
Gorropu Gorge Supramonte Sardinia
Europe's deepest canyon, Gorropu Gorge, offers a dramatic adventure with towering walls and challenging bouldering.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Gorropu Gorge Supramonte Sardinia
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's deepest canyon, Gorropu Gorge, offers a dramatic adventure with towering walls and challenging bouldering.
"An incredible experience, but be prepared for a serious undertaking!"

👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Essential
Traction is key on slippery rocks. Avoid trainers; opt for hiking boots for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry plenty of water! Refill stations exist, but don't rely solely on them. Sun exposure is intense.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Canyon of Sardinia
Supramonte Mountains
Towering limestone walls up to 500 meters high create a breathtaking, dramatic natural wonder.

Navigating the Bouldering Sections
Inside the Gorge
Challenge yourself with the 'green' (easy), 'yellow' (moderate), and 'red' (hard) routes, involving climbing and scrambling.

Natural Spring Refreshment
Near Gorge Entrance
Refill your water bottles at a cool, natural spring – a welcome respite during your trek.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Adventure Wisely
Cash is King for Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Essential
Traction is key on slippery rocks. Avoid trainers; opt for hiking boots for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry plenty of water! Refill stations exist, but don't rely solely on them. Sun exposure is intense.
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
The €6 gorge entrance fee is cash-only. No ATMs nearby, so come prepared!
🚗 Jeep vs. Hike Decision
Jeep rides offer easier access but cost more. Hiking is rewarding but demanding. Choose based on fitness.
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Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Essential
Traction is key on slippery rocks. Avoid trainers; opt for hiking boots for grip and ankle support.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry plenty of water! Refill stations exist, but don't rely solely on them. Sun exposure is intense.
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
The €6 gorge entrance fee is cash-only. No ATMs nearby, so come prepared!
🚗 Jeep vs. Hike Decision
Jeep rides offer easier access but cost more. Hiking is rewarding but demanding. Choose based on fitness.
☀️ Sun Protection is Vital
Hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing are a must due to intense sun exposure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gorropu Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder, lauded for its immense scale and dramatic beauty. Visitors praise the challenging bouldering sections and the refreshing natural spring. However, many highlight the strenuous nature of the hikes, the need for cash payment, and the potential for underestimating the difficulty.
"Definitely visit! The canyon is beautiful, and you feel its vastness from below. There are green, yellow and red routes, but they are not either/or. The canyon starts with green which is the easiest, then after a while it turns yellow, which includes some intermediate bouldering, then comes the red part - its more difficult for inexperienced people, or I could also say not recommended.
About the hike to and from the canyon: we drove to the base camp (Genna Silana, there’s free parking), the trail starts there and it’s easy to follow. The ground is uneven, some parts are sunny, others are shady (we went mid July, around 9 am). The hike down takes around 2 hours, so I suggest to start early. You can easily spend 2 hours down in the canyon before going back up. There is a keep option, but I don’t know much about it as we hiked the whole way.
Going up the trail, especially in the hot summer month is challenging and test your will. It took us about 2-2.5 hours to get back and we were wasted with smiles on our faces.
So, pack your hiking shoes, have a rich breakfast (something we missed) and take the hike early, before the crowds arrive. You’ll love it, but watch your steps!"
Ábel Maróti
"Its a really cool experience. The hike is not very difficult. You do not need hiking experience. The path towards the canyon is just a 1.5hour walk down and 2hour walk up. I don’t know why people in the reviews say that you need hiking experience, you definitely don’t. For older people (60+ it could be a challenge, there’s a height difference of 1000m. Your heart will be ‘pumping’)
In the canyon itself you can go as far as where you feel comfortable. You start with green and gradually it will become harder (yellow/red). We ended up a bit in the red trail, ate a sandwich and headed back.
Don’t bother taking the jeep on the way back. You will need to hike up for 50 min before a jeep will take you back for 18 euro’s. After that you still need a shuttle to your car. Better to just hike back in 2 hrs. You will definitely be panting, but it’s very doable if you take the necessary breaks that you need."
Maarten Middelkoop
"What a great Spot !! We hiked/climed all the way from the pass to the end of the Canyon without a Guide (Green,yellow,Red) and further into the Canyon until the end as it is poseible to do a round Trip back to the pass. Ch ck your hiking app. but Take Care !!!! Its Just for very advanced alpine hikers with climbing experience. You will have to be able to climb boulders with difficulty of around II-III and it will Take you Like one whole day but it was the Most beautiful hike since a Long Time. We die Not neee Equipment as there ist a fixed Rope installed."
Paul G.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There are two main access points: the longer, less technical hike from the S'Abba Arva parking lot (approx. 1.5-2 hours downhill) or the shorter, steeper route from Hotel Gorropu, which can be accessed by a Jeep ride. The Jeep option is recommended for those seeking an easier experience.
