Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NUORO & THE EAST
If the Sardinians were to nominate one place as their geographical, cultural and spiritual
heartland, this would surely be it. Nowhere is the force of nature more overpowering than
here, where the Supramonte's limestone mountains give way to the Golfo di Orosei's
plunging cliffs, grottoes and startling aquamarine waters.
Although larger towns are accessible by bus, you'll see more with your own set of
wheels. A roller coaster of country roads leads to deep valleys concealing prehistoric
nura-
ghe,
the lonesome villages of the Barbagia steeped in bandit legends, and to holm oak
forests where wild pigs roam.
DON'T MISS
SARDINIA'S TOP FIVE CLIMBS & HIKES
»
Gola Su Gorropu (
Click here
) The trail to Gorropu from Genna 'e Silana pass is spectacular, taking in
holm oak woods, boulder-strewn slopes and cave-riddled cliffs. It takes about two hours to go up, 1½
hours to come down.
»
Selvaggio Blu
This is the big one: an epic four- to seven-day, 45km trek along the Golfo di Orosei's
dramatic coastline, traversing wooded ravines, cliffs and caves. A guide is recommended as the trail is
not well signposted and there's no water en route. If you are going it alone, be aware that it involves
scrambling, fixed-rope routes and abseiling, so some alpine mountaineering experience is necessary.
Visit the website,
www.selvaggioblu.it
or get a copy of Enrico Spanu's
Book of Selvaggio Blu
.
»
Cala Luna
There's fabulous climbing above a beautiful bay, which is a scenic two-hour clifftop walk
from Cala Fuili or a speedy boat ride from Cala Gonone. The 56 routes range from 5c to 8b+ and in-
clude some tricky single pitches in caves with overhangs.
»
La Poltrona
This massive limestone amphitheatre close to Cala Gonone has compact rock and 75
bolted routes from grades 4 to 8a. Mornings get too hot here in summer, so wait until late afternoon.
»
Golgo-Cala Goloritzè
It's an easy half-day hike along old mule trails from the plateau of Golgo to
Cala Goloritzè, a perfect half-moon of white sand pummelled by astonishingly blue waters. Climbers
can tackle its bizarre limestone pinnacles, including the Aguglia, a tough multipitch climb.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Nuoro
POP 36,635
