Backpacker Magazine – March 2009

International Multisport Meccas: Sardinia, Italy

Test your scrambling skills–plus sea kayak, rock climb, and scuba dive the Gulf of Orosei Coast.

by: Michael Lanza

Tags:
• International
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• Kayaks
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• Vacations
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• Climbing
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• Paddling
|

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Vancouver Island, British Columbia | French Alps
Darjeeling, India | Queenstown, New Zealand
Sardinia, Italy | Julian Alps, Slovenia | Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Hike
Known as the wildest trek in Italy, the Selvaggio Blu traverse combines difficult routefinding, exposed scrambling, moderate rock climbing, and rappels of up to 150 feet. Linking centuries-old shepherds' paths for 28.6 miles, the five- to six-day trek takes you along the craggy limestone mountains and shoreline of Sardinia's Gulf of Orosei. Expect a resting pulse rate only during the evenings–which are reliably mild from spring through summer, letting you sleep tentless under the stars. Water is scarce, so carry at least four liters per day. Tip: The first two to three days involve no technical terrain. Travel light, and cache water and extra gear at Cala Goloritze, a beach camp below the imposing pinnacle Aguglia di Goloritze. guidestarmountain.com

Sea Kayak
After your trek, paddle for four days back south along the Gulf of Orosei coast, from Cala Gonone to Santa Maria Navarrese, poking around seaside caves and camping on remote beaches. spirit-of-adventure.com

Rock Climb
Choose from hundreds of single- and multipitch routes in the Ogliastra area, south of the Gulf of Orosei, where a 3,000-foot elevation range allows a year-round climbing season.

Scuba Dive
From Cala Gonone, dive to underwater caves in the Gulf of Orosei. The Argonauta Diving Club (argonauta.it) offers half- or full-day tours.

Cost $$

Guidebook
The Selvaggio Blu Trek, by Corrado Conca (Edizioni Segnavia, $20; English translation by Peter Herold). Herold and his wife, Anne, operate a guest house (peteranne.it) near the Selvaggio Blu's southern terminus and know the area's climbing, hiking, and road and mountain biking.

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