The Supramonte is a vast limestone plateau that extends in the province of Nuoro within the towns of Orgosolo, Dorgali, Urzulei and Baunei. It is an immense rugged and wild massif, made up of caves, forests, canyons.
The Supramonte is part of the Gennargentu National Park, in the Ogliastra region (central-eastern Sardinia). One of the wildest areas of the island. Over 500 sq km of rocks and mountains that form vertical walls, sinkholes, caves, underground rivers.
The valleys inside are narrow gorges where water only flows in winter and spring. They have created unique environments rich in vegetation consisting of forests of holm oaks, junipers, willows.
A place rich in animal species: birds of prey such as the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon. Other typical animals of this territory such as the mouflon, the wild boars, the marten, the wild cat, the fox and the Sardinian dormouse, which has become an increasingly rare species.
The Supramonte is a perfect place for hiking enthusiasts
5 Hikes in Sardinia perfect for beginners
Where is the Supramonte?
The Supramonte is a vast mountainous complex that occupies the central-eastern part of Sardinia.
- Mountain Supramonte: Orgosolo, Urzulei, Oliena
- Coastal Supramonte: Dorgali, Baunei
The best places to visit in the Supramonte
Mountain Supramonte
If you are passionate about trekking this is the ideal place to make spectacular hikes in the heart of the mountains and the wild nature. Here are some of the best places to explore.
Su Gologone
The karst springs of Su Gologone flow from the slopes of the Supramonte, under the rocky wall with a water flow of 300 liters per second, and are among the most spectacular in Sardinia.
Lanaittu Valley
In the area between Dorgali and Oliena, the Lanaittu valley opens up to the north-east of the supramonte under the steep ridges. To visit in this area are the Sa Oche caves and the Su Bentu caves connected with the sources of Su Gologone.
Mount Tiscali
Located in the Lanaiuttu valley on the border with Dorgali. The mountain about 500 meters high can be reached via an impervious but well-marked path. Climb up the top until you reach the Tiscali dolina, a cave whose vault has sunk, where the famous nuragic village of Tiscali is located. From here you can admire some remains of the village and the huts.
Going beyond Monte Tiscali you can tackle other much more difficult excursions to reach the north side (Dorgali) and the south side (Orgosolo).
Cedrino lake
An artificial lake formed in 1983 dominated by the rocks and forests of the supramonte. The Gullei plateau formed by basalt rock with organ pipe formations is very suggestive in the territory of Dorgali.
Ispinigoli cave
Superb cave formed millions of years ago inside Monte s’Ospile. The center of the cave has a gigantic stalactite-stalagmite 38 meters high.
Gorroppu gorge
The splendid canyon destination of numerous hikers from all over Europe, crossed by the waters of the Flumineddu stream that has carved out the limestone rocks.
Su Suercone
The largest sinkhole in Europe formed following the collapse of a cave about 500 meters wide and another 200 meters deep. The excursion to this sinkhole is very demanding and is dedicated to the most experienced hikers.
Pass of Silana
Along the SS125 you go up to the beautiful Passo di Silana at an altitude of about 1000 meters. Here the Canyon of Codula di Luna with high walls at times bare at times formed by holm oak woods.
Montes forest
In the territory of Orgosolo on Monte Novo San Giovanni a vast area among the most important naturalistic areas in Europe. The forest is made up of centuries-old holm oaks up to 30 meters high, the only one in Italy still intact. From here you can reach the Nuraghe Mereu and observe the panorama of the Gorroppu Gorge.
Coastal Supramonte
The areas around Dorgali, the Gulf of Orosei carved out by cliffs, caves, stacks and descending towards the sea create small sandy bays are part of this territory. These areas are quite inaccessible and can be reached by trekking for several hours quite challenging.
Cala Gonone
The small town in the center of the Gulf of Orosei can be reached via a long descent of curves from the mountains towards the sea. From which boats leave to visit the most beautiful coves of the Gulf. The coast is an extraordinary combination of rugged rocky nature and beautiful crystal clear waters.
The Grotta del Bue Marino 4 km from the port meets immediately after the coast of Cala Fuili. Incredible for the color of its cobalt blue waters. Continuing along the coast the beautiful: Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzè (under the natural spire 100 meters high).
All the coves can be easily reached by sea through the daily excursions that depart from Cala Gonone. But for the more daring they can also be reached by land in routes that are not too easy but suggestive.
Cala Luna is defined as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia for its particular nature: 6 huge caves delimit the beach, a forest behind it with a small refreshment point, a pond where cows graze freely. From here the hike to Codula di Luna in the heart of the coastal Supramonte of Dorgali and Baunei starts.
Most popular activities in the Supramonte
The best places to stay in the Supramonte
Experience the wildest Sardinia in one of these beautiful places in the Supramonte mountains
Il Rifugio
Baunei
The property is surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature. From there you can hike to spectacular places.
Hotel Gorropu
Urzulei
Comfortable hotel in the middle of nature.
Excellent location, 10 min drive from Urzulei and totally immersed in nature.
Rifugio Gorropu
Dorgali
A magnificent place nestled in the mountains where peace reigns. From the room, as from the wholehotel, you have an amazing view. Delicious dinner and breakfast.
Visit more in the Central Sardinia
