Challenging Hike with Stunning Views
Open-Air Sleeping & Stargazing
Lunch with a Sardinian Shepherd
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Into the Heart of Supramonte
A wild adventure through Sardinia’s Supramonte mountains with Luca from Sardinia Survival.
If you’ve ever dreamed of disconnecting from the everyday and immersing yourself in the wild beauty of Sardinia, the Supramonte is where you’ll find it. This time, we headed into its rugged terrain with Luca, a local guide from Sardinia Survival, whose deep connection to the land brought every moment to life. Our adventure wasn’t just a hike—it was a journey back in time, to a place where nature reigns and ancient traditions still breathe.
Hiking into the Wild
We startet our hike near Dorgali, the gateway to the Supramonte’s mountainous. The air was fresh, with the faint scent of Mediterranean herbs carried on the breeze as we set out on our 2.5-hour trek. Luca led the way, pointing out the hidden secrets of the landscape—the tracks of wild boar in the dusty paths, the juniper trees twisted by the wind, and the resilient plants clinging to the rocky slopes.
Each step took us deeper into a world where nature’s rhythms guide life. The path was challenging, weaving through craggy outcrops and steep inclines, but the reward was worth it. We reached one of the higher points of the Supramonte, a natural balcony with sweeping views of the valleys below. Here, the mountains felt timeless, untouched. It was a place that made you stop, breathe deeply, and feel small in the best possible way.
A Night Under the Stars
Setting up camp was an adventure in itself. With no tents, we embraced the raw simplicity of the experience. Some of us hung hammocks between ancient junipers, swaying gently with the breeze, while others opted for a spot on the bare earth, lying on the stone-hard ground beneath the open sky. We were surrounded by the remnants of old shepherds’ constructions—wooden enclosures that once kept sheep safe from the elements.
As night fell, the sky came alive. Luca, with his endless stories, became our guide to the stars. He pointed out constellations, tracing their shapes with a practiced hand, and shared the ancient legends that Sardinian shepherds once told under these same stars. The air grew colder, and the silence of the mountains wrapped around us, broken only by the occasional call of an owl or the rustle of a nearby shrub. It was a kind of magic that is hard to find in our busy, modern lives.
Morning Descent and a Shepherd’s Welcome
The next morning, we packed up our camp as the first rays of sunlight brushed the mountain peaks. Our descent was quieter, with a sense of peace lingering from the night before. As we made our way down, the landscape shifted from rocky outcrops to rolling hills, and soon the scent of wood smoke hinted that we were nearing our next destination: a shepherd’s house tucked away in the mountains.
What awaited us was nothing short of a feast. The shepherd, a friend of Luca’s, had gathered his own friends for the occasion, turning our lunch into a lively celebration. The long table was covered with local delicacies: crusty homemade bread, wheels of sharp pecorino cheese, and a spread of roasted meats, including cuts that might be unfamiliar to some but are beloved in Sardinia—liver, heart, and even tripe.
A Taste of Sardinia’s Traditions
We were treated like old friends, handed glasses of robust, homemade red wine that the shepherd poured with a proud flourish. It was impossible not to get caught up in the spirit of the afternoon—stories flowed as freely as the wine, laughter echoed against the hills, and we felt truly connected to this hidden part of Sardinia. There’s something uniquely special about sharing a meal that’s been prepared with care and tradition, and we savored every bite, from the smoky flavor of the grilled meats to the sweetness of honey-soaked seadas.
It’s hard to say what was more memorable—the breathtaking beauty of the Supramonte, the quiet magic of our night under the stars, or the warmth and generosity of our hosts. But as we made our way back down the mountain that evening, tired and content, we knew that we had experienced something truly rare.
