Italy·5 - 12 October 2024
Climb&Sail week in Sardinia
8 days rock climbing and sailing in Sardinia, exploring some of the most unique crags in Europe.
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Overview
Climbing and sailing: a chance to experience rock and water at the same time. What better place for this than Sardinia? In addition to emerald seas and pristine beaches, this island boasts towering cliffs and unique rock formations just waiting to be climbed! Limestone, granite or basalt, steep rooves or techy slabs - there's something for all styles of climber in Sardinia. After boarding the boat in Costa Smeralda, you'll set sail to Tavolara, making a few hops (and plenty of stops to climb) to reach the Gulf of Orosei and Baunei. Being on board a boat allows you to go from cliff to cliff exploring hidden bays and swimming in crystal clear waters, admiring the island from a new vantage point. But don't be fooled, this isn't a 5* holiday - you're part of a crew so expect to help out with sailing manoeuvres and basic navigation!
Highlights
Climbing
Sardinia is one of the best climbing locations in Europe. It has such a multitude of crags and climbing problems to allow climbing in any season. The mild temperature in the winter season makes Sardinia a great destination to escape the bad weather and enjoy climbing in the sun.
Sailing
Sardinia is an outstanding playground for sailing with numerous worldclass moorings sheltered from all winds. We'll sail from the north to the centre east of the island. It's also possible to request a certificate of sailed miles.
Sardinia
Sardinia (in italian Sardegna) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It is located west of the Italian Peninsula, north of Tunisia and immediately south of the French island of Corsica.
Hosts
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world.
Andrea
Andrea is a renowned skipper with many years of experience in the Mediterranean and Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He will guide us on this journey, sharing his navigation acumen and skills.
Race&Cruise
Race&Cruise is a charter company that carefully selects the best professionals and boats. They have lots of experience in the Mediterranean (mainly Adriatic and Tirrean seas) and in the Canary Islands.
Schedule
This is the schedule for the week. The program can change depending on the weather conditions and what you decide to do as a group with the guide. In the FAQs, you can find possible variations of the schedule.
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrival in Olbia or Cannigione and sailing Gallura's seas
The adventure starts in Cannigione, where you will check in during the morning. After a quick shopping trip to gather supplies we will set sail. Based on weather condition we'll stop at Tavolara or a port nearby. The sailing will allow us to have some spectacular views of Gallura's east side.
Please note that you'll have the possibility to check in directly in Olbia, at Molo Brin, 10 mins away from the airport.
Day 2
Grottoni di Biddiriscottai
Today we will climb in a cave, the famous Grottoni di Biddiriscottai. Here we can choose from a variety of routes and we'll be able to assess the experience of the group. After climbing this area, we'll have the possibility to head to Millenium Cave which offers incredible limestone routes full of stalactites and concretions. But be aware that here the routes are all overhanging and the approach is a via ferrata. Then, finally, we'll set sail to Cala Gonone.
Day 3
Cala Fuili
We'll start the day by sailing to Cala Fuili, where you can climb on a cliff right over the sea. The rock here is well-bolted abrasive limestone, offering beautiful vertical routes full of pockets for all levels. If there's enough time, we'll also head to the Grotte del Bue Marino, which was once the habitat of the monk seal.
Day 4
Cala Luna
Day 4 is dedicated entirely to climbing! We'll be visiting Cala Luna, a stunning cove protected by 300m high cliffs - which we'll be climbing.
Choose from 50 routes ranging from the 5th to 8th grades. Get ready for some pump!
Day 5
Pedra Longa
Another day, another iconic Sardinian crag! Pedra Longa is a spire that rises up 130m from the sea, offering amazing multi-pitch routes and sport climbing in nearby crags. In the evening we'll sail over to Aguglia Goloritzé, our climbing spot for the next day.
Day 6
Aguglia Goloritzé
A 140m cliff overlooking Cala Goloritzé, Aguglia Goloritzé offers unparalleled climbing on technical limestone slabs with awesome views. Choose from 11 routes, 5c to 7b+. After climbing we'll have dinner in the stunning cove and right after we'll set sail for a sailing night, being guided by the stars. We'll stop in some bays in the north.
Day 7
Sailing north to the Maddalena archipelago and arrival in Cannigione
7th day is dedicated to sailing north. Depending on the preferences of the group and weather conditions, we might stop on the beautiful island of Tavolara and sunbathing at Spalmatore di Terra, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia where we can cool off in the sea. Alternatively, we can sail north to reach the Maddalena archipelago and swim in some of the most turquoise waters of Sardinia. Then, finally, for the last time, destination Cannigione, arriving around 6pm.
Check out and say goodbye!
