★ Advanced Variant

● Extended Route to Cala Gonone

This extended variant continues beyond the classic Selvaggio Blu endpoint at Cala Sisine, traversing northward along the dramatic coastline to reach Cala Gonone. The route passes through some of Sardinia's most famous beaches, including the legendary Cala Luna.

5
Days
T6+
Hiking Grade
IV
UIAA Climbing
8+
Rappels

⚠ EXTREME DIFFICULTY

This variant is rated T6+ (difficult high-level alpine hiking) with climbing sections up to IV UIAA. It requires:

  • Advanced rope work and rappelling skills
  • Multi-day wilderness experience
  • Excellent physical conditioning
  • Navigation skills in unmarked terrain
  • Complete self-sufficiency (bivouac camping)

This is NOT for beginners. Attempt only with proper experience and preparation.

● Difficulty Rating

Aspect Rating Description
Hiking T6+ Difficult high-level alpine hiking. Exposed terrain, unmarked paths, requires route-finding skills.
Climbing IV UIAA Technical climbing sections requiring rope work. Not just scrambling.
Rappelling 8+ descents Multiple rope descents, some up to 45+ meters. Double rope technique required.
Navigation Expert No marked trails. GPS essential. Many groups get lost even with tracks.
Accommodation Bivouac "Into the wild" - sleeping under the stars or in caves. No refuges on extended section.

● Route Waypoints

The extended route follows these key waypoints from south to north:

📍 Complete Waypoint Sequence

  1. Santa Maria Navarrese (10 m) — Start point, coastal village
  2. Pedra Longa (128 m) — Iconic rock spire, restaurant available
  3. Punta Giradili — Trail start for the classic route
  4. Punta Salinas (466 m) — High point with panoramic views
  5. Cala Goloritzè — Famous beach with limestone arch
  6. Cala Sisine — Classic route endpoint / Extended route midpoint
  7. Cala Luna — Legendary crescent beach with caves
  8. Cala Fuili — Small beach near Cala Gonone
  9. Cala Gonone — Extended route endpoint, town with services
Key Difference: The classic Selvaggio Blu ends at Cala Sisine. This extended variant adds approximately 2 more days of coastal trekking to reach Cala Gonone, passing through Cala Luna — one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches.

● Recommended 5-Day Stages

DAY 1: Santa Maria Navarrese to Portu Pedrosu area

Begin at Santa Maria Navarrese, passing the iconic Pedra Longa rock spire. Ascend via the Giradili ledge (sun-exposed, carry extra water). Camp in the Portu Pedrosu area.

Highlights: Pedra Longa views, coastal panoramas

DAY 2: Portu Pedrosu to S'Arcu 'e Su Tasaru

Long day through technical terrain. Navigate through Bacu Tenadili canyon or take the Masadorgittala variant. Reach the high plateau at S'Arcu 'e Su Tasaru.

Challenges: Canyon navigation, route-finding, elevation gain

DAY 3: S'Arcu 'e Su Tasaru to Cala Sisine area

Multiple rappels begin. Descend through Bacu Padente with 4 rope descents. Pass the stunning Cala Goloritzè beach. Continue to Cala Sisine area.

Technical: 4 rappels, exposed traverses, difficult navigation

DAY 4: Cala Sisine to Cala Luna

Continue the final 4 rappels including the 45m descent (longest on the route). Navigate the Plumare Via Ferrata. Reach the legendary Cala Luna beach.

Technical: 4 rappels (up to 45m), via ferrata section

Reward: Camping at one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches

DAY 5: Cala Luna to Cala Gonone

Final stretch along the coast. Pass through Cala Fuili beach before arriving at Cala Gonone, a proper town with restaurants, hotels, and transport connections.

Character: Less technical than previous days, coastal walking with beach access

Finish: Civilization! Hot showers, restaurants, ferry/bus connections

● Essential Equipment

⚠ MANDATORY Rope Gear

The following equipment is absolutely required for the extended route:

  • 2 x Half Ropes (40m minimum each) — Essential for the 45m rappel
  • Climbing Harness — Must be comfortable for all-day wear
  • Carabiners — Multiple locking and non-locking
  • Slings/Webbing — For anchors and extensions
  • Kevlar Cord — For retrievable anchors
  • Belay/Rappel Device — Figure-8 or tube-style
  • Helmet — Mandatory for all technical sections

⛺ Bivouac Gear

Since the extended section has no refuges, full bivouac equipment is required:

  • Sleeping Pad — Inflatable or foam
  • Sleeping Bag — 3-season minimum
  • Waterproof Tarp/Bivvy — Weather protection essential
  • Headlamp — With spare batteries
Weight Consideration: With all rope gear, bivouac equipment, food, and water (3+ liters/day), packs can exceed 20kg. Consider using logistics support for the classic section and carrying only essentials for the extended portion.

● Famous Beaches on the Extended Route

Cala Goloritzè

Often ranked among Italy's most beautiful beaches. Features crystal-clear turquoise water and a distinctive limestone arch. The iconic "Aguglia" (needle) rock formation towers 143 meters above the sea. UNESCO World Heritage monument.

Cala Sisine

A dramatic fjord-like inlet surrounded by limestone cliffs. White pebble beach with a seasonal bar/restaurant. This is where the classic Selvaggio Blu ends — and where the extended variant continues.

Cala Luna

The crown jewel of the extended route. A crescent-shaped beach backed by dramatic caves and oleander groves. Featured in numerous films. One of the most famous beaches in the entire Mediterranean. Accessible only by boat or on foot.

Cala Fuili

A smaller, quieter beach just south of Cala Gonone. Easier access marks the transition back to civilization. Good swimming spot to wash off days of trail dust before reaching town.

● Logistics Considerations

Start Point: Santa Maria Navarrese

  • Small coastal village with hotels, B&Bs, restaurants
  • Accessible by bus from Olbia (~5 hours) or car (~2.5 hours)
  • Last chance for supplies before the trek

End Point: Cala Gonone

  • Proper tourist town with full services
  • Hotels, restaurants, shops, ATMs
  • Ferry connections to beaches and other coastal towns
  • Bus connections to Nuoro and beyond

One-Way Transport

Since this is a point-to-point route (not a loop), transport planning is essential:

  • Leave a car at Cala Gonone and take a taxi/bus to Santa Maria Navarrese
  • Arrange pickup at Cala Gonone
  • Use public transport (more complex but possible)

Logistics Support

Standard logistics services cover the classic route to Cala Sisine. For the extended section (Sisine to Gonone), logistical support is limited. Some options:

  • Carry all supplies for the final 2 days
  • Arrange boat delivery to Cala Luna
  • Time your arrival at Cala Luna when the seasonal bar is operating

📝 Route Credit

Extended route information compiled from trip reports on hikr.org and other experienced trekkers who have completed the full Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Gonone traverse.

Looking for other options?

Classic Route Guide Short Version (No Ropes)