Are you looking for a wilderness? Then this trekking trip into the heart of Sardinia is for you. Along the ancient mule tracks you will be able to admire the incredible oddities of the limestone, canyons, sinkholes, and caves of the Supramonte of Barbagia, re-emerging on the high cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei.Day 1
Ascent to Mt. Maccione
Arrival at Olbia airport and transfer by minibus to S’Iscala ‘e S’Arenargiu. From here will start the excursion that,
crossing the Cuile Su Fumu and S’Issala ‘e Marras, amidst luxuriant ilex groves, will take you to the summit of Mt. Maccione. Check-in at a small mountain hotel. 4-hr walk
2
The Limestone Fantasies of Sovana and Lanaitto
Departure from Mt. Maccione for S’Iscala ‘e Pradu, the pass beyond which opens the limestone immensity of the Supramonte. We continue on to the Sovana plateau and then as far as the Lanaitto valley. Overnight stay in tents. 6-hr walk
3
In the Secret Sinkholes of Tiscali
Departure from the sheepfold, reaching the summit of the Tiscali mountain, where we visit a famous Nuraghic Village, one of the many Sardinian refuges from the invasions coming from the sea. Walk in the karst paleovalley of Lanaitto, with a visit to the entrances of the cave of Sa Oche and Su Bentu and the Village of Carros. Return to the camp and overnight stay in tents. 4 1/2-hr walk
4
Amidst the Junipers Toward the Gorroppu Canyon
Walk amidst the giant junipers toward the saddle of Surtana. On to the Oddoene valley before going up the Flumineddu River toward the impressive gorge of Gorroppu, the largest canyon in Europe. Overnight stay at hotel. 5 1/2-hr walk
5
From sheepfolds to caves
Short transfer by bus and continuation on foot up to the peak of P.ta Su Nuraghe. From the summit, we continue toward Mt. Fruncu Su Cunnu ‘e S’Ebba, to reach the nuraghic village of Or Murales. Visit also to the nearby sheepfold of Sa Portiscra, where we will set up camp. From the sheepfold, in 15 minutes we reach the unique, rarely visited cave of Issarpes, which can be explored with the aid of helmets and oxygen tanks, like true speleologists! Return and overnight stay in tents. 3 1/2-hr walk
6
Descent to the Sea of Cala Gonone
From the sheepfold, crossing a panoramic mule track, we will head toward the Codula di Luna, passing by the Cuile Su Crabargiu and Su Tuferargiu. After admiring a splendid view of the Codula, we will continue until we reach the Codula di Luna. After a pleasant stop along the Cala Luna river bed, in the afternoon we will spend some time with the marvelous sea: after a two-hour light walk we reach Cala Gonone, from where we will make a short boat excursion. Overnight stay at a hotel on the sea. 5 1/2-hr walk
7
Return
Transfer to Olbia airport with possible stops along the way.
