Punta La Marmora (1834m)

Elevation: 300m / Lenght: 11km / Time: 4h
Visit rate: 1/5 / Rating: 4/5

The highest peak of Sardinia is located in the Gennargentu Mountains. It offers almost 360° views and in good weather, you can see both the east and west coasts of Sardinia, a range of more than 70 km. The closest and easiest start of the hike is at the end of the road at the Bruncu Spina area (1829 m) near the peak of the same name, which is the second highest in Sardinia. Parking is probably available anywhere on the side of the road in front of the closed ski area. Even in the summer season, the locals probably don't control it much.

Yes, it is really a ski resort, which might surprise some people that it is located in Sardinia. The idea was conceived by locals in 1984 and the construction of the temporary ski area began in 1995. The ski area operated modestly until 2017, when, in an attempt to attract more visitors, it was upgraded, which was successful, but due to financial problems, the ski area has not been open since 2018. There have also been problems with the infrastructure and landslides does not helped either. When (and if ever) the campus will reopen remains a question. At the moment, all you can do is view the abandoned cable car and overgrown grounds.

You walk through the resort in a few minutes and set off on a relatively easy and really nice hike to the highest peak. You only need to cover a 300 m of elevation and a distance of 5.5 km one way. All the way, you'll be accompanied by views of the landscape of the Gennargentu mountains and you'll meet dozens of harmless lizards along the way.

The most difficult part of the climb starts in the second half from the Arcu Gennargentu saddle (1650 m). But this isn't the Alps, so you'll be at the top in a few dozen minutes and you can leave your trekking poles at home. After climbing for a while you are at the summit, although you don't know exactly where the summit is, as you will come across the same markings at three different places a few dozen metres apart. This amused us a little, the Italians just don't care much...

Then you enjoy the views, take pictures of everything around you and have a well-deserved snack. It's just something different, because you don't usually go to the mountains in Sardinia. And that's a shame, because Sardinia is much more than beaches and azure seas. The mountains offer pleasant temperatures even in the hot summer months and views you won't find anywhere else on the island.

Week in Sardinia for 2 (6 nights)                                                                                                Flights (Wizz Air, easyJet): 240,-                                                                                                        Car rental (Felirent): 240,-                                                                                            Accommodation (Booking): 400,-                                                                                              Spending: 400,-                                                                                                                          Total: 1 280,- EUR