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Supramonte is a rugged and scenic mountain range located in the
central part of the island of
Sardinia, Italy. It is renowned for its
wild, untamed beauty,
rocky landscapes, and
lush greenery, making
it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure
enthusiasts. The range offers some of the island's most dramatic views
and features several notable natural attractions.
Key Features of Supramonte:
-
Geography:
- The
Supramonte
mountains stretch over an area of about
300 square kilometers
in central Sardinia, covering the provinces of
Nuoro and
Ogliastra.
- This mountain range is part
of the larger Sardinian
massif, which is characterized by its
steep cliffs,
deep ravines,
and caves. The
range includes some of the island's highest peaks, with
elevations reaching over
1,200 meters (3,937 feet).
- The
Supramonte is
surrounded by the
Gennargentu mountain range to the south and the
Barbagia
region to the north, creating a
wild, isolated
landscape.
-
Natural Beauty and Outdoor
Activities:
- The Supramonte is known
for its breathtaking
landscapes, including towering cliffs, lush valleys,
deep gorges, and winding rivers. Its
rugged terrain
and untouched nature make it a haven for those seeking adventure
and tranquility.
- The range is home to
various wildlife,
such as wild boar,
foxes, and
various bird species,
adding to the allure for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
- It is a
paradise for hikers
and trekkers, offering
numerous trails that traverse the mountains, valleys,
and forests, with opportunities to explore caves, waterfalls,
and ancient villages.
-
Caves and Grottos:
- One of the highlights of
Supramonte is its system of
caves,
including the famous
Grotte di Ispinigoli, which is one of the most
impressive caves in Sardinia. The cave is home to an enormous
stalactite
and stalagmite
formations, as well as a
deep chasm
that is over 100 meters (328 feet) deep.
- The
Su Gologone Cave
is another well-known cave in the area, famous for its
underground spring and the stunning rock formations inside.
- Exploring these caves
gives visitors a chance to experience the island's natural
wonders up close, adding to the sense of mystery and adventure
in the region.
-
The Supramonte Forests:
- The forests within the
Supramonte range are dense with
Mediterranean
vegetation, including
olive trees,
oak,
pine trees,
and various bushes
and wildflowers.
The area is also known for its
herbal plants
and aromatic herbs,
which add to the natural beauty.
- The
verdant forests
provide shade and a cool escape, making the Supramonte a
desirable spot for trekking, picnicking, and enjoying nature at
its best.
-
Traditional Villages and
Culture:
- The
Supramonte
region is home to a number of
traditional Sardinian
villages, such as
Orgosolo,
which is famous for its
murals
depicting Sardinian history and culture. The town has a
long-standing reputation for its
authenticity
and connection to the island’s pastoral lifestyle.
-
Oliena,
another village on the edge of the Supramonte, is known for its
fine wines,
especially Cannonau
wine, which is grown in the surrounding vineyards.
- The area retains a deep
sense of Sardinian
tradition, with locals often engaging in
pastoral and
craft
activities, such as
sheep herding and
weaving.
-
Trekking and Hiking Trails:
- The
Supramonte is
home to some of the island's best hiking trails, catering to a
wide range of skill levels. Some notable hikes include:
- The
Selvaggio Blu
(Wild Blue) Trail: One of the most famous and challenging
treks in Sardinia, this trail offers dramatic views of the
coastline
and deep valleys, with some sections involving
rock climbing
and scrambling.
- The
Gola Su Gologone
trail leads to the famous spring of Su Gologone and offers
scenic views of the landscape and valleys.
- For those interested
in a less strenuous experience, there are also easier hikes
that explore the
forests and
rivers of
the Supramonte region.
-
Local Cuisine:
- The Supramonte area is
known for its traditional Sardinian cuisine, heavily influenced
by its mountainous and agricultural setting. Common dishes
include:
-
Culurgiones:
Traditional Sardinian dumplings filled with potato, mint,
and pecorino cheese.
-
Porceddu:
A dish of roasted
suckling pig, often served during festivals and
celebrations.
-
Pane Carasau:
Thin, crispy flatbread that is a staple of Sardinian meals.
-
Cheeses
such as Pecorino
Sardo and
Fiore Sardo, both made from sheep's milk.
-
Wildlife and Nature
Conservation:
- The Supramonte is also
important for nature
conservation, as it is home to several species that are
endemic to Sardinia. It is one of the best places to spot the
Sardinian wild cat,
a species that is at risk of extinction.
- The range is part of a
protected natural park,
and efforts are made to preserve the unique ecosystem and
biodiversity of the region.
-
Access and Transportation:
- Getting to the Supramonte
can be a bit challenging due to its rugged nature, but it is
accessible by car from
Nuoro, which is the nearest city. The nearest major
airport is in Olbia,
on the northern coast of Sardinia, or
Cagliari in
the south, both of which are about a 2-3 hour drive from the
mountains.
- There are local buses and
smaller roads that lead to some of the main villages in the
Supramonte, and from there, travelers can begin their hikes and
exploration.
In Summary:
The
Supramonte is a
stunningly beautiful and rugged region in central Sardinia, offering a
unique combination of natural
wonders, traditional
villages, and
adventure opportunities. Whether you’re interested in hiking
its dramatic mountains, exploring its caves, or immersing yourself in
the local culture, the Supramonte provides an unforgettable experience
for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination
in Sardinia.
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Safaris
Bergsteigen
Wandern
Inselwandern Weltweit
Europa
Inselwandern
Städtewandern
Paintings
Dirk Rauschenbach
Mail ccooly(
at) web.de
26.07.25 Copyright Dirk
Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt
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