The deepest canyon in Europe
In the heart of the Supramonte, the wild limestone massif of central-eastern Sardinia, between the municipalities of Urzulei and Orgosolo, the Gola di Gorropu is one of the most spectacular canyons in Europe, often described as the deepest: a gorge carved over millions of years by the Flumineddu river, with sheer walls of white and grey limestone that rise up to about 500 metres, and in its narrowest point is only a few metres wide.
Walking inside the gorge is an extraordinary experience: you move among gigantic white boulders, polished by the water, between vertical walls that almost touch the sky, in a cool, silent atmosphere. The first part of the canyon, about one kilometre, can be walked by anyone with good shoes; beyond, the route becomes a real climb among huge rocks, for experienced hikers with a guide. The gorge is home to the Aquilegia nuragica, an endemic flower that grows only here, and to golden eagles and griffon vultures. It can be reached on foot along two routes: from the Genna 'e Silana pass, on the road between Dorgali and Baunei, with a descent of about two hours, or from the valley of the Flumineddu, from Dorgali, with a longer but flatter walk. Access to the gorge requires a small ticket, managed by a local cooperative.
Tip: the return from Genna 'e Silana is a climb of about 700 metres, so start early; avoid the gorge after heavy rain.
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