Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park at Genna Silana, beside the old roadmen's house on the SS125 at about 1,000 m, the path drops steeply north through holm oak and maquis to the stony bed of the Rio Flumineddu and the mouth of the Gola di Gorropu, where the entrance and ticket point are. Return the same way, uphill all the way.
It is 8.4 km there and back with 713 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: an easy path down, then a long, hot climb of about 650 m back to the road.
The gorge is about 1.5 km long, up to about 500 m deep and only 4 to 5 m wide at its narrowest, cut by the Flumineddu between the limestone uplands of Orgosolo and Urzulei. Golden eagles nest here. Entry to the gorge costs €6 (€4 for ages 6 to 17), in cash at the entrance, and cannot be booked. It is open from mid-March to mid-November, from 10:00 to 16:30, and everyone must be out by 17:00. In bad weather ask the managers before you go. Carry plenty of water for the climb back.
The car park at Genna Silana is free. An off-road shuttle back from the gorge can be booked at the entrance.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Down through holm oak to the mouth of one of Europe's deepest gorges, cut by the Flumineddu
- The gorge is about 1.5 km long and up to about 500 m deep, and only 4 to 5 m wide at its narrowest
- Golden eagles nest here and the endemic columbine Aquilegia nuragica grows in the gorge
- Entry to the gorge itself is paid at the entrance
Getting there
Start: Genna Silana car park · Free parking. 40.15865, 9.50785
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Sardinia: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
