Canyon Gorropu, Sardegna
Traces of history, thousands of years of erosion, the disruptiveness of water. It is the thrill of the canyons, a spectacle of nature that with its echoes and desert environments gives unique suggestions. You do not need to go overseas to admire gorges, ravines and waterfalls: Italy, in fact, hides precious surprises carved out of the rock. For example, one would not be surprised if one were to find oneself in front of the remains of a shell despite being far from the coast. These are gems to put on one’s bucket list without hesitation, some little known, some even off-path. Canyoning, moreover, is a trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years, and practicing it at kilometer zero can be a different point of view from which to look at our territory. From north to south, the Belpaese can be experienced in the guise of an explorer, a more than active vacation, of which adrenaline and amazement are the ingredients. Like crossing a canyon? As you like: on foot, by canoe or, where you can, even on horseback.
Climbing Gorropu Canyon
Rio Sass Canyon, wild beauty
The power of water, an energy that does not stop and draws one of the most scenic places in Val di Non. We are in Trentino, in the well-known apple valley, where the rock that lives of pure magic is that of Rio Sass Canyon. Accessible from all over Italy, it is also a must-see destination for those who live in the region. A range of experiences and activities-guaranteed to make travelers fall in love with the canyon here thanks to footbridges and ladders while admiring swirling waters, waterfalls, fossils, stalactites, stalagmites and a very rich flora composed of red and green algae, mosses and ferns. During the visit-which contemplates a height difference of 145 meters, one thousand two hundred steps and the distance between the two walls varying from a minimum of 25 twenty-five centimeters to about thirty meters-you move between areas of darkness and sudden plays of light, with frequent reflections on the unusual limestone formations. An intriguing atmosphere, each time with different nuances and adventures.
Canyon Rio Sass, Val di Non – Ph. luema.eu/flickr
Sagittarius Gorge, the emerald color that you won’t forget
A regional nature reserve imbued with the colors and scents of vegetation. It seems that even Maurits Cornelis Escher, the famous Dutch engraver, could not resist the allure of the Sagittarius Gorge, located in the reserve of the same name in lower Abruzzo. And also seduced by it were the English travelers Edward Lear and Richard Craven, who wrote about it during the 19th century, describing it as a “spooky and beautiful” environment. The nearest village from which to start is Anversa degli Abruzzi, from there you can kick off an adventurous day of hiking or a leisurely stroll. There are many trails within the reserve, paths that are sometimes winding but ready to leave you speechless with unexpected beauty. One can even come across marine fossils, evidence of distant geological eras. Or you can get lost contemplating the lush flora and why not, treat yourself to a break on the shores of Lake San Domenico. Forgetting the emerald color of the waterways in this canyon is impossible. It stays in the heart.
Lago di San Domenico, Gole del Sagittario – Ph. Artom88 (Marco Taussi)/flickr
Gorropu Canyon, Deep Sardinia
With its more than five hundred meters in height and a width that varies from four meters in the narrowest points to several dozen in others, it is considered the deepest canyon in Italy and is among the most spectacular in Europe. Located in the Supramonte, it demarcates the boundary between the municipalities of Orgosolo and Urzulei, and what enchants visitors is not only the landscape but also the biodiversity due to the strong temperature changes. And so you can observe very rare plants and animals, some unfortunately at risk of extinction. Nor does Gorropu Canyon disappoint history and archaeology enthusiasts: there are numerous nuraghi present, not to mention that the gorge structure itself was exploited in the past as a defensive weapon with high walls encircling the villages. Experienced hikers will not shy away from the “Sedda ar Baccas – Gorropu” trail, which should be tackled with the right equipment and a guide. On the other hand, for those who prefer easier alternatives, there is a way to take roads with less elevation gain but that equally allow you to enjoy breathtaking views.
Canyon Gorropu
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