Punta Romasinu

Overview

Among the numerous summits that make up the long northern ridge of the Monte Albo Chain in Sardinia / Sardegna Punta Romasinu (sometimes Romasino) takes the role of the central anchor point. It is - together with the equally high Punta Ferulargiu - the highest summit of the central part of Monte Albo. Though - like all other summits in the chain - it has an impressive north face from all other sides it seems very unspectacular. Even to climb it seems to be pretty easy. But beware! Beneath the beautiful and colourful meadows there lurk sharp edged rocks which make hiking a pain in the pants!

Due to its central location Punta Romasinu offers fine views to both sides of the Monte Albo chain. In addition it commands probably the best view towards the Supramonte and Gennargentu Mountain Ranges, the latter being Sardinia's highest. You need a clear day however to take in that panorama perfectly. Though we had one of these perfect days the summit view towards the south was obstructed by mist.

Again like all other Monte Albo summits Punta Romasinu is covered with flowers. There are a lot of the obvious (for Sardinia) rock roses, lavender- and rosemary bushes. The mountain's best flowers, however are the St. Pankratius Lillies, the Asphodel Candles and the numerous varieties of orchids. For a flower lover it's pure paradise. And if you don't count yourself among them - you will afterwards!



Interactive overview map of the Monte Albo mountain range. The summits which have been posted to SP are marked in red.

Orchids

No page for one of the Monte Albo summits would be complete withouth the orchids section. These beautiful flowers make you crawl on all fours just to get the best picture! Not unlike a model on the catwalk ;-)))

Red Tape

There is no red tape whatsoever. You should park your car so that it doesn't clog the field and forest roads but that's about the only "restriction". The orchids however are protected all over Europe and you have to leave them in their place. I don't know about Sardinia but in many places you have to pay heavy fines if you are caught red handed.

Getting There

Sardinia can be reached either by plane or by ferry. The main ports are Porto Torres and Olbia in the north and Arbatax and Cagliari in the south. Airports are at Alghero and Olbia in the north as well as (again) Arbatax and Cagliari in the south. For exploring the northeastern part of the island where most of the mountains are the best entry point is Olbia, which is where most flights go anyway.

Approaching the mountain from Olbia airport
Get on motorway SS 131 south in the direction of Siniscola / Nuoro. At the exit Lula / Dorgali get off and turn on SP38 north (again direction Lula). Here turn to SP3 east (direction Passo Santa Anna). 6km after the town on the right hand side first a dirt road (route to Monte Turuddo), a little later a marked trail (Sentiero Italia) turn off. Park the car at either of the trailheads, wherever you find room enough. The ascent starts where Sentiero Italia leaves the road to climb the mountain.