Connecting trail Maccione - su Punteddu (B-401A)

OLIENA: MOUNTAIN SURROUNDED BY OLIVE TREES, FORESTS AND SPRINGS

A picturesque small town, between the Supramonte massif and the city of Nuoro, surrounded by rich limestone uplands, deep dolines, canyons and lush valleys. The surroundings of Oliena, a small town in the Barbagia district at the foot of Monte Corrasi (1463 m asl) 10 km from Nuoro, form a vast natural monument, an ideal destination for hiking and mountain biking. The town started from a Roman period settlement, founded by “rebels” such as the Ilienses who, according to Roman historian Sallust, were Trojans who had fled to the island. The town, with a population of about 7000 people, has been awarded the Orange Flag, a mark of distinction for Italian towns that excel in terms of natural and cultural heritage, craftsmanship and hospitality.

THE TRAIL NETWORK

A first trail-building project with regional funding (Programme Agreement for Supramonte interno - Su Suercone) was carried out in 2018 by Forestas in the municipalities of Oliena-Orgosolo-Urzulei-Dorgali. More recently (2022) Forestas completed and harmonised the regional hiking network in the municipality of Oliena, thanks to European funding (ERDF ROP). THIS ROUTE IS PART OF SENTIERO ITALIA (GRAND ITALIAN TRAIL), which crosses the entire Supramonte along the main ridges, including Monte Corrasi.

This recently improved trail is a branch of the important route (401) that connects the centre of the town to its highest mountain (Monte Corrasi) via a constantly uphill route (in the main direction), with numerous scenic stops and points of interest along the way, crossing a variety of terrains and landscapes, from the town through the pine and holm oak forests on the lower slopes, then reaching the ancient forests rich in centuries-old holm oaks and then the upper slopes of the Supramonte, with its characteristic limestone fields.

HIKING TIME

Hiking time on this short section is similar in the two directions of travel.