Monte San Giovanni — Supramonte of Oliena, Orgosolo and Urzulei - Su Sercone

From the parking lot at the forest workers' station to Monte Novo San Giovanni. It begins with a beautiful forest path through the holm oak forest. At the foot of Monte Novo we were already thinking about turning back - far from it! There is an easy, secured path up the rock. At the top there is an indescribable panorama! Return over a ridge towards Monte Fumai. Completely different landscape than on the way there. We are excited.

The Pratobello plateau south of Orgosolo is one of the most beautiful of its kind in Sardinia. At an altitude of over 1000 m you drive through a lonely landscape with small streams, stone hills and barren pastures. Flocks of sheep cross the path, cattle doze on the roadside, families of pigs rummage through the ground. Past a large reservoir it finally goes to the Foresta di Montes. The forest has a large population of ancient holm oaks. The highlight of the circular hike is the ascent to Monte Novo San Giovanni, a small table mountain with magnificent views over Supramonte and Gennargentu.

Not able to navigate completely with phone using komoot due to phone battery being empty 😞

It's nice if you have enough time for a short hike inland on the way to the ferry. After a short research in the Sardinia hiking guide, the choice fell on a round from Montenovo San Giovanni, an outstanding rock spur in the central Supramonte. Surrounded by ancient forests. Surrounded by wasteland and barren land, the well-developed driveway to the forester's house in Montes is astonishing. Its size reflects a certain importance of the place. In fact, the parking lot is well attended and occasionally hikers cavort among the free-roaming pigs. From here the well-marked path starts, which climbs slightly uphill and leads out of the forest below the towering walls of Monte Fumalis. The wind whistles, goats cling to the bushes, while cattle and horses pluck the barren grass from the rocky ground. Everything seems satisfied in a region that would have served as a backdrop for old Wild West films. The appropriate "ghost town", however, showed itself to be very abandoned. However, individual layered walls, a dilapidated roof and archways have been preserved. So here was a place exposed to the elements a long time ago. Exciting circumstances in a barren environment that knows how to please with the gnarled pedunculate oaks, the vastness and the associated view. A mile and a half away, the Montenovo San Giovanni waited in a manner that would have secured him a place in Monument Valley. Towering pinnacles, merged into individual pinnacles that surround the seemingly inaccessible plateau. In the shady north, however, there is a comfortable ascent to the plain with its cozy refuges, which one would like to use for their actual purpose. One night up here exposed to the wind. In the candlelight, listening to the surrounding silence, spending the hours in flickering comfort. Hmmm... Instead, you are satisfied with what the day has to offer. Refreshing wind in glaring sunlight. A seemingly endless panorama, from which isolated peaks stand out. Nice. On the way back you have to pass the Funtana Bona. Freshly bubbling water, clear and tasty, surprises in the surrounding drought, but is gladly tasted on the last kilometer back through the forest.

We climbed narrow paths through holm oak forests to San Giovanni. We passed cows and donkeys, made a quick stop at restored huts, and then continued up to the plateau. Plenty of wildflowers and a fantastic view! 😀

Today's tour took us to Monte Novo San Giovanni. From the plateau we could admire the unique landscape! Thank you, Roberta!

Up to the fire station on Monte Nova San Giovanni.

Unfortunately there was an interruption in the recording - but a very worthwhile little tour.