The roof of Sardinia
In the heart of the island, the Gennargentu massif is the highest mountain range in Sardinia, a vast highland of rounded peaks, pastures, ancient woods and deep valleys, inhabited for millennia by shepherds and almost untouched by tourism. Its highest peak, Punta La Marmora, reaches 1,834 metres and is named after Alberto La Marmora, the Piedmontese general and scholar who mapped Sardinia in the nineteenth century. From the top, on clear days, the view embraces almost the whole island, from the Gulf of Orosei to the Gulf of Oristano, and even, it is said, Corsica.
The massif is part of the Gennargentu and Gulf of Orosei National Park. The landscape, harsh and silent, is made of schist and granite, with high pastures where flocks of sheep and herds of horses graze in the wild, groves of holly, yew and maple, and rare plants. It is home to the mouflon, the wild sheep of Sardinia, the golden eagle, the griffon vulture and the Sardinian deer. In winter the peaks are covered with snow, and the small ski area of Bruncu Spina, at about 1,500 metres, is the only one in Sardinia. The classic ascent to Punta La Marmora starts from the Arcu Guddetorgiu pass near Desulo or from Bruncu Spina, near Fonni, along paths of a few hours. The villages of the area, Desulo, Fonni, Aritzo and Tonara, keep ancient traditions, costumes and crafts, such as the nougat of Tonara.
Tip: the weather changes quickly in the mountains, bring warm clothes even in summer; in autumn the chestnut woods of Aritzo and Desulo are beautiful.
Where it is
More things to see in Sardinia
Where to stay near Desulo
Tours and activities nearby
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