Punta Ferulargiu

Overview

The Monte Albo Chain in Sardinia / Sardegna stretches for about 20 - 25 km between the towns of Lula to its southwest and Siniscola to its northeast. It is famous for its long vertical north face stretching between Monte Turuddo and Punta Cupetti. This north face is composed of numerous summits which all are separated by deep gullies and ravines which are deeply cut into the limestone rock. Monte Albo means "Pale Mountain" or “White Mountain” and it is the bleached limestone which gave the range its name.

Punta Ferulargiu is located almost at the centre of the northern ridge of Monte Albo and together with Punta Romasinu it almost forms a twin peak. The two mountains are divided by a deep ravine which drops down to the road pass Janna Portellitos 500m below. It is this ravine which is the most impressive feature of the mountain, its southern and eastern slopes being very smooth and easy to ascend.

Though definitely one of the finest hikes on Sardinia the ascend to Punta Ferulargiu is far from easy. The first stretch follows Sentiero Italia to the Monte Albo Plateau but from there on it is trail less scrambling along sharp and spiky rocks. The best way to reach Ferulargiu is to follow the northern ridge of Monte Albo. There you have certainly the finest views into the plains and valleys below and you don't have to fight against the macchia undergrowth. There are no bushes or trees along the ridge, only flowers -but of these you'll see millions. Scrambling along the ridge means that you will have to pass Punta sae Mussinu and Punta Romasinu on the way.

Having spoken of flowers - you will see from the pictures on this page (and from the ones on the other Monte Albo pages) that this mountain not only offers you great rock formations. There is one picture which I particularly like - the large one in the "Getting there" section. It shows you the "trail" with its spiky stones and also that every nook is inhabited by blossoming flowers. You turn into a flower lover up there ;-)



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

Orchids !

There is no such place for orchids as Monte Albo! Ever since my late dad (a biology professor) took me on an orchid hunting trip in the vicinity of his university as an adolescent - I have been fascinated by these beautiful flowers. I have never had the chance to see so many different varieties as on this mountain.

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.