THIS TRIP WILL NOT BE RUNNING IN 2024, CHECK OUT OUR NORWAY HIKING AND YOGA ADVENTURE INSTEAD!
Gutsy Girls exclusive women-only hiking adventure holiday!
Discover the wild and rugged east coast of Sardinia
Trekking parts of Selvaggio Blu one of Europe’s most challenging hike
Created for beginners, no previous multi-day hiking experience is required
Fully supported with luggage transfer - hiking with day packs!
Beautiful secluded beaches for wild swimming
Camping under the stars and in a sea cave
The ADVENTURE
Join Gutsy Girls for our women-only multi-day hiking expedition in Sardinia. We’ve partnered with fantastic local guides who’ve extensively researched ancient shepherd's trails to create an incredible 7-day expedition hiking experience.
Over 5 days we’ll hike along rugged coastlines, discovering hidden beaches and secluded bays. Trekking sections of the ‘Selvaggio Blu’ ‘Wild Blue’ is said to be one of Europe’s most challenging hikes, a trail that winds through a wild coastal area with magnificent cliff faces and rock formations. We’ve chosen less technical sections of the Selvaggio Blu to give beginner hikers the opportunity to experience a beautifully wild and remote location.
This hiking holiday is created for beginners, you don’t need to have done a multi-day hike before, but you will need to be fit and comfortable hiking 5-6 hours each day on varying terrain; there will be some climbs and descents!
This trip is fully supported on the ground, with luggage transfer, so you’ll just be hiking with a daypack each day.
We couldn’t visit Sardinia without sampling the delicious local food, so over the 5 days we’ll sample traditional Italian cuisine and some evenings we’ll be eating at great local restaurants.
The accommodation on this hiking holiday is a combination of guest houses, wild camping, campsites and a hotel for the final evening. For three nights we’ll be camping under the stars, including the unique opportunity to sleep in a sea cave.
THE ADVENTURE
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We will pick you up from Olbia airport and we’ll drive for around 2.5 hours to the starting point of the hike.
For the first two nights of this adventure, we’ll be basing ourselves at a hiker's refuge, a guest house and a campsite. The refuge is simple and clean, a place where many hikers start their multi-day treks.
Based in the Golgo Plateau, one of the most beautiful mountainous areas in Sardinia, this is a place for stargazing and reconnecting with nature.
We’ll have a group dinner and a chance to get to know each other, before a briefing from our local guides for the week.
Accommodation: Twin / Triple room at Refuge.
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Breakfast at the refuge.
Today we will hike the Punta Salinas, a 15km circular route on ancient shepherd’s trails. This will be our first taste of the Gulf of Orosei, the 30km coastal stretch on the eastern coast of Sardinia.
The trek will lead us to Cala Goloritze, a beautiful secluded beach with white sand and bright blue water. The beach is famous for the Punta Caroddi, a 100m pinnacle that towers over the bay.
We’ll enjoy a swim and lunch at the beach. There’s a chance to watch climbers enjoying the multi-pitch routes in this beautiful location.
In the afternoon, we’ll finish the circuit back at our starting point. This is a challenging hike, so we will take our time, taking stops along the way to enjoy the views and walking at a comfortable pace for the group.
Group dinner at a local restaurant.
Activity: 5-7h Elevation: 450m up / 650m down
Accommodation: Twin / Triple room at the refuge.
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Breakfast at the refuge.
This morning we’ll be given a smaller duffel bag to pack just what we need for the next two nights (some of our luggage transfers are by boat and there isn’t space for all our luggage!) which will be transferred to our next destination. We’ll be hiking with just a daypack for this trip!
Today we will hike from beach to beach, along incredible coastal trails which make up part of the Selvaggio Blu ‘Wild Blue’, thought to be one of Italy’s most challenging multi-day hikes. Don’t be intimidated though, we’ve chosen a less technical part of the route!
In the morning, we’ll be trekking to Cala Mariolu, a small cove with white and pink sand surrounded by towering cliffs up to 500m tall. This bay is accessible only by hiking in through dense Mediterranean vegetation, so we’re hoping we’ll have this spot all to ourselves!
We’ll have lunch on the beach and a swim, before being picked up on the beach and continuing by boat to the next beach Cala Sisine and our camp spot for the night. Cala Sisine is one of the more popular beaches on our adventure, but as the night falls and tourists make their way back to their hotels, we’ll have the beach to ourselves. We’ll set up our tents and enjoy a group dinner at the campsite.
Activity: 5-7h. Elevation 250m up / 650m down
Accommodation: Tent (campsite - access to toilet and showers)
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Breakfast at the camp site.
Another day of beach hopping! Today we will hike from Cala Sisine to Cala Luna.
The coastal path winds through a densely forested area, with junipers, holm oaks and yews before opening up to stunning views of unusual rock formations, we will follow the river down to the Cala Luna.