Store the last glimpses of the emerald Sardinian Sea in your memory, like a seashell tucked close to your heart. Bid farewell to your newfound friends, swapping stories and Sardinian sunshine under the watchful gaze of the ancient Nuraghi. Savor one last taste of delicious Sardinian food – perhaps a sweet sip of Cannonau wine or a bite of pecorino cheese.
Disembark will be in the morning around 9.00 am, then we'll drive to Olbia again!
What's Included
What's Included
Pre-departure online meeting with the entire group
Certified Mountain Guide for the entire duration of the trip
6 days of climbing
6 days of sailing
7 nights on board a boat
Climbing safety equipment
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
Gallery
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a place where rocks and sea find a new dimension...
Sardinia is a place where rocks and sea find a new dimension and merge into one, creating a unique set of colors, sceneries and emotions. Climbing here is a recent discovery of the ‘80s, but has been continuously developed over the past 4 decades. Today the island boasts more than 4000 routes and a good number of boulders. Limestone is king, but you will also find some granite and basalt jewels with styles ranging from sketchy slabs to steep overhangs. The island has something for all rock climbers - you only need a local to help show you the best spots!
Trip Tips
Climbing Skills
There is no minimum level required for this trip as you will be accompanied at all times by a certified guide. However, due to the nature of Sardinia's crags, you will get the most out of the trip if you already have a little climbing experience and good level of fitness!
Liability
NIVA selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Climbing and sailing are a risky sports that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. NIVA recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait to receive a confirmation from us.
You'll Be Staying Here
46-foot Bavaria sailboat
Our base camp (and means of transport) will be a 46-foot Bavaria sailboat. The boat boasts 4 double cabins and 2 beds in the dinet, a small kitchen, and an extensive deck perfect for sunbathing! Be prepared to help out with the sailing and certain onboard chores.
Related Blog Posts
The 1st edition of the Climb&Sail
Sun 4 Dec 2022
Climb&Sail in Sardinia
This is a log book, a journal, maybe a summary of one of our most beloved trips, climb & sail, in Sardinia. A unique experience and one of the best ways to experience a week on Italy’s western island, with a combination of land and sea, water, sand and limestone, to moments you won’t forget. This collection was carefully curated by one of the members of the crew.
Fri 27 Jan 2023
The Aguglia di Goloritzé
The beautiful Aguglia Goloritzé is known to be one of Sardinia’s finest climbing routes of excellent limestone rock over an incredible turquoise-coloured sea. The 140 metre cliff rises from the beach of Cala Goloritzé, offering a few different paths with varied difficulty levels from 5c to 7b+ and changing styles of sport and trad climbing.
FAQs
How to arrive
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - OLB is certainly the most convenient to reach either Cannigione or Molo Brin. It is adequately connected both to the main centers of the peninsula and to the various European locations, particularly those in Northern Europe. The Olbia Costa Smeralda airport is also one of the hubs of the Meridiana airline that connects Olbia with several Italian and European cities.
What to pack
We recommend you pack lightly as we need to economize spaces onboard. Here is a list of must have and recommended things to bring (marked as optional)
Climbing equipment
Climbing shoes
Harness
Helmet
Chalk bag
Approach shoes
Little backpack 20l
Clothes
Comfortable trousers for climbing
Shorts
T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt for layering
Sweater
Wind&Water proof shell jacket
Insulated jacket (in case it gets cold)
Gloves and a warm hat (optional)
Sleeping equipment
Sleeping bag
Sheet bag
Pillowcase
Others
White-soled sneakers
Flip flops
Swimsuit
Sunscreen/glasses /hat
Towel
Toiletries
What's the weather like?
May
Temperature
On average, you can expect a temperature of 17°C during May, with a high of a very pleasant 22°C, and a low of 12°C during the evenings.
Sunshine Hours & Sea Temperature
In May the sun is beginning to shine in abundance, with a massive 9 hours of sunshine per day on average, making May the perfect time to grab a cheap break, before the hotter temperatures arrive over the next few months. The sea averages 17°C during May, which may still be a little chilly for some, but is certainly pleasant enough for a cool down on the hotter days of the month.
Rain
Rain isn't so much of a problem, with an average of 19mm throughout the month, which only affects around 9 days on average.
October
Temperature
October sees an average temperature of 18°C, which some may find welcome following the high temperatures of the previous months, with a high of 22°C, and a low of around 13°C, leading to much better sleeping conditions in the evening.
Sunshine Hours & Sea temperature
The sun shines for an average of 6 hours per day, and the sea temperature is still a very pleasant 21°C, which means you can still enjoy beach days when the weather is clear, as it often is in the coastal regions, as opposed to the more northern and inland regions of the island.
Rain
October has an average of 41mm across the month, affecting around 11 days. Despite this fact, you should still find plenty to keep you occupied during the final summer season month.
Climbing tips
Topo: https://www.climbingsardinia.com/topos/maps/
Guides: