Between Oliena and Orzulei, Gola Su Gorropu, dubbed Europe’s Grand Canyon, is truly a place for explorers. Sardinia’s most spectacular gorge, it is flanked by 500-metre high limestone walls and sees endemic, endangered flowers growing here. You may even spot mouflons or golden eagles at tranquil times. Near its narrowest point – only 4 metre-wide – you can reach the very famous Hotel Supramonte, a tough 8b multi-pitch climb up a vertical 400 m rock face, made famous by the Italian alpinist Pietro dal Prà.
Two main routes lead to the gorge: the most dramatic, a 8km hiking trail, begins at the Genna ‘e Silana pass on the SS125, while the second, slightly easier route to Gorropu is via the Sa Barva Bridge, about 15 km from Dorgali.
This is truly the adventure of a lifetime.
