Nature

attraction

Gorropu Gorge

Urzulei · Nuoro

Route

Website

Italy's deepest canyon in the Supramonte: walls over 500 metres high, just four metres wide at its narrowest.

At a glance

Öffnungszeiten: siehe unten
Eintritt: 6.00 €
Duration: 240 min

Discover more

Location

Abzweigung Dorgali-Urzulei (SS 125, km 183), 08020 Urzulei, NUC, Italien

Urzulei

Coordinates: 40.18527, 9.50166

Gorropu Gorge is a deep canyon in the Supramonte, marking the boundary between the municipalities of Orgosolo and Urzulei. In the local Sardinian dialect "gorropu" means a chasm or scoured cut. The gorge formed along a fault line through the erosive power of the Rio Flumineddu. With walls over 500 metres high and a width narrowing to four metres at its tightest, it is considered Italy's deepest canyon and one of the deepest in Europe. Fossils in the limestone walls record the rock's submarine origin between 190 and 60 million years ago. The classic approaches are the valley floor from the S'Abba Arva bridge, or the shorter, steeper descent from the Genna 'e Silana pass.

Highlights

Walls over 500 metres high
Narrows just four metres wide
Fossils in the limestone

Tips

The return from Genna 'e Silana climbs around 650 metres.
Carry enough water — there is no spring along the route.

Practical information

Loop

Shade

Yes

Parking

Available Yes

Parking is available near Ponte di Sa Barva or the S'Abba Arva parking area. The hiking trail to the gorge starts from these parking areas.

Difficulty

schwer

Best Season

Frühling und Herbst

Dog Allowed

Guided tours

It is possible to book off-road vehicle transfers for the return to the parking lot.

Water Source

Yes

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible No

Access to the gorge involves trekking on a path of increasing difficulty (green-yellow-red), which is not suitable for wheelchairs. Transfers by off-road vehicle can be booked for the return journey.

Visitor notes

Admission costs €6 (cash only), reduced to €4. The gorge is open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry around 4:00 PM).

Family Friendly

Nature Features

Difficultyhard
Protected area Yes

Der Weg durch die Schlucht ist etwa 1 km lang und weist zunehmende Schwierigkeitsgrade (grün-gelb-rot) auf. Die gesamte Wanderung (Hin- und Rückweg) dauert etwa vier Stunden. Startpunkte sind die Parkplätze bei Ponte di Sa Barva oder S'Abba Arva.

Der Weg ist teilweise sehr anspruchsvoll. Festes Schuhwerk ist unbedingt erforderlich.

Opening hours

Seasonal Yes

Daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry around 4:00 PM.

Admission

€6.00

Specialties

Unique geological formation, home to rare plants and animals (e.g., the Sardinian newt).

Frequently asked questions

How high are the walls of Gola su Gorropu?

The limestone walls of Gola su Gorropu reach a height of up to 400 meters, and in some places even over 500 meters.

What activities can be done at Gola su Gorropu?

Gola su Gorropu is ideal for trekking and canyoning. There are various routes with different difficulty levels.

Is Gola su Gorropu suitable for families?

There are family-friendly hiking trails to the entrance of the gorge. However, exploring the interior requires surefootedness and is less suitable for small children.

Where is Gola su Gorropu located?

Gola su Gorropu is located in the heart of the Supramonte mountains in Sardinia, marking the border between the municipalities of Orgosolo and Urzulei.

Best time

Spring and autumn; very hot in summer, flood risk in winter.

Getting there

Access via various hiking trails, e.g., from Urzulei or Dorgali. The official car park is at Genna Silana.