Legendary trails between Supramonte, canyons, and wild coasts
Ogliastra is the Italian capital of wild trekking. Here, the mountains meet the sea with a raw intensity and beauty found nowhere else in Europe: 400-meter-high limestone cliffs plunge vertically into the Tirreno, 400-meter-deep canyons carve through the Supramonte, and karstic plateaus dotted with sinkholes open up to endless vistas.
The most famous trek — the Selvaggio Blu — has for decades been considered the most difficult and spectacular hiking route in Italy. Forty-five kilometers of inaccessible coastline from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Sisine, featuring abseils, cave bivouacs, and passages that demand true enthusiasts. But Ogliastra is not only for experts: the trails of the Golgo plateau, the Codula di Luna, and the Tacchi of Ulassai offer wonderful experiences even to those taking their first steps on a mountain trail.
The Gola di Gorropu, on the border between Urzulei and Orgosolo, is Sardinia's Grand Canyon: vertical walls rising up to 500 meters narrow until they leave just a few meters of light. The valley floor, reachable only on foot after an hour's hike, is one of the most spectacular environments in Italy. Punta La Marmora, the roof of Sardinia at 1,834 meters, is reached from the villages of Arzana and Villagrande Strisaili through holm oak forests and high-altitude peat bogs — an Ogliastra that few know, far from the sea and mass tourism.
The trails of the Tacchi — the huge limestone towers that dominate the villages of Ulassai, Jerzu, and Osini — allow you to explore a landscape unique in the world, where geology has constructed natural cathedrals visible from tens of kilometers away. In every season, under any light conditions, Ogliastra offers authentic emotions to anyone who explores it on foot.
The great itineraries of Ogliastra are transformative experiences. Selvaggio Blu is the most famous, but every route on this list is worth a trip. The Gola di Gorropu offers an unparalleled geological spectacle — its limestone walls narrow to just 4 meters wide and rise to a height of 500 meters, creating a silence and grandeur that is almost religious. Codula di Luna, a long canyon descending towards the sea, traverses forests, springs, and rocky environments before opening onto the small beach of Cala Luna. Punta La Marmora leads to the sole "roof" of Sardinia, offering views that on clear days embrace the entire island.
Italy's most famous trek: 45 km of wild coastline from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Sisine, with abseils, cave bivouacs, and technical passages. Requires an experienced guide, harness, and ropes. Never attempt alone. Duration 4-7 days.
Discover Baunei →The Grand Canyon of Europe: vertical walls up to 500 meters narrow down to 4 meters wide. It can be reached from the Riu Flumineddu after about a 1-hour walk among cyclopean boulders. Spectacular in any season, magical in spring when the torrent is in full flow.
Discover Urzulei →The long canyon descending from Teletotes to the beach of Cala Luna: 7 km through holm oak forests, rocky gorges, and springs. In spring, the stream creates natural pools. Can be combined with a boat ride for the return journey.
Discover Urzulei →The roof of Sardinia (1,834 m above sea level) reachable from Arzana or Villagrande Strisaili. The route passes through holm oak forests, high-altitude peat bogs, and high mountain meadows. Spectacular view over the whole island on clear days.
Discover Arzana →Not all of Ogliastra's treasures require the physique of a mountaineer. The trails to Cala Goloritzé, the Golgo plateau, and the Tacchi of Ulassai are accessible to anyone with basic physical fitness and appropriate footwear. The spectacular nature of the landscape is the same, with the difference that you can return home without aching muscles. The Tacchi trails, in particular, are among the most photogenic in Europe: grey limestone towers soar into the blue sky, Cannonau vineyards stretch across the valleys, and the inland villages preserve a rural authenticity that is increasingly rare.
From Golgo to the most beautiful beach in Italy: 3.5 km of descent through holm oak forests and Mediterranean scrub. Arriving at the small white pebble beach with the limestone Aguglia guarding the sea is unforgettable. Departure at dawn recommended.
Discover Baunei →The karstic plateau at 400 meters above sea level: the Su Sterru sinkhole (270 m deep), the church of San Pietro, and the shepherds' folds. Routes from 2 to 8 km suitable for everyone. The ideal starting point for exploring the Supramonte without technical difficulty.
Discover Baunei →Routes through the limestone towers of Ulassai, Jerzu, and Osini: lunar landscapes with views of Cannonau vineyards. The open-air museum of Maria Lai in Ulassai adds a unique cultural dimension. Well-marked trails, suitable for intermediate hikers.
Discover Ulassai →The Tacchi of Osini and the ruins of Gairo Vecchia (the village abandoned after the 1951 flood) offer a trek with strong historical and scenic value. The old settlement is one of the most evocative and melancholy places in Sardinia.
Discover Osini →A complete guide to sport climbing on the limestone crags of Ogliastra: sectors, grades, best seasons, and practical tips for climbers of every level.
Read article →All the trails of the Supramonte di Baunei: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Golgo, Codula di Luna. Maps, difficulty ratings, timings and practical advice.
Read article →Everything about Baunei: the historic centre, the Supramonte, the Golgo plateau, Su Sterru, the rural churches, where to eat and sleep. The definitive guide.
Read article →Explore the municipalities, plan your itinerary, and discover other outdoor experiences.