Monte Turuddo

Overview

Monte Turuddo is the westernmost summit of the long Monte Albo chain on Sardinia / Sardegna. Together with Punta Catirina to the northeast it is the highest mountain of the chain. Monte Albo is composed of a single ridge of mountains, all with impressive vertical north faces. Only the summits on either end - Punta Cupetti to the northeast and Monte Turuddo to the southwest stand aside, both being separated from the ridge by important passes. The whole range is composed of (almost) white limestone rock and resembles the karst formations in the Julian Alps.

All summits on Monte Albo show high plateaus which from afar seem to be unpopulated. Once you close in on the mountains, however, you find lots of flowers of all kinds. St. Pankratius Lillies and cyclamen cover all habitable spots and wherever there is a meadow you will find orchids.

Geologically Monte Albo is closely related to Supramonte to the south and Isola Tavolara in the northeast. All show the same limestone formations with vertical faces to nearly all sides. Within the millennia the mountain ranges have drifted apart due to tectonic changes, however.

Monte Turuddo - because of its solitary location to the southwest of Monte Albo - commands great views of the whole chain, of Supramonte and the coastal regions (Supramonte Costiera). Its normal ascent, however is difficult - you reach the pass Janna Nurai using a forest road but from there on the climb is trail less. Moreover the karst formations appear to be more or less featureless. You'll need a good sense (or equipment) for orientation.



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

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 a dirt road (route to Janna Nurai) turns off. Park your car there and follow the dirt road to the pass Janna Nurai.