Sardinia's Selvaggio Blu
Italy's toughest trek: 7 days along Sardinia's wild eastern coast. Sea cliffs, hidden coves, and complete isolation. For experienced hikers only — and the reward is the most spectacular coastline in Europe.
Day 1 - Summary
A full day to lose yourself in Santa Maria Navarrese. The morning light hits the old stones differently here, and by afternoon you'll understand why people fall in love with this place. Today's highlights include Explore the Historic Center of Santa Maria Navarrese and Main Cathedral or Key Monument of Santa Maria Navarrese. Don't miss the culurgiones (ravioli with potato and mint).
Activities for Day 1
Breakfast at a Local Café in Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 45mMorning light fills the streets of Santa Maria Navarrese. Find a table at a Local Café in Santa Maria Navarrese and ease into the day with espresso and a warm cornetto. The Italians call this 'colazione' — and it's a ritual, not just a meal.
Centro Storico, Santa Maria NavarreseType: CaféCost: €5-€10Explore the Historic Center of Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 2hExperience what makes Santa Maria Navarrese truly unique — an authentic Italian experience. This isn't something you'll find in any guidebook. It's the kind of discovery that turns a trip into a story.
Centro Storico, Santa Maria NavarreseType: AttractionCost: Free - €10Must SeeMain Cathedral or Key Monument of Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 1hDiscover Main Cathedral or Key Monument of Santa Maria Navarrese — one of Santa Maria Navarrese's cultural treasures. Santa Maria Navarrese is full of surprises. Take your time here; the details reward patient observation.
Piazza del Duomo, Santa Maria NavarreseType: ChurchCost: €5-€12Must SeeLunch at a Traditional Trattoria in Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 1h30mThe menu here reads like a love letter to Sardinia cuisine. Try the seadas (cheese-filled pastry with honey) — it's what the locals order. Don't rush — an Italian meal is a conversation, not a race. Order the house wine and let the kitchen do what it does best.
Centro Storico, Santa Maria NavarreseType: RestaurantCost: €20-€40Notes: Booking recommended.
Must SeeHidden Viewpoint near Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 1h30mDiscover a stunning viewpoint that most tourists never find. The panorama stretches so far you'll forget to take a photo — which is exactly the right response. Some views deserve to be experienced, not captured.
Santa Maria NavarreseType: ViewpointCost: FreeMust SeeLocal Market and Aperitivo in Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 1h30mWander without a plan. Stroll through Santa Maria Navarrese's shopping streets and stop for an aperitivo at a local bar. The best discoveries happen when you follow your nose — literally — into a cheese shop or a bakery you'd never have found on Google Maps.
Via Principale, Santa Maria NavarreseType: Shopping AreaCost: FreeNotes: Perfect for an aperitivo stop.
Dinner at a Local Gem in Santa Maria Navarrese
Duration: 2hForget the tourist menus. Here, Try the culurgiones (ravioli with potato and mint) — it's what the locals order. The pasta is rolled by hand every morning, the bread comes warm from the oven, and the wine list reads like a local geography lesson.
Centro Storico, Santa Maria NavarreseType: RestaurantCost: €30-€55Notes: Reservations highly recommended.
Must See
Weather Note
Sardinia's east coast catches the morning sun early. The Mistral wind can pick up in the afternoon — perfect for cooling down, but bring a windbreaker for boat trips.