Cala Luna is a popular beach to visit on the East Coast of Sardinia, it’s a beautiful long sandy stretch with caves and grottos cut into the limestone cliffs. Tourists will arrive either by hiking or boat transfers, but by night time it should be relatively quiet!
Accommodation: Wild camp spot. No showers, access to toilet 10 minutes walk away
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Breakfast on the beach.
Today we will have a restful morning, before starting our hike on an ancient shepherd's trail. This adventure is led and created by locals to the island, with inside knowledge and connections across Sardinia, so we’ve found some of the best unknown trails this incredible island has to offer. The ancient trails along the coastline and in the Supramonte mountain region won’t be found in guide books, and are known only to shepherds.
Tonight we will stay with a local shepherd at their farm.
We will eat with the shepherd and his family, who’ll be serving up delicious dinner, simple and fresh ingredients from the local area.
Activity 5h Elevation 600m Up
Accommodation: Camping on shepherd’s farm (access to toilet and cold shower)
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Breakfast at the farm.
We will hike from the shepherd’s farm to Cala Fuili. The trail will take us through forests and dense vegetation before reaching the beautiful beach of Cala Fuili. This beach boasts incredibly clear water, perfect for snorkelling!
We’ll enjoy some rest time at the beach before continuing our hike to Cala Gonone, a small coastal town and our final stop on this adventure. After a short stop for a gelato we will transfer (20 mins drive) inland to the Supramonte mountain region, to a beautiful Agriturismo overlooking the lake. Enjoy dinner there to celebrate an impressive 5 days of hiking!
Activity: 4h Elevation: 323m down
Accommodation: Twin or Triple room in hotel
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Today is about rest and recovery, so we’ll jump a boat for a tour of the river and a delicious lunch onboard.
If the water level is too low for the boat in September / October, we will go for a gentle hike in the area!
On our 6 night trip
There’ll be some free time to relax in hammocks overlooking the mountains before a transfer back to Olbia airport at 6:30pm, which takes about an hour.
On our 7 night trip
We will stay the night at the Agriturismo, enjoying a final dinner together. The following morning you’ll have some time to relax before heading to the airport, which takes about an hour.
Hiking
Each day we will hike between 5-7 hours on varying terrain, there will be steep inclines and descents
You don’t need previous multi-day hiking experience to join, however due to the challenging terrains, you do need to be physically fit.
You take part in moderate to high intensity exercise (running, cycling, gym) 4-5 times per week, your able exercise for numerous hours at a time and you’re comfortable pushing yourself when required. You don’t need to be fast but you do need to be able to keep going!
We ask that you are kind to yourself and realistic in your own ability to hike back to back days. This is not an easy adventure, but the challenge will be worth it!
You will need hiking boots with a good grip and ankle support. We will provide hiking poles.
We have ground support on this trip, which will be carrying our luggage from point to point. You’ll need a 30-40l daypack for carrying water (2-3l), food and clothing layers for the day.
accommodation
This trip will have varied accommodation across the week. We can’t offer private rooms, but you will have your own tent.
2 nights in a shared (twin / triple) room at hiker’s refuge, with en suite bathrooms.
1 night at a rustic campsite (with basic showers and toilets).
1 night wild camping (no shower and limited access to toilet facilities).
1 night camping at shepherd's farm with a (cold) shower and toilet.
1 night twin room at agriturismo / guesthouse.
We will provide a tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and camping pillow. You will need a sleeping bag liner.
FOOD
On this adventure you’ll be fuelled by delicious local food, lunches will be fresh salads and sandwiches for lunches, we’ll be eating at local restaurants and campfire dinners prepared by our guides.
We try to cater for all dietary requirements, but it’s important to note that this is a location away from mass tourism so choices for vegans will be extremely limited. Vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free options will be available.
If you have any particular dietary needs, please get in touch before booking.
WILD LUXURY
This trip is fully supported on the ground by our van and boat!
Your luggage will be transfered to each spot so you can hike with just a daypack.
The group size will be up to 11 guests with 2 highly qualified local guides and a Gutsy Girl host too.
Even as we sleep in wild locations, you’ll still be eating incredible food.
THIS trip will not be running in 2024, check out our Norway Hiking and Yoga Adventure INSTEAD!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
6 days of guided hiking
Riverboat tour*
6/7 nights accommodation (refuge, camping, hotel)
Individual tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, hiking poles
All breakfast, lunch and dinners
Full ground support and luggage transfer
Qualified local guide
Gutsy Girls Host
Airport transfers for recommended flights
*if the water level is low in October, you’ll go for another guided hike.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Lunch on travel days
Personal travel insurance
PAYMENT
30% deposit to secure your booking, remaining balance due 45 days before arrival.
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Flights are not included in our adventures. You are welcome to join us from all over the world, you’ll see the pick up and drop off times for each trip above!
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This trip will have varied accommodation across the week. We can’t offer private rooms, but you will have your own tent.
• 2 nights in a triple room at hiker’s refuge.
