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 path

The route alternates between sections of varying difficulty, combining relaxing, accessible stretches with more demanding climbs and panoramic viewpoints.

It winds through a wide range of natural environments—dense forests, mountain ridges, limestone plateaus, and reforested areas—in a constant rhythm of ascents and descents that inspire both movement and discovery. The trail unfolds in a landscape shaped by the interaction between nature and traditional human activities, marked by archaeological remains and traces of a land-use system rooted in pastoralism and rural life.

Views of the sea, flowing streams, quiet clearings, and rock formations sculpted by time enrich the experience, offering scenic glimpses and a pleasant sense of deep connection with the natural surroundings.

Although the route does not directly pass through the main towns, it still offers the opportunity to detour to visit them and discover their traditions.It is an immersive journey that encourages walking with open eyes and a mindful step.

From Arzana to Monte Olinie

After a well-deserved rest, the itinerary continues with a demanding stage that is entirely manageable with good planning. The first 3 kilometers of uphill walking lead once again to the panoramic summit of Monte Idolo, from which there is a breathtaking view over the Ogliastra region.
The route then enters a fascinating natural environment, passing through pine forests and holm oak woods, until it reaches the locality of Santa Barbara, in the territory of Villagrande Strisaili. Here, you can stop for lunch or simply take a break with a coffee or a refreshing drink.

The second part of the stage follows a spectacular panoramic ridge, beginning at Punta di Monte Orguda and winding through a series of ascents and descents—at times demanding—until reaching Monte Olinie, in the municipality of Talana, the final destination of the day.
Since the route does not pass directly through the villages of Villagrande Strisaili and Talana, it is advisable to plan the day to include a visit to these towns as well. Good time management can make the experience less tiring and more rewarding, offering the chance to connect with the daily life and culture of these communities. No rush, just enjoy the journey.
The trail, which unfolds along well-marked paths and dirt roads, offers constant panoramic views over eastern Ogliastra and the Supramonte of Ogliastra, providing an intense, immersive experience of great value.

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 path

The route alternates between sections of varying difficulty, combining relaxing, accessible stretches with more demanding climbs and panoramic viewpoints.

It winds through a wide range of natural environments—dense forests, mountain ridges, limestone plateaus, and reforested areas—in a constant rhythm of ascents and descents that inspire both movement and discovery. The trail unfolds in a landscape shaped by the interaction between nature and traditional human activities, marked by archaeological remains and traces of a land-use system rooted in pastoralism and rural life.

Views of the sea, flowing streams, quiet clearings, and rock formations sculpted by time enrich the experience, offering scenic glimpses and a pleasant sense of deep connection with the natural surroundings.

Although the route does not directly pass through the main towns, it still offers the opportunity to detour to visit them and discover their traditions.It is an immersive journey that encourages walking with open eyes and a mindful step.

From Olinie Mount to Lampathu Mountain Hut in Urzulei

Questa tappa, in continuità con la parte finale della precedente, si sviluppa sul versante del Gennargentu che si affaccia sulla costa ogliastrina e sulla piana sottostante. Con i suoi 1372 metri di altitudine, Monte Olinie rappresenta il punto più elevato dell’intero percorso.

Nella prima parte, il cammino segue una cresta panoramica che si estende da sud verso nord-est, offrendo ampie vedute sull’abitato di Talana. Lungo il tragitto si incontrano il Nuraghe Bau ‘e Tanca e il Monte di Pisu Cerbu (1348 m) (6), prima di addentrarsi nel cantiere forestale Monte Genziana, dove è possibile visitare anche il vivaio forestal, testimone delle attività di tutela ambientale del territorio.

Proseguendo, si entra nel territorio di Urzulei, raggiungendo la piana di Fennau (9), punto d’incontro con il percorso di San Giorgio. Una breve deviazione consente di visitare le suggestive Tombe dei Giganti di S’Arena (10), importanti testimonianze archeologiche della civiltà nuragica.

A questo punto, il tracciato si apre verso il Supramonte, l’imponente massiccio calcareo che domina il paesaggio. Lo si raggiunge risalendo le alture che sovrastano il paese di Urzulei, fino all’ampio e suggestivo altopiano di Campu Oddeu (11), il più esteso della Sardegna. Da qui, si può scegliere se proseguire verso Urzulei, uno dei paesi della celebre Blue Zone, adagiato ai piedi della montagna, oppure fermarsi al rifugio CAI di Lampathu, immerso nella quiete dell’altopiano.

Tips

If you choose to visit or stay in Urzulei, don’t miss the chance to explore the town’s mural trail. Created as part of the Memoria e Identidade project, this artistic itinerary brings the past back to life through murals inspired by vintage photographs, painted in evocative black and white tones that enhance their visual impact and historical value.
Among the cultural experiences not to be missed is a visit to the Ethnographic Museum Andalas de Memoria and to the village’s weaving workshops, where the ancient Sardinian textile tradition is reinterpreted through contemporary expressions. Here, the thread itself becomes a story, weaving together memory and innovation. Completing the itinerary are the churches of San Giorgio and Sant’Antonio, guardians of age-old rituals that still mark the rhythm of community life today.

