The ascent of Sardinia's highest peak, Punta La Marmora (1,834 m), offers panoramic views across the entire island on clear days, with Corsica visible to the north and the coast in multiple directions. The trail crosses the high Gennargentu plateau, home to Sardinian deer, mouflon, and golden eagles.
Punta La Marmora, at 1,834 metres, is the highest peak in Sardinia, crowning the Gennargentu massif in Nuoro Province in the centre of the island. The standard ascent is an out-and-back of roughly 12 kilometres with around 900 metres of cumulative climbing, typically starting from above Fonni or from the Desulo side, where forest roads bring cars close to the high trailheads near the Bruncu Spina area. From there the route climbs across the open Gennargentu plateau, a landscape of granite and schist, low scrub and seasonal snow patches, with little tree cover and wide exposure to wind and sun. The walking surface is mostly rocky path and grassy upland, with no technical climbing, though the altitude, exposure and length make it a serious mountain day rather than a casual walk. The plateau is home to the Sardinian deer (cervo sardo), mouflon and golden eagles, and on clear days the summit offers a panorama across the whole island, with Corsica sometimes visible to the north and both coasts in view. There are no refuge huts, shops or reliable water on the route, so walkers carry everything they need and a map or GPS, as the broad plateau can be disorienting in cloud. Mountain weather can change quickly here even in summer, with sudden wind, temperature drops and poor visibility, so layers and a forecast check are essential. Guides are available in Fonni and Desulo for those unfamiliar with the terrain. The return follows the same route back down across the plateau to the trailhead. As the roof of Sardinia, Punta La Marmora rewards fit hikers with some of the most expansive views in the Mediterranean and a genuine high-mountain feel in the heart of an island better known for its coast.
Trail facts
- Best season
- Late May to early October (snow-free)
Highlights
- Summit at 1,834m — highest point in Sardinia
- Panoramic views across the whole island
- Sardinian deer (cervo sardo) and mouflon
- Golden eagles soaring overhead
- High plateau wildflowers in spring
Tips for visiting
- Weather can change rapidly on the summit — bring layers even in summer
- check forecast carefully
When to visit
Late spring through early autumn is the realistic window once snow has cleared from the high plateau. Setting out early gives the best chance of clear summit views before afternoon cloud builds, and layers are needed even in summer.
Accessibility
The summit route crosses an exposed, rocky high plateau with no surfaced paths and is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; the altitude, distance and changeable weather make it suitable only for fit, well-equipped hikers.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Punta La Marmora?
At 1,834 metres it is the highest point in Sardinia, the summit of the Gennargentu massif in the centre of the island.
Is the hike technically difficult?
There is no technical climbing, but the roughly 12-kilometre route with 900 metres of ascent across an exposed high plateau makes it a demanding mountain day requiring good fitness and navigation.
Do hikers need a map or GPS?
Yes. The broad Gennargentu plateau can be disorienting, especially in cloud, so a map and GPS are recommended, and guides are available in Fonni and Desulo.
What wildlife might be seen?
The plateau is home to Sardinian deer, mouflon and golden eagles, and spring brings high-altitude wildflowers across the open uplands.