Trek in Sardinia
5 good reasons to do the Selvaggio Blu

Trek in Sardinia - 5 good reasons to do the Selvaggio Blu

Set off on an adventure along the east coast of Sardinia for a trek like no other !

The Selvaggio Blu is an extremely popular itinerant trek in Sardinia along the Pedra Longa coastline, reputed to be one of the most beautiful but also the most difficult in Europe.
The history of Selvaggio Blu dates back to the 1980s. The trek was conceived and mapped out by Mario Verin, an Italian mountaineer with a passion for nature and adventure. He wanted to create a unique and immersive hiking route in Sardinia, following in the footsteps of shepherds and offering spectacular scenery in the island's wilderness.
Mario Verin spent several years exploring the east coast of Sardinia, studying maps, climbing cliffs and traversing gorges to find the best possible route. In 1987, he completed the design of the Selvaggio Blu, a trekking route of almost 50 kilometres...

The legendary Selvaggio Blu route quickly became legendary among trekking enthusiasts. Based on feedback from hikers, it has a reputation as an extremely difficult and demanding trek, reserved for experienced hikers in good physical condition. The route includes climbing sections on limestone cliffs up to 50 metres high, abseiling and long walks, making it a technical, physical and mental challenge.
It is important to note that the Selvaggio Blu remains a wild and unmarked route, requiring good preparation, a guide to help you through the difficult passages and good equipment suitable for both hiking and climbing.

We propose this 6-day disconnecting trek in Sardinia -> The Selvaggio Blu with Esprit Montagne

We'll start with a day of climbing to learn rope handling and check your level, then it's off to abseil over the sea and Via ferratas with greyhound footbridges!
Each day, we'll walk along fairly technical panoramic paths and descend to the sea through canyons or by abseiling.
The trek takes place along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and the spectacular rock formations typical of Sardinia. We'll also pass through secluded coves and white sandy beaches, where you can relax and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean in the heat of the late day.
During the trek, we'll have the opportunity to discover Sardinia's wild nature, as well as Italian culture and local traditions. We'll spend nights bivouacking under the stars in the mild Sardinian climate, in isolated, unspoilt spots on the island. You'll be able to take full advantage of the tranquillity and beauty of nature.
Supplies of food and equipment are provided by boat assistance, freeing us up for the days of hiking.
The Selvaggio Blu trek is a new and demanding, but incredibly rewarding adventure for those looking to explore Sardinia's wilderness. On this trek, you'll enjoy an unforgettable authentic and adventurous experience :)

Now here are 5 good reasons to trek Selvaggio Blu:

Breathtaking and exotic landscapes

Selvaggio Blu is much more than just a trek. It takes you through incredible and varied landscapes. You'll discover secluded coves, steep limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, imposing mountains and breathtaking panoramas of unspoilt nature. You'll be amazed by Sardinia's natural beauty every day. You'll have all the advantages of an island, with the sea as far as the eye can see and the sensation of being in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, a real change of scenery.

It's a real adventure that allows you to immerse yourself completely in Sardinia's unique and wild nature. Travelling through Selvaggio Blu, you'll have the chance to discover exceptional and typical flora and fauna. Sardinia is home to many endemic and protected species, including rare birds, reptiles and a wide variety of plants and flowers. You'll be amazed by the island's biodiversity, which will add colour to your days!

It's a little-known route, not totally open to the public, so you'll go on and off trails. You'll cross difficult terrain like scree, climb rock faces, swim in secluded coves and sleep under the stars by the fire. This unique experience will remain engraved in your memory for ever - you don't get to share moments like this every day ;)

Provisioning by sea to make your day easier

Several advantages:

• The Selvaggio Blu trek is located close to the coast, so using a boat to supply trekkers makes it possible to reach remote areas that are difficult to access by land. This opens up new possibilities for trekkers to explore, giving them access to more remote and unspoilt areas.
• Boats can carry larger quantities of food and equipment than trekkers. This is particularly advantageous for long treks or those requiring specialist equipment such as the Selvaggio Blu with its ropes, helmets and harnesses.
  In short, provisioning by boat simplifies the logistics of the trek. Instead of carrying all the supplies you need from the starting point, you can reduce the weight of your bags by carrying only the bare minimum, and plan refreshment points along the way. This allows trekkers to travel lighter and enjoy the experience more.
• For safety's sake, refuelling also makes it possible to adjust the itinerary in the event of unforeseen circumstances or changes in weather conditions.

An immersion in Sardinian culture

As well as exceptional nature, Selvaggio Blu also offers you an immersion in Sardinian culture, a unique and distinctive culture. You'll have the chance to meet the local people and discover their traditions, cuisine and way of life. You'll also have the chance to take home a piece of Sardinian Pecorino cheese to enjoy at home ;)
Sardinian culture is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and historical influences. The island's inhabitants are proud of their unique identity and preserve their traditions, which are reflected in their customs...
This trek is a unique opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience and bond with the Sardinians.

Difficulty in a playful challenge

The Selvaggio Blu is certainly a fun trek, with abseiling, nights by the fire under the stars and walks in dense nature.
But it's also a physical and mental challenge. The Selvaggio Blu is a demanding trek that requires good physical condition and some hiking experience. You'll need to have already done a trek of several days' duration, as the 6 days we're proposing won't be easy...

Here are a few examples of treks you can do before setting off for Selvaggio Blu:

-> Tour of the Vanoise glaciers in 5 days
-> The high paths of the Vanoise and Haute Maurienne in 6 days
-> Trek in the heart of the Vanoise National Park in 5 days

You'll face physical challenges such as climbing and trekking over rough terrain.

To improve your climbing skills and learn the basics before you leave -> 3 or 5-day course

This route will push you to your limits and develop your mental strength!

Easily accessible by boat or plane

Sardinia is easy to reach by sea, thanks to excellent links with the Italian mainland and other neighbouring islands. Several ferry companies operate between various Italian ports and Sardinia.
The main ports and airports linked to Sardinia are :

• By boat: from Genoa, Livorno, Toulon or other ports to Olbia or Porto Torres.
• By plane: to Cagliari or Olbia.

Journey times vary according to the ferry company you choose. In general, ferries offer several timetable options, day or night (night boats are more expensive). It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer months when demand is highest.

It is important to bear in mind that ferry companies may change or suspend routes due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen factors. We therefore advise you to check timetables and weather conditions with the ferry companies before planning your trip, so you don't get any nasty surprises !

Why hike the Selvaggio Blu with a guide and not on your own?

The Selvaggio Blu has some dangerous sections, including rock wall climbing, river crossings and steep unmarked paths. An experienced guide knows the route well and can assess the potential risks. He or she can also provide safety advice on both climbing and walking, as fatigue will build up over the days and carelessness can happen very quickly...

It's best to have a map with you so you don't get lost off the beaten track!

• What's more, this trek is not marked in the conventional way and it can be difficult to find your way around, especially in the wildest and most isolated areas. The guide knows the trails and can help you find your way, so there's no risk of getting lost in the island's dense wilderness.
• As well as safety, your guide can share interesting information about Sardinia's history, culture and natural environment to enrich your cultural experience.
• Organising a self-guided trip on Selvaggio Blu can be complex in terms of logistics. The agency organising your trek will take care of the provisioning by boat, allowing you to concentrate fully on the hike and enjoy your holiday :)

All good reasons to go with a guide ;)

Now you have no excuse for not doing the Selvaggio Blu trek !