Via Selvaggia Sardinia

Today a demanding 16.6 km mountain and coastal walk links Hotel Sant'elene with the seaside village of Cala Gonone. After a steady climb to the limestone heights above Dorgali, the route follows panoramic paths with views of the Gulf of Orosei before a long descent to the coast. Expect roughly 500 m of ascent and 870 m of descent on rocky, sometimes exposed terrain.

From the hotel the trail climbs on tracks and mule paths through woodland and pasture towards Monte Tului, whose summit reaches 917 m above the gulf. The route gains the ridge at about 700 m, then undulates on stony paths with frequent viewpoints over Dorgali, the Oddoene valley and the cliffs of the Supramonte before beginning the main descent.

The path drops steadily toward the sea, eventually reaching the rocky cove and pebble beach of Cala Fuili at 0 m. From here an easier finish along road and paths follows the shoreline to Cala Gonone at about 20 m, where the accommodation lies close to the waterfront, bars and harbour, ideal for recovering after this long day on the trail.

More seascapes today! After Cala Gonone, it’s a long hiking day, and north of the town, you'll ascend the steep coastline to the ridge that connects with its highest point, Monte Bardia (881 m). After about 5 km, there is a steep ascent where the path is barely marked, so pay close attention to your navigation tools in this section. From the top, you'll enjoy magnificent views across the Supramonte mountains, Dorgali, and the central east coast of Sardinia. A steep descent then takes you to Dorgali, a charming village that’s your place for the night.

Although it's a long day, most of the route is very doable. The first half you'll mostly walk on country tracks without too much climbing or descending. From around kilometer 6, when leaving the Strada Provinciale, you'll encounter a series of gates along the way, continuing until about kilometer 11. Between kilometer 10.5 and 11.5, the path becomes less clear until you reach the river. Here, you’ll need to cross a small river, most hikers do so barefoot, and continue on the other side, where the trail becomes well-defined again.

Around halfway, after you cross the river Fiume Cedrino, the trail starts to climb towards the barren ridgeline of the northern Supramonte. Stay below the ridge as you pass several cave systems beneath the impressive rock walls. You'll contour the hillside in a roughly westerly direction until you reach Monte Maccione.

Head back up the way you came yesterday for 1.5 km until you reach the trail junction. Turn right (south) and ascend the ridge that eventually reaches the highest point in the Supramonte range, Monte Corrasi (1463 m). Take a short 5-minute detour to climb to the summit for the best views. Descend the ridge for a couple of kilometers and turn right, descending further towards the Oliena–Orgosolo road. On the last stretch to Orgosolo, you will need to walk along the Strada Provinciale SP22, as the original hiking route is currently closed due to the construction of a new dam. At Orgosolo, there’s a fantastic spot where you’ll spend your final night.