Italy's Stunning Mountain Range Offers Plenty Of Hiking Trails And Unspoiled Beauty

Italy is one of Europe's main mountain vacation destinations. From the snow-capped peaks of the Valle d'Aosta to the breathtaking meadows and valleys of the Dolomites, Italy is a paradise for hikers, ski fanatics, mountain climbers, and outdoor adventurers of every stripe. The Italian Alps might fairly claim to be the most popular destination for travelers to Italy looking for mountain thrills, but they are far from the only place in the country where you can find dramatic mountain scenery and exciting places to explore on top of the world.

When thinking of top Italian hiking destinations other than the Italian Alps, the island of Sardinia might not immediately spring to mind. This Mediterranean island just south of Corsica is one of the best destinations in Italy that locals want you to visit and usually conjures up images of breathtaking cliffs and gorgeous stretches of sand, with beaches like Cala Goloritzé and La Pelosa regularly topping lists of Italy's best beaches. But hidden in the interior of Sardinia is a wild, remote, and untouched landscape offering some of the best outdoor activities in Europe, in the shape of a mountain range known as the Supramonte.

The Supramonte is a vast wilderness of deep gorges, soaring limestone karst formations, and mountain peaks. Located in the east of Sardinia, just above the middle of the island, the area is tricky to reach, as it is some distance from the main towns and cities. But many visitors interested in hiking in the Supamonte choose to base themselves in the town of Oliena, which can be reached by car from the closest international airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda, in the northeast. This airport is just over an hour away from Oliena.

Sardinia is an ideal destination for thrilling outdoor adventures, the main attraction of the Supramonte being opportunities for hiking and exploring. The region is packed with amazing trails for hikers of all abilities, along with some amazing geological formations and stunning landscapes to explore. For example, the Gola Su Gorroppu is an unmissable destination in the Supramonte. It's the deepest canyon in Italy and one of the deepest in the whole of Europe. Another Supramonte natural wonder, the Lanaitto Valley, is a great place to start for those new to the area, as it's near Oliena and full of interesting things to discover, like caves, rock formations, springs, prehistoric ruins, shepherd's retreats, and dense woodlands. 

The Supramonte range is part of the Gennargentu National Park, the natural beauty of which isn't confined to stark limestone peaks. Travelers will find an incredibly diverse selection of ecosystems and landscapes in this slice of Sardinia, from dense forests of junipers, mastic trees, 100-year-old yew trees, and aromatic strawberry trees to craggy coastal cliffs and stunning beaches. The national park is also filled with an extraordinarily rich array of wildlife that lucky visitors may be able to spot, including Sardinian wildcats, mouflons, foxes, and wild boars, as well as birds of prey like golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

The Supramonte was also once home to Sardinia's prehistoric Nuragic people, and a trip through the mountains offers the chance to discover this remarkable cultural heritage by visiting some of the amazing beehive-shaped ancient ruins. The giant tombs of S'Arena Fennau in Urzulei are eye-catching and mysterious, while Nuraghe Mannu and Tiscali are also both excellent places to get to grips with this fascinating chapter of the island's history. 

Sardinia has long, hot summers and mild winters, with ocean swimming being pleasant a whopping six months of the year. The mountains are stunning in every season, but when to come depends on the kind of vacation you plan to have. For those intending to spend time hiking, it is worth avoiding the midsummer months, when temperatures have been known to reach 118°F. April and May or September and October may be more suitable months for trekking in the mountains, when the temperatures are less extreme but still quite pleasant. If you are also looking to spend some time relaxing by the sea, the Marine Supramonte has a long coastline with plenty of excellent beaches. In that case, come in early summer or fall, hike in the mornings, and spend the warmer afternoons relaxing at the beach!

As mentioned earlier, Oliena makes a great base for exploring this part of the island. There are plenty of highly rated hotels and guesthouses in the town, including the Agriturismo Guthiddai, the Su Gologone Experience Hotel, and the Barbaricino B&B. The town of Nuoro, a little further into the national park, is another great choice, also with a number of lovely accommodation options. If you're planning to emphasize your time on the coast, the town of Baunei would make a good base, with options like the I Cinque Mori B&B and the Hotel Goloritzè. The park is also dotted with a number of small, traditional villages like Dorgali and Urzulei, which offer a more secluded, traditional Sardinian experience.