• 2 nights wild camping (no shower and limited access to toilet facilities)
• 1 night camping at shepherd's farm with showers and toilets!
• 1/2 night twin room at hotel.
We will provide a tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and inflatable pillow. We recommend you bring a sleeping bag liner.
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We provide tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, hiking poles
You will need:
• Hiking boots
• Daypack (30-45L)
• Sleeping bag liner
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We can cater for all dietary requirements, but it’s important to note that this is a location away from mass tourism so choices for vegans may be extremely limited. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.
If you have any particular dietary needs, please get in touch before booking.
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Over 95% of our guests join our trips solo. With activity-filled days and group dinners, you’ll be in great company throughout the trip.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll be invited to a WhatsApp group, and many guests arrange to meet at the airport before flying to us, some choose to share a hotel at the airport.
If you book a twin or triple room, you’ll be sharing with another Gutsy Girl.
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The Gutsy Girls community is filled with bold and badass women from 18-70+ years old, we never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years olds, with around 60% in their 30s-40s.
We can’t stress enough that your age doesn’t matter for our adventures! You’ll leave our trips with a group of great new friends, whatever your age.
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CANCELLATION FEES
The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:
• Cancellation fee of 100% of the full trip cost is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip
• Cancellation fee of 30% of the full trip cost is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO COVID
If you are unable to attend because you have tested positive or you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Track & Trace, our normal cancellation policies apply as above.
You are strongly advised to have the appropriate travel insurance at the time of booking.
RESCHEDULING
We do not offer rescheduling on our European trips.
If you are unable to attend the date you booked, you will need to cancel your booking. Cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as above. .
By booking in for this retreat, you agree to the terms and conditions of Gutsy Girls and our Provider
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This is a challenging adventure, you will be hiking for 5 days back to back on varying terrain. You will be carrying 4kg+ on your back for day hikes with lots of hills.
Each day we will hike between 5-7 hours on varying terrain, there will be steep inclines and descents. You don’t need previous multi-day hiking experience to join, however due to the challenging terrains, you do need to be physically fit.
You take part in moderate to high intensity exercise (running, cycling, gym) multiple times per week.
You are able exercise for numerous hours at a time and you’re comfortable pushing yourself when required. You don’t need to be fast but you do need to be able to keep going!
Alternatively, you are a confident hiker who is regularly walks long distances at a steady pace.
We ask that you are kind to yourself and realistic in your own ability to hike back to back days. This is not an easy adventure, but the challenge will be worth it!
We ask you are realistic in your ability and if you aren’t quite ready this time, the adventure will be here for you when you are!
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Packing list
Your main luggage will be transported from one overnight stop to the next, so you don’t need to carry everything with you each day. Please use a soft sided bag for your main luggage; not a rigid suitcase. This is mandatory for ease of transport. Please pack as light as possible!
For the first two nights of camping you will be asked to pack just what you need for these two nights into a smaller duffel/tote bag which is provided. There’s only capacity on the luggage transfer for a smaller bag for these 2 nights - you’ll be reunited with your main bag on the third night of camping.
You will need a 30-40 litre backpack with you each day for carrying water, food and clothing layers for the day.
In the daytime the temperatures can be warm, we recommend lightweight hiking clothing, which is fast dying and sweat wicking. You will need options that cover your shoulders from the sun.
In the evenings the temperatures can drop, so warmer layers will be needed.
WE PROVIDE
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Inflatable pillow
Hiking poles
YOU WILL NEED
GEAR
30 - 40 litre rucksack
Sleeping bag liner
Microfibre lightweight towel
2l / 3l or two / three 1l water bottles or hydration bladder (3 litres capacity recommended for warmer weather (June, September))
Electrolytes (optional, but recommended in hot weather)
Headtorch
Swimwear
Sandals / water shoes for swimming / rocky beaches
Towel - a small, lightweight one
Dry bags / packing cubes for organising packing for 2 nights wild camping (there’s only capacity on the luggage transfer for a smaller bag for these 2 nights - a small duffel style bag is provided)
CLOTHING
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support - MANDATORY. This is for your safety and comfort.
Hiking clothes - Sportswear like leggings, or hiking trousers / shorts and wicking t-shirts. Choose clothes without heavy seams that won’t rub and will dry quickly if it gets wet.
Layers you can take on and off throughout the day as the temperature changes
Lightweight long sleeve top and trousers - to protect arms and legs from bushes when hiking and to protect you from the sun
Midlayer - fleece
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hiking socks
Insulated jacket for the evenings
Shoes or sandals for evenings
Warm layers for evenings
Cap / Sunhat
Sunglasses
Warm hat
Buff
PERSONAL
Eyemask and earplugs - optional
Anti sickness meds for airport transfers and boat rides if needed
Toiletries
Sun screen - high factor!
Insect repellent
Compeed
Wet wipes for days with no access to showers
Small amount of toilet roll - some of the public toilets can’t be relied on to have stocks!