Hiking Su Gorropu: A Guide to Sardinia’s Grand Canyon

If you’ve ever wanted to explore one of the deepest canyons in Europe (without leaving Italy) Su Gorropu in Sardinia should be on your list. This hike takes you through towering limestone walls, rugged Sardinian landscapes, and a trail that’s absolutely beautiful.

I hiked the Gorropu Gorge from the top down, starting at the Genna Silana Pass and descending all the way to the canyon floor. The weather was perfect when I went (October) and the views were wild in every direction. I also gathered some important tips along the way, like: bring cash, don’t underestimate the climb back up, and always take lasagna to-go! (just kidding on the lasagna part) 😂

This guide covers everything I wish I knew before doing the hike, from how to get there, where to stay, what to pack, the different routes, and whether or not to take a guided tour/guided hike.

Spoiler: I did it without a guide, but I’ll share the pros and cons so you can decide.

If you’re planning a Sardinia trip and want to do something different from the beach, this hike is 100% worth it.

What Is Su Gorropu?

Su Gorropu, also known as Gola Su Gorropu, is often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe” — and it’s easy to see why! Carved between the limestone cliffs of Sardinia’s Supramonte mountains, it’s one of the deepest canyons in Europe, reaching depths of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet).

The gorge is located in eastern Sardinia, between the towns of Urzulei and Dorgali. It’s a dramatic landscape of sheer rock faces, boulder fields, and narrow paths that twist through towering canyon walls.

If you’ve seen photos and thought, “That can’t be real,” it is. And it’s even better in person.

Check out the video above to watch my firsthand experience hiking Su Gorropu

There are a few different ways to experience Su Gorropu:

• Go solo (or with a friend), following the well-marked trail from Genna Silana Pass
• Join a guided hike for more background and support. I recommend either this one if you’re coming from Orosei or Dorgali, or this one from Cala Gonone.
• Skip the hike altogether and take a 4×4 jeep ride into the canyon from the Flumineddu valley—though it’s less adventurous

Whether you’re in it for the views, the challenge, or the fact that you can say “I hiked the Grand Canyon of Italy,” Su Gorropu is a great addition to any Sardinia itinerary.

Where to Start Your Hike

The Route I Took: Genna Silana to the Canyon Floor

I started my hike from the Genna Silana Pass, which is one of the most popular trailheads for Su Gorropu. It’s also super convenient if you’re staying at Gorropu Hotel, which is literally across the road from the trail start. Waking up, walking out the door, and being ready to hike? Yes please.

The trail from Genna Silana heads downhill into the canyon—easy at first, with incredible, wide-open views of Sardinia’s rugged landscape. But it’s rocky, and parts of the descent get steep. The path is marked with green arrows, and you’ll want to follow those closely. We almost got lost once!

Once you reach the bottom, you’ll hit the ticket booth—yes, there’s a fee to enter the actual canyon:

• €5 for adults
• €3.50 for kids
• Cash only, and preferably with small change

You can explore the gorge from there (just watch out for slippery rocks), then either hike back up like we did or take the 4×4 jeep back to the top for €18 per person. I won’t lie—the climb out was rough. But if you’ve got the stamina and want to earn your post-hike pasta, it’s doable.

Other Route Options

If you’re looking for something shorter or different, there are other ways to reach the canyon:

• Sedda ar Baccas Route: A steeper, more direct climb that starts from the bottom and goes up into the gorge. Great if you’re coming from the valley side.

• Flumineddu Trail: Starts near Gorropu Hotel but follows a more gradual incline. It’s longer in distance but easier on the knees.

• Inside the canyon, there are three trail difficulty levels:
  • Green: Stick with this one if you’re not into climbing
  • Yellow: A bit more technical, for experienced hikers
  • Red: Requires actual climbing gear – skip it unless you know what you’re doing

What to Pack for the Gorropu Gorge Hike

Packing right can make the difference between a fun adventure and a “why did I do this to myself” moment. Trust me, I’ve been there. Here’s what I’d actually recommend bringing:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes with solid grip – The rocks inside the canyon are sneaky slippery. No flip-flops or heels. My favorite shoes are trail runners by HOKA.

• Cash – You’ll need it for the canyon entrance fee (€5 for adults) and possibly the jeep ride back up (about €16). They don’t take credit card!

• A light jacket or sweater – It gets noticeably colder at the bottom of the gorge, especially if you go in the shoulder season like I did.

• Snacks or lunch – You’ll be out there for a while. I brought a sandwich I picked up at Gorropu Hotel (order the night before, and they’ll have it ready for you in the morning).

