The best walks and hikes around Orthullè/Urzulei
4.4
(729)
3,868
hikers
45
hikes
Hiking around Orthullè/Urzulei offers access to the rugged Supramonte region of central-eastern Sardinia. This area is characterized by its impervious, mountainous karst landscape, featuring deep ravines, sheer cliffs, and extensive holm-oak forests. The dramatic Gorropu Gorge, one of Europe's deepest canyons, forms a significant natural boundary within the region. Hikers can explore diverse terrain, from river valleys to the slopes of Monte Gruttas.
Best hiking trails around Orthullè/Urzulei
- The most popular hiking route is Discovering Gola Su Gorropu, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) difficult trail that takes 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This path leads directly into the renowned Gorropu Gorge.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is The Gorropu canyon - Ring tour, a difficult 7.8 miles (12.5 km) path. This route offers a comprehensive exploration of the canyon's imposing walls and unique environment.
- Local hikers also love the Area Faunistica di Sa Portiscra — Ring tour, a 7.9 miles (12.7 km) trail leading through oak forests and ancient sheepfolds, often completed in about 4 hours 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Orthullè/Urzulei is defined by deep canyons, karst landscapes, and dense holm-oak forests. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate forest paths to challenging alpine treks.
- The routes in Orthullè/Urzulei are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. More than 3,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Orthullè/Urzulei's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.7
(123)
925
hikers
5.28km
02:12
190m
690m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.3
(3)
12
hikers
12.5km
05:17
890m
890m
Embark on a challenging hike through the Gorropu Canyon, often called Europe's deepest canyon, where towering limestone walls reach up to 500 meters high and narrow to just 5 meters wide in places. This difficult 7.8-mile (12.5 km) ring tour involves a significant 2905 feet (885 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 16 minutes to complete. You will navigate a rugged landscape with dramatic cliffs, ancient holm oaks, and juniper trees, often following the Rio Flumineddu river through forests filled with aromatic plants, and scrambling over boulders inside the gorge.
Planning your visit requires good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy shoes. While the overall difficulty is high, you can choose your access point; the route from Genna Silana Pass is popular, starting downhill but requiring a steep ascent on your return. Alternatively, the longer 14 km route from Sa Barva Bridge is generally considered easier. Inside the canyon, you will find marked green, yellow, and red routes, with the red route demanding specialized climbing gear and experience. Always bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person.
The Gorropu Canyon is a truly notable natural spectacle, renowned for its unique geological formation and micro-environment that supports diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species. The dramatic scale of its rock walls and the clear river make it a prime hiking destination in Sardinia. You can also find refreshing natural swimming pools along the Flumineddu river and spot ancient shepherd's huts, known as cuile, adding to the cultural and natural appeal of this extraordinary place.
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4.5
(4)
27
hikers
18.3km
05:57
770m
770m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
3.3
(3)
5
hikers
12.7km
04:35
780m
770m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
11.1km
04:03
700m
700m
Hike the Monte Pisaneddu Trail from Urzulei, a moderate 6.9-mile route with 2305 feet of elevation gain, offering wild Sardinian scenery.
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Other adventures around Orthullè/Urzulei
Tips from the Community
This route definitely isn’t for everyone, because like the comment before said, the canyon does not look passable or maybe with some climbing equipment, there are also no wedges or anything to climb. There are also signs for end of the route and arrows for exit in the same direction, so i don’t think it’s even allowed to go forward. It should definitely be mentioned somewhere.
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The path through the gorge is definitely no longer passable! Or only with sufficient alpine equipment.
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Highly recommended. Entrance fee is €6, but it's worth it.
2
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On the left side there are metal ropes/chains. You can also get across dry
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From this cave used as a refuge by shepherds centuries ago, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. In case of rain, these caves offer an ideal shelter.
3
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Along this path you come across some cuiles, traditional sheepfolds with stone bases and wooden and branch structures. At this point, there is one of the best preserved. Shepherds have used these structures for generations, tending pigs, goats and oxen. Since the 1950s and 1960s, these sheepfolds have been progressively abandoned, without generational change, with rare exceptions.
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The steep walls of Punta Poloche frame a breathtaking natural landscape at the start of this path towards the Su Gorropu gorge. On one side, the rocky ridge stands out imposingly, while on the other, the view opens onto a mountainous panorama that extends into infinity.
2
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Actually, the entire route to the gorge offers great views.
2
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Orthullè/Urzulei?
Orthullè/Urzulei offers a diverse network of over 40 hiking trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, ranging from easy strolls to challenging alpine treks through the rugged Supramonte region.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Orthullè/Urzulei?
Yes, Orthullè/Urzulei has several easier options. There are 7 trails classified as easy, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed walk. While specific easy routes aren't highlighted, the region offers diverse terrain beyond the most challenging canyons.
Can I find circular hiking routes in the Orthullè/Urzulei area?
Absolutely. The region features several excellent circular routes. For a challenging experience, consider The Gorropu canyon - Ring tour. A moderate option that winds through oak forests and past ancient sheepfolds is the Area Faunistica di Sa Portiscra — Ring tour.
What are some challenging hikes for experienced trekkers in Orthullè/Urzulei?
For experienced hikers, the region's deep canyons offer demanding routes. The Discovering Gola Su Gorropu trail leads directly into Italy's deepest canyon. Another difficult option is the Along the Codula Orbis stream — Ring tour, which explores another significant waterway.
What kind of natural attractions can I expect to see on hikes in Orthullè/Urzulei?
The region is rich in dramatic natural features. You'll encounter the imposing Gorropu Gorge with its 500-meter-high walls, the verdant holm-oak forests of Supramonte, and karst landscapes with ravines and chasms. Keep an eye out for unique flora like the purple Aquilegia Nuragica and wildlife such as golden eagles and mouflons.
Are there any historical or archaeological sites to explore while hiking?
Yes, the Supramonte plateau around Urzulei is dotted with significant archaeological sites. You can discover ancient sheepfolds (cuiles) along routes like the Area Faunistica di Sa Portiscra — Ring tour, and explore Nuraghic villages such as 'Os Murales' and megalithic structures like the 'tombs of giants' in S'Arena.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Orthullè/Urzulei?
Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant seasons for hiking in Orthullè/Urzulei. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers like orchids and peonies, while autumn offers cooler temperatures. Summers can be very hot, especially in the canyons, and winters can be cold and wet, making some routes challenging.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Orthullè/Urzulei?
While many trails in Sardinia are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific regulations for each route, especially within protected areas like the Gorropu Gorge. Always keep your dog on a leash, especially where wildlife is present, and ensure you carry enough water for both of you.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic views in the Orthullè/Urzulei area?
The rugged terrain of Orthullè/Urzulei naturally offers numerous spectacular viewpoints. Trails winding through the Supramonte region, such as the Monte Pisaneddu Trail from Urzulei, provide stunning vistas of the wild Sardinian landscape, including the impressive Monte Gruttas and the deep canyons.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Orthullè/Urzulei?
The hiking trails in Orthullè/Urzulei are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic landscapes, the challenging nature of the canyon routes, and the unique natural beauty of the Supramonte region.
Are there any long-distance hiking opportunities in Orthullè/Urzulei?
While the region is known for its intense day hikes, the extensive network of old shepherds' paths and the rugged nature of the Supramonte allow for longer, multi-day trekking experiences for those prepared for self-sufficiency. Routes like Along the Codula Orbis stream — Ring tour offer significant distances and elevation changes.
Where can I find more information about the Urzulei region?
For additional information about the Urzulei region, including local attractions and services, you can visit the official tourism website at visit-urzulei.com.
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