Sardinia Trekking: Crossing the Supramonte
7 days
About this Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Olbia – Transfer to Oliena
Meet in Olbia and transfer to Oliena, at the foot of two legendary mountains of the Supramonte: Punta Cusidore and Monte Corrasi. Overnight stay in a hotel
Day 2: Monte Corrasi and Punta Sos Nidos – Lunar Landscapes of the Supramonte
We start on foot, immediately entering the heart of the Supramonte, climbing between Monte Sos Nidos and Punta Cusidore. Soon we find ourselves in an almost lunar landscape, with white rocks sculpted by wind and water over millennia, creating a majestic and magical panorama. From the summit of Corrasi, we enjoy views over a large part of our trekking route, although the vast, uninhabited scenery only hints at the hidden corners we are about to explore. After crossing the ridge, the descent leads us into a magical valley, inhabited since ancient times.
Duration: approximately 6 hours, with +650 m / –650 m elevation. We set up camp near a pastoral area, where a 4x4 will deliver our luggage along a separate path. Overnight in tents with a traditional dinner. Full board (a picnic is prepared for the next stage).
Day 3: Gorropu Gorge and Ancient Nuragic Towers
Today promises an extraordinary stage, beginning with a visit to Europe’s largest sinkhole, Su Suercone, formed by the collapse of an immense karst cavity. Crossing the karst plateau, dotted with sinkholes, dolines, and ancient cattle paths, we may spot Sardinian mouflons living undisturbed. We then reach the impressive Gorropu Gorge, where 400 meters below, the Flumineddu River has carved a dramatic canyon. After crossing the gorge, we enter the Urzulei sector of the Supramonte. Here, we camp in a beautiful holm oak and strawberry tree forest near one of the most important local sheepfolds.
Duration: approximately 7 hours, with +600 m / –780 m elevation. Overnight in tents with a traditional dinner.
Day 4: The Rocky Ridges of Costa Silana and Punta Cucuttos
From our campsite, we hike along the ridges of Costa Silana, which offer breathtaking panoramic views towards both the sea and the Gorropu Gorge. Along the way, we encounter some beautiful and remarkable pastoral settlements.
Our summit today is Punta Cucuttos, the mountain overlooking the canyon from the opposite side of the Nuraghe towers visited the previous day. From here, we descend towards the sea, discovering another stunning karst sinkhole before reaching a mountain refuge, where we enjoy a comfortable bed and a well-deserved shower.
Duration: approximately 6 hours; elevation gain +550 m / loss –320 m. Dinner is a traditional meal prepared by the local shepherd, featuring specialties such as the famous Urzulei prosciutto—often called the “pata negra” of Sardinia!
Day 5: Secret Shepherd Paths to the Sea
Today is the most adventurous stage, allowing us to cross fascinating valleys carved by ancient rivers to reach the Caribbean-like beach of Sisine. After a short transfer by vehicle to avoid walking on asphalt, we walk through forests of holm oaks and yews, some of which have become natural bonsai clinging to the canyon rocks. The shepherds’ secret paths feature astonishing juniper wood ladders, traversing panoramic ledges and narrow valleys immersed in Mediterranean scrub, evoking scenes from an adventure film. In the afternoon, we follow the riverbed, passing magnificent oleander groves and clear pools where the water surfaces intermittently. Magically, we arrive at the sea, at the beautiful white beach of Cala Sisine.
Duration: approximately 6.5 hours; elevation gain 900 m. Overnight in tents and dinner of fresh seafood at a local restaurant in Sisine.
Day 6: Cala Sisine, Cuile Girove Longu, and Cala Luna
From Sisine, we follow a beautiful trail to the spectacular pastoral settlement of Girove Longu, one of the largest and best-preserved in the entire Supramonte, passing through a monumental strawberry tree forest. From here, we continue ascending to Punta Onnamarra at 600 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the entire Gulf of Orosei. Entering the narrow Lupiro valley, we descend to a spectacular rock arch with panoramic views of the sea. We then cross the plateau overlooking the famous Cala Luna beach.
Duration: approximately 6 hours; elevation gain +600 m / loss –600 m. Upon rea ching Cala Luna, we enjoy some free time in this famous and beautiful location. We then return to civilization in the coastal village of Calagonone, traveling along the caves and cliffs by inflatable boat*, and from the port we reach our hotel.
Day 7: Calagonone – Olbia
Free time in the morning, followed by transfer to Olbia.
Highlights
- We follow a route dreamed of for years and originally explored independently. Today,
thanks to collaboration with the Supramonte shepherds, this itinerary is accessible to
many, allowing us to walk light with only a daypack.
- Each evening, we arrive at a campsite immersed in nature and silence, where the
shepherds prepare traditional dinners, letting us taste the authentic flavors of the
Supramonte
- The landscape is majestic, varied, and evocative: the route begins in the mountains,
crossing high plateaus, canyons, and wild valleys, before reaching the crystal-clear waters
of Cala Sisine.
Suggested Season
From February to May; from October to December
Suggested Airport
Olbia, Alghero or Catania