• Water, of course – Bring more than you think you need! I suggest at least 1-1.5 liters. There is a refill station at the canyon. Look for the Sardinian flag, and you’ll find it.

• Don’t forget travel protection. Hiking Su Gorropu takes you deep into a remote canyon, and if something goes sideways, you’ll want more than a phone signal. I use Global Rescue for trips like this, just in case I ever need help getting out, not just getting reimbursed.

• Offline maps or GPS – The trails are marked, but if you’re prone to wandering off path (hi, it me), this helps. We used AllTrails.

• Camera or phone with space for photos/videos – You’ll want pics of the views, the goats, and that adorable hut you’ll find halfway down.

• Optional but helpful:
  • Trekking poles (especially for the uphill slog)
  • Sunscreen and hat (there’s not much shade)
  • Basic first aid stuff

You don’t need a ton of gear (unless you’re planning on rock climbing), but you do want to prepare a little bit ahead of time. Dress in exercise clothes and definitely pack good shoes.

How to Get to Su Gorropu

Driving from Sardinia’s Main Airports

The best way to get to Su Gorropu is by car. Public transport in Sardinia exists, but it’s not super reliable, and getting to certain parts of the island are impossible without a car (or takes 3x the amount of time).

The closest airport to Gorropu Canyon is Olbia-Costa Smeralda, which has budget flights from across Europe, especially during summer. From Olbia, it’s about 114 km (70 miles) to the Genna Silana trailhead. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, give or take with some winding roads or the occasional detour.

Other airport options:

• Cagliari Elmas Airport – better if you’re starting from the southrts
• Alghero (Fertilia Airport) – farther away but still doable (and beautiful drive)

My Route – Driving from Alghero

I was based in Alghero for almost a year, so I drove in from the northwestern corner of the island. I rented a car through DiscoverCars and made the drive the night before so we could get an early start.

If you’re visiting Sardinia in the summer, I strongly recommend booking your car rental weeks in advance. Prices increase during the high season, and cars can often be in short supply.

We stayed at Gorropu Hotel, which is directly across from the Genna Silana trailhead. Super convenient, clean, and quiet. You can start the hike early the next morning by just crossing the road.

I ordered a packed lunch the night before and picked it up the next morning, so I could have food at the midpoint of our hike.

Best Time to Visit Su Gorropu

Timing your hike with the seasons makes a difference. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind regarding the weather in Sardinia year-round:

Spring (April to June)

• One of the best times to hike Su Gorropu
• Comfortable temps, wildflowers, and fewer crowds
• Some trails might still be muddy in early spring, so check conditions before you go

Summer (July to August)

• Be prepared for the heat and humidity.
• The trails are dry but exposed. There’s little shade, so pack extra water and wear sun protection
• The canyon itself is cooler, but the hike to get there can be brutal
• If you visit in the summer, consider taking the jeep ride back up

Fall (September to October)

• This is when I went (mid-October) and the weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold
• Crisp air, golden landscapes, and just the right amount of challenge
• Fewer tourists, especially if you go in the middle of the week instead of a weekend
• Make sure to get an early start because the sun sets around 4 or 5 pm once daylight saving time starts

Winter (November to March)

• It’s cold and often gets windy. I don’t recommend hiking Su Gorropu in the winter
• Rain can make the trail slippery or inaccessible
• Always check local conditions before heading out

TL;DR: April–June and September–October are your best bets for great weather and a better hiking experience.

Is the Su Gorropu Hike Difficult?

I didn’t think it was overly difficult, but it’s definitely not a casual stroll in the park. The path we took through the Genna Silana Pass was moderate, but other paths vary in difficulty.

If you decide to hike back up instead of taking the jeep (like we did), you’ll be in for a workout, but it’s definitely doable.

The trail is rocky, uneven in parts, and a bit steep in places. You’ll need to watch your footing, especially when it’s dry and dusty.

Also, the rocks inside the canyon are slippery (even when not wet), so take your time when you explore the gorge itself.

Should You Take the Jeep?

If you’re short on time, energy, or both, you can take a 4×4 jeep back to the top from the base of the canyon for €18. It’s a nice option if you’re not up for the return climb or if you’re hiking in hot weather.

Overall Difficulty Level

• Length: ~7.5 km / ~6 miles round trip (depending on route)
• Duration: 4 to 6 hours total
• Rating: Moderate – mostly due to the elevation gain on the way back up

FAQs About Hiking Su Gorropu

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