Trekking
following the path of the world’s longest-living population
2-days trekking
Sardinia Blue Zone
The two-days trekking in Sardinia Blue Zone takes place in the Ortobene Mount, heart of Barbagia region. The mountain has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of Nuoro, particularly for the writer Grazia Deledda. She was the first—and to date the only—Italian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1926.
The massif reaches nearly one thousand meters in altitude and is dotted with peaks and towers with unusual forms, sometimes resembling human figures, sometimes animals. Spanning 1,600 hectares inhabited since prehistoric times, it offers endless landscapes: towering granite rocks solemnly dominate the valleys below.
Ortobene is ideal for climbing or for following marked trails that wind through dense forests of holm oaks mixed with downy oaks, cork trees, holly, and Mediterranean scrub—cistus, strawberry trees, lavender, lentisk, and juniper. Orchids bloom in the meadows, while near natural springs the forest floor is colored by cyclamens, ferns, and a wide variety of mushrooms.
The mountain is home to numerous mammals, including wild boar, weasels, hares, martens, and foxes, as well as birds of prey such as golden eagles, goshawks, peregrine falcons, buzzards, and sparrowhawks. Other bird species include partridges, turtle doves, and sparrows. In the past, deer, mouflon, and vultures also roamed these lands.
Book now 
Experience the Sardinian way of living
with locals
Rooted in supporting local communities, a deep quest for authenticity, and meaningful human connection, our journeys bring you closer to the true essence of the Blue Zones.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed yet fully flexible and personalized based on your pace, interests, fitness level, and sense of adventure. Whether you seek deep immersion, outdoor exploration, or cultural discovery, every journey is crafted to feel truly yours.
Programme
Into the Heart of Sardinia’s Blue Zone
The meeting point is in the city of Nuoro, the cultural heart of Sardinia’s Blue Zone. From here, the trekking begins through the landscapes of Monte Ortobene, a symbolic mountain overlooking the city and deeply connected to local identity and traditions.
The trail winds through ancient oak and holm oak forests, Mediterranean scrub, and wide granite plateaus. Monte Ortobene is known for its imposing granite rock formations, shaped by wind and time into smooth boulders, towers, and stones with unusual, almost sculptural forms. Along the path, you will stop among these natural granite sculptures, silent witnesses of centuries of history, offering moments to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature.
Midday brings a stop at a local farm, where you will meet a Sardinian shepherd and share a simple, authentic lunch prepared with local ingredients. This is a moment of genuine exchange, where food, stories, and tradition come together—reflecting the strong sense of community that defines life in the Blue Zone.
In the afternoon, the trek continues across panoramic trails and granite landscapes, as the light changes and the mountains reveal new perspectives. The day ends immersed in nature, where you can choose between setting up camp tents outdoors, providing by us, or staying in a cozy local lodge surrounded by the landscape.
Dinner is shared together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, followed by an overnight stay under the stars in tents or in the comfort of a traditional cozy local lodge nestled in nature.
Walking the Longevity Landscape
After waking up surrounded by nature and enjoying a simple breakfast, the trekking resumes along quieter trails of Monte Ortobene. The path alternates between shaded forest sections and open viewpoints, offering time to experience the mountain at a slower pace.
Along the way, you will once again encounter the distinctive granite stones and rock formations of Monte Ortobene—natural monuments shaped over millennia, often compared to sculptures for their rounded forms and balanced shapes. These stops invite reflection, stillness, and a deeper connection to the landscape.
The walk gradually leads to a final stop for a shared, traditional meal, celebrating simplicity and togetherness—two essential pillars of the Sardinian longevity lifestyle. The experience concludes with a moment of reflection and closure, carrying home not just memories of the journey, but a tangible sense of the Blue Zone way of life.
What’s included
- Two-day guided trekking experience in the heart of Sardinia’s Blue Zone
- Exploration of Monte Ortobene and its iconic granite rock formations
- Immersive nature walks through forests, panoramic trails, and ancient landscapes
- Local encounters with a Sardinian shepherd
- 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, including water, farm-to-table meals with local, seasonal products
- Overnight stay in tents under the stars or in a cozy local lodge surrounded by the landscape (different prices)
- Fresh pasta workshop with locals (optional)
- Small-group experience for a more intimate and authentic journey
What’s not included
- Transfers to the starting point of the trek (by request)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not specified in the program
For added ease, an optional transfer service can be arranged upon request to take you to the starting point of the experience and bring you back at the end.
Contact us for any inquiries.
Should you wish to depart on alternative dates, arrange a private or fully customized experience, or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may reach us via the contact form or by email at info@longerajourneys.com.
Contact us
"*" indicates required fields