Gennargentu Mountains

Massiccio del Gennargentu

The rugged backbone of Sardinia, crowned by Punta La Marmora at 1,834 m, Italy's highest peak on the island. This national park shelters deer, wild boar, and the rare Sardinian golden eagle.

Things to do

• Hike Punta La Marmora — A moderate 3-hour round trek from Fonni offers panoramic views of the entire island.
• Trek Gola Su Gorropu canyon — Europe's deepest canyon features 400 m limestone walls; hire a local guide for safety.
• Visit Fonni, Sardinia's highest town — Explore this traditional mountain village at 1,000 m, known for handwoven carpets and costumes.
• Spot Sardinian deer and mouflon — Dawn and dusk walks near Desulo offer the best chance of seeing endemic wildlife.
• Ski at Bruncu Spina in winter — Sardinia's only ski resort operates on Gennargentu slopes from January to March.

Food to try

• Agnello allo spiedo — Whole lamb spit-roasted over fragrant juniper wood, a staple of mountain shepherd culture.
• Casizolu cheese — A pear-shaped stretched-curd cow's milk cheese from the Montiferru area with a buttery flavor.
• Culurgiones — Handmade stuffed pasta filled with potato, pecorino, and mint, pinched shut in an ear-of-wheat pattern.
• Corbezzolo honey — Intensely bitter honey harvested from wild strawberry tree blossoms, prized by connoisseurs.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire local guides — Paths can be unmarked; a certified guide from Desulo or Fonni is strongly recommended for canyon treks.
• Dress for rapid weather changes — Mountain temperatures can drop sharply even in summer; carry a windproof layer.
• Villages have strict traditions — Festivals like Cortes Apertas in October offer rare insight into pastoral culture; dress modestly.