Sardinian first ascents

3 min 12. 06. 25

In this short piece, our Sardinian ambassador Filippo Manca takes you into his climbing world. From boulders to lead to first ascents, Filippo loves it all. Check out the article and catch the spirit of Sardinian climbing!

Filippo Manca on the third ascent of “Second Out” (8a+) in Roccadoria (photo: Ilaria Martinez)

I have been climbing for about 20 years, and I have always been attracted to climbing in all its forms. I do not consider myself a specialist in bouldering, I'm more of a sport climber. I live in the moment based on what motivates me at a given time.

I LOVE ROCK IN ALL ITS FORMS AND I HAVE NO PREFERENCE I COULD BOLT A 30 M ROUTE OR 10 M ROUTE. I FOLLOW THE INSPIRATION OF THE MOMENT.

I have discovered entire new boulder sectors in northern Sardinia such as Luogosanto, and enhanced boulders now covered in moss after 20 years at Monte Ortobene.

Filippo Manca on the boulder “La Sagra dei Piatti Tipici Sardi” 7B

This season for example I was motivated to bolt some new lines at Roccadoria, it was truly magical. Thousands of people including me we have always passed under a cave without ever seeing these lines, this year instead something in my vision has matured and so I was able to decipher these new sequences that are really hard and interesting.

I HAVE NEVER LIKED SERIAL AND SYSTEMATIC BOLTING.

Filippo bolting the route “Il mostro di Loch Ness” 8a+ (foto: Ilaria Martinez)

In Sardinia I have bolted several routes including the first 8a of the island on granite at Monte Ortobene in Nuoro. The lines of which I’m most proud are „Si sgradì chi può” (7c) in Cala Gonone and the latest „Il mostro di Loch Ness“ (8a+) in Roccadoria Monteleone .

First ascent of the route “Il Mostro di Loch Ness” 8a+ by Filippo (photo: Ilaria Martinez)

Bolting a climbing route has always been a great responsibility for me, I see it’s a gesture of maximum sharing towards the climbing community.

I have never forced myself into this activity because I think you can give the best of yourself only when you follow the purest instinct that remains what motivates all of us climbers - the passion!