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 path

The route alternates between sections of varying difficulty, combining relaxing, accessible stretches with more demanding climbs and panoramic viewpoints.

It winds through a wide range of natural environments—dense forests, mountain ridges, limestone plateaus, and reforested areas—in a constant rhythm of ascents and descents that inspire both movement and discovery. The trail unfolds in a landscape shaped by the interaction between nature and traditional human activities, marked by archaeological remains and traces of a land-use system rooted in pastoralism and rural life.

Views of the sea, flowing streams, quiet clearings, and rock formations sculpted by time enrich the experience, offering scenic glimpses and a pleasant sense of deep connection with the natural surroundings.

Although the route does not directly pass through the main towns, it still offers the opportunity to detour to visit them and discover their traditions.It is an immersive journey that encourages walking with open eyes and a mindful step.

From Olinie Mount to Carcinargios

Leaving the summit of Monte Olinie, at over 1,300 meters above sea level, the route begins with a short stretch of dirt road before joining a trail that descends along the eastern slope through a quiet pine forest. The descent leads to an old abandoned road, once a vital link between Talana and Villagrande Strisaili, two historic villages in Ogliastra’s Blue Zone.

After this section, the trail continues along a mix of paths and secondary roads, entering the forest complex managed by the regional agency Fo.Re.S.T.A.S., which also has one of its operational offices in the area. The route follows the ridges west of the Rio Bacu Sa Figu, known among canyoning enthusiasts for its striking rock formations and unique environmental features.

In the area of Coa ‘e Serra, near the provincial road connecting Urzulei, Talana and Lotzorai, the trail enters the riverbed, heading toward the base of the hill that conceals the seasonal swamp Paule Munduge, a key point of the next stage.
In the final part of the route, the trail passes through a cork oak forest and encounters several livestock farms. Despite the challenges faced by the sector, these farms continue to preserve traditional knowledge and practices deeply rooted in the local territory.

This stage is also of interest from a human perspective: the signs of human presence in the landscape, though subtle, are clearly recognizable to the attentive observer. The area is still a setting for traditional civic uses, such as firewood gathering and grazing, which continue to provide rights and benefits to local communities.
In this context, Fo.Re.S.T.A.S. operates with the goal of maintaining a delicate balance between the needs of the resident populations and the protection of the natural environment, promoting sustainable land management.

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 path

The route alternates between sections of varying difficulty, combining relaxing, accessible stretches with more demanding climbs and panoramic viewpoints.

It winds through a wide range of natural environments—dense forests, mountain ridges, limestone plateaus, and reforested areas—in a constant rhythm of ascents and descents that inspire both movement and discovery. The trail unfolds in a landscape shaped by the interaction between nature and traditional human activities, marked by archaeological remains and traces of a land-use system rooted in pastoralism and rural life.

Views of the sea, flowing streams, quiet clearings, and rock formations sculpted by time enrich the experience, offering scenic glimpses and a pleasant sense of deep connection with the natural surroundings.

Although the route does not directly pass through the main towns, it still offers the opportunity to detour to visit them and discover their traditions.It is an immersive journey that encourages walking with open eyes and a mindful step.

From Carcinargios to Mamutorco (Triei)

The ascent towards Monte Munduge and its characteristic paule (seasonal wetland) (21) can be approached from two access points, both starting from Carcinargios. The most well-known and frequented route follows a dirt track that gently climbs southeast, passing by the Su Carcinargiu spring and the nearby picnic area. Along the way, one encounters old charcoal production clearings and striking panoramic views over the coastal plain.

Once on the plateau, surrounded by forest, the wetland is revealed, often dry in summer or after long droughts.

The charm of the place goes beyond the wetland itself: the surrounding granite formations, shaped by time and rich in tafoni, frame the vegetation and create a unique and mysterious landscape. The forest is dominated by Mediterranean scrub, with cork oaks, strawberry trees, and surprisingly tall, vigorous myrtle bushes. Sightings of mouflons near the wetland are not uncommon, especially when water is present.

As you continue to climb, the elevation increases and spectacular views open up. The trail crosses remote and rarely visited areas until it reaches Mamutorco, where granite rocks create captivating scenery around cool natural pools.

This is the ideal spot for a refreshing break, especially on hot days: the water invites you to dive in, cool off, and catch your breath.
The route then continues toward Triei, but not before stopping at the archaeological site of Osono,where you can admire a well-preserved Tomba dei Giganti (Giant’s Tomb), a testament to the Nuragic presence in this area rich in both history and nature.

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.