Hiking Su Gorropu Canyon from Oddoene – Supramonte di Urzulei, Sardinia

A circular hike into Su Gorropu — Italy's deepest canyon and one of the most dramatic gorges in Europe — via the less-travelled approach from Oddoene, through the wild Supramonte di Urzulei.

The route descends from the Oddoene plateau into the limestone heart of the Supramonte, following the valley of the Rio Flumineddu down to the canyon entrance. Inside Su Gorropu, walls of white limestone rise nearly 500 metres on both sides, enclosing a world of absolute silence, ancient boulders, cold streamlets, and extraordinary biodiversity.

This is one of the few places on earth where the rare purple Aquilegia Nuragica grows — a wildflower endemic almost exclusively to this canyon. Golden eagles ride the thermals overhead; Sardinian mouflons pick their way across the high ridges; and the geotritone del Supramonte inhabits the cave pools along the canyon floor.

The return follows the same valley floor back to Oddoene, completing a full loop through one of Sardinia's most protected and untouched landscapes.

📍 Start/End: Oddoene, Urzulei (OG) – Sardinia, Italy

📏 Distance: ~12.3 km | 🧭 Type: Loop

🎯 Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging | Terrain: Supramonte limestone, canyon floor, boulder scrambling

📅 Best season: Year-round (canyon interior stays cool even in summer)

🌐 Guided tours of Su Gorropu are offered by Best Sardinia Trips (Jebel Sardinia) – licensed local guides departing from Orosei and Dorgali. Small groups, 4×4 transport, full naturalistic commentary.

Info and bookings: www.bestsardiniatrips.com