Yes, parking is available at both the S'Abba Arva parking lot and near Hotel Gorropu. Be aware that the S'Abba Arva parking is the starting point for the longer hike.
Public transport options directly to the gorge are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or consider organized tours that include transportation.
Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation from nearby towns. Alternatively, some local accommodations might offer shuttle services or can help arrange transport.
Driving from Olbia to the Gorropu Gorge area typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the specific route and traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the gorge itself is €6 per person, payable in cash only. This fee grants access to the initial sections of the canyon.
While booking the Jeep ride in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, the €6 gorge entrance fee is typically paid on-site in cash.
The gorge usually opens around 10:30 AM. It's best to check the latest opening times closer to your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
The gorge has different sections: 'green' (easy), 'yellow' (moderate), and 'red' (hard). The 'red' section involves significant bouldering and may not be suitable for everyone.
No, the €6 entrance fee for Gorropu Gorge must be paid in cash. Make sure to have enough euros with you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential due to slippery rocks. Avoid trainers. Lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and sun protection are also highly recommended.
Exploring the 'green' section can take about an hour round trip. Completing all three sections ('green', 'yellow', 'red') can take up to 1.5 hours and involves significant bouldering.
Near the gorge entrance, you'll find a natural spring for refilling water bottles and some small pools for cooling off. There are no extensive facilities within the canyon itself.
The 'green' section is generally manageable for older children who are comfortable with some scrambling. The 'yellow' and 'red' sections are more challenging and may not be suitable for younger children.
The 'green' section is the easiest, involving minimal scrambling. The 'yellow' section requires more bouldering and climbing. The 'red' section is the most challenging, demanding advanced bouldering skills and physical exertion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hotel Gorropu, located at one of the access points, typically offers dining options. There are also snack bars at some parking areas, but extensive restaurant choices are limited near the gorge itself.
No, there are no food or drink vendors inside the gorge. It's essential to bring your own snacks and plenty of water. You can refill water bottles at the natural spring.
Hotel Gorropu usually serves traditional Sardinian cuisine. It's a good place to refuel after your hike or Jeep ride.
Yes, packing a picnic is highly recommended, especially if you are doing the longer hike. It allows you to control your food choices and ensure you have enough sustenance.
While traditional Sardinian cuisine often features meat and cheese, many restaurants, including Hotel Gorropu, can usually accommodate vegetarian requests. Vegan options might be more limited and require advance notice.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic scale of the canyon walls, the unique rock formations, and the interplay of light and shadow offer incredible photographic potential. The narrowest points of the gorge are particularly striking.
Yes, it can be challenging. You'll need to be mindful of your footing while navigating the slippery rocks and bouldering sections. A secure way to carry your camera or phone is essential.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and dramatic shadows. Midday sun can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the gorge is impressive at any time.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the canyon walls and the dramatic landscapes.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and natural reserves to protect wildlife and the environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
💪 Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: Hike vs. Jeep
Alternatively, you can opt for a Jeep ride from Hotel Gorropu. This is a significantly easier and quicker option, often involving a shorter walk to the gorge entrance. The Jeep service is a paid service, and booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. This choice largely depends on your fitness level, time constraints, and desired level of adventure. Remember that even with the Jeep, you'll still encounter uneven terrain and bouldering within the gorge itself.
Inside the Gorge: Sections and Challenges
The 'yellow' section introduces more significant bouldering challenges, requiring you to climb over large rocks and navigate narrower passages. This section is moderately difficult and requires good balance and agility. The 'red' section is the most demanding, involving advanced bouldering, climbing with ropes, and potentially crawling through tight spaces. Many visitors, even those who consider themselves fit, stop at the end of the 'yellow' section due to the intensity of the 'red' route. Proper footwear is crucial for all sections, as the white rocks can be very slippery.
Essential Preparations for Your Visit
Cash is essential for the €6 entrance fee, as credit cards are not accepted. Sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and long sleeves—is vital. Consider bringing trekking poles for added stability on the rocky paths. Finally, be realistic about your fitness level. The gorge is a serious undertaking, and underestimating its difficulty can lead to a less enjoyable experience.
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