The Mountain Village of Baunei Above the Tortolì Plain

From Dorgali, one of Sardinia’s most spectacular mountain roads, the Orientale Sarda (SS125), winds through the fertile valley of the Riu Flumineddu before climbing towards the barren limestone plateaus of the wild Supramonte Mountains.
This breathtaking journey through rugged peaks and rocky highlands, lush green valleys, and narrow gorges eventually reaches the mountain village of Baunei at the southern end of the crossing. From here, the road descends in sweeping bends towards Lotzorai, the fertile Tortolì Plain, and the Bay of Arbatax.
From the center of Baunei, another road branches off towards the Su Golgo Plateau, initially climbing steeply through a series of tight hairpin bends.
The plateau is a wonderful starting point for numerous hikes through narrow gorges and dramatic rocky landscapes, with trails leading all the way down to secluded, picture-perfect coves along the Mediterranean coast, including Cala Sisine and Cala Goloritzé.

In the fertile Flumineddu Valley, lush green vegetation contrasts beautifully with the limestone cliffs in every imaginable shade, from dazzling white through warm yellow to deep red, particularly around Monte Tiscali.
The road winds picturesquely beneath a towering band of cliffs, passing the Cantoniera Bidicolai, one of the traditional Italian roadside houses that once served travelers along the country’s main routes.
Along the way, spectacular views open up towards the deeply carved Gola di Gorropu gorge, before the road reaches the Genna Silana Pass at around 1,000 meters above sea level, where the descent towards Baunei begins.

The higher reaches of the Supramonte Mountains are characterized by Mediterranean scrub, holm oak forests, and rugged limestone plateaus. Despite the harsh terrain, these uplands have been used as grazing land for centuries.
Today, several local cooperatives are developing sustainable, nature-based tourism, offering guided hikes, horseback riding excursions, and climbing adventures in the Baronia region. Another cultural highlight is the famous murales of Orgosolo – striking wall paintings that explore and interpret social and political issues.

More Photos in the Sardinia Gallery.