The route was created as part of a collaboration between the GAL Ogliastra and the FoReSTAS Agency, with the aim of offering hikers an immersive experience in the natural and scenic beauty of the Ogliastra area. The itinerary features points of interest along every section. You can choose your starting stage and build your own customized route, traveling from north to south or from south to north. The direction of travel may change, but the quality of the landscape remains unchanged.
The territory
This stretch of the trail crosses the Supramonte of Urzulei and Baunei, a landscape of remote plateaus, deep gorges, and sheer cliffs plunging toward the sea. It’s a region where the limestone terrain has carved out grand and dramatic features: sinkholes, canyons, dry riverbeds (codule), and rocky spires alternate with ancient forests and hidden corners, where human presence is subtle and ancient. Here, biodiversity is remarkable, and the environment retains a rare authenticity—between archaeological sites and traditional shepherd huts, deep silences and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
The path
These final stages lead from the heart of the eastern Supramonte to the sea, crossing some of the most spectacular and pristine landscapes in Sardinia.
The route begins in the Supramonte of Urzulei, winding through panoramic ridges, sinkholes, and ancient forests, with the chance to visit the famous Gorropu Canyon or, for more experienced hikers, to take a detour to the scenic Punta Cucuttos. From here, descending, you reach the Ghenna Silana pass, which overlooks the coastal Supramonte, shared by the territories of Baunei, Dorgali, and Urzulei. Before continuing, it’s highly recommended to pause and explore some of the area’s natural wonders: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Sisine, and Cala Biriala. The trail resumes through pine and holm oak woods, crossing the Natural Pools of Mamutorco (23) and climbing toward Genna Salbene, in a striking landscape of granite outcrops and wide-open views.
The final stage—one of the most thrilling of the entire route—descends from the Silana pass to the beach of Cala Luna, following the 20 km canyon of Codula Elune (15). Along the way, hikers will encounter the Nuragic village of Or Murales (13), ancient shepherd huts, and dramatic limestone gorges shaped by time. Reaching the sea is a spectacular finale, framed by oleanders, caves, and towering cliffs above the deep blue of the Mediterranean.
From Lampathu Mountain Hut to Genna Silana
A relatively short stage but rich in scenic and natural interest, winding along the eastern slope of the Supramonte of Urzulei and offering interesting alternatives, including the possibility to visit the famous Gorropu Canyon.
After crossing the initial plateau, the route continues along a dirt road, partially skirting the right side of the Codula Orbisi, and then climbs up towards the panoramic ridge of Punta Poloche, approximately 1,215 meters above sea level). Along the way, you encounter the sinkole of Su Neulacoro, about 30 meters deep, which hosts two rare specimens of Yew (Taxus baccata), a proof of the area’s biodiversity.
From the ridge, the trail descends toward the Ghenna Silana pass, the end point of this stage and the starting base for the final section of the route.
From here also branches off the path that leads to the imposing Gorropu Gorge, one of the most spectacular and popular natural attractions in Sardinia, renowned for its vertical walls that reach up to 500 meters in height. The trail leading to the gorge is an evocative experience in itself, enriched by the presence of monumental holm oaks and strawberry trees, as well as several barracos—ancient stone shepherd huts that can still be visited.
For more experienced hikers (EE), it is possible to continue along the ridge from Punta Poloche instead of descending immediately to Ghenna Silana. In about two hours, you can reach Punta Cucuttos, a true natural terrace offering breathtaking views over the entire Supramonte and a striking overlook of the Gorropu Gorge.
This additional section is technical and mostly over rocky terrain, requiring solid hiking experience.
