiring a support boat separately.
Internal Links
- Italy Hut to Hut Trekking: The Alpine Alternative
- Italy Ski Guide: The Same Mountains in Winter
- Nora Sardinia: Roman City by the Sea
- Alpe di Siusi: Dolomites High Plateau Trekking
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Dolomites Classic Trek
- Isole Tremiti: Sardinia's Adriatic Alternative
- Sardinia's Hidden Beaches: Beyond the Selvaggio Blu
