Supramonte

The Supramonte is a mountain range located in central-eastern Sardinia, Italy. It lies northeast of the Gennargentu massif, traveling eastwards to reach the Tyrrhenian Sea at the Gulf of Orosei. It has an area of about 35,000 hectares, encompassing most of the territories of the comuni (municipalities) of Baunei, Dorgali, Oliena, Orgosolo and Urzulei. The populated areas of these comuni lie at the borders of Supramonte, which, for the most part, is a largely uninhabited area of sharp limestone cliffs and deep, lush canyons.

Its highest peak is Monte Corrasi (1,463 m), and the average altitude of the chain is about 900 m. The Supramonte is characterized by karstic highlands in which rivers have created deep ravines and canyons. The rivers flow mostly underground, creating several caves, such as the caves of Sa Ohe and Su Ventu. Springs such as Su Gologone can also be found.

The so-called "Supramonte Marino" ("Seaside Supramonte", to distinguish it from the inner "Supramonte Montano", "Mountain Supramonte") lies within the territories of Dorgali and Baunei, bordering the Gulf of Orosei and includes several renowned beaches (Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé) that are often located at the end of deep valleys called codulas.

Sardinia is another thing. Much wider, much more ordinary, not up-and-down at all, but running away into the distance. Unremarkable ridges of moor-like hills running away, perhaps to a bunch of dramatic peaks on the south-west. This gives a sense of space, which is so lacking in Italy. Lovely space about one, and travelling distances — nothing finished, nothing final. It is like liberty itself, after the peaky confinement of Sicily. Room — give me room — give me room for my spirit: and you can have all the toppling crags of romance.

David Herbert Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia, 1921