CANYONING IN CODULA ORBISI
CANYONING FOR EXPERIENCED PARTICIPANTS
FULL-DAY CANYONING EXPERIENCE
DURATION:
Approximately 7 hours
INFORMATION
- Highest abseil: 35 metres
- Equipment: provided by us
- Technical experience required: previous experience in canyoning, climbing or mountaineering
- What you need to bring: a change of clothes and shoes, hiking shoes to wear during the canyoning (they will get wet)
- Requirements: you must be able to swim and have no fear of heights
CODULA ORBISI
Codula Orbisi is a deep limestone canyon located between the Supramonte of Orgosolo and the Supramonte of Urzulei, in the heart of wild Sardinia.
The Supramonte is a vast limestone plateau dominating the central-eastern part of the island. It is characterised by the ruggedness and, at the same time, the extraordinary beauty of its landscape.
Mainly composed of Palaeozoic rock formations, the Supramonte stretches from the mountains of Oliena, including Monte Corrasi, and Orgosolo, with Monte San Pruna, all the way to the sea in the Ogliastra area, around Baunei and Dorgali.
APPROACH
Orbisi is a magical place and, for many people, one of the most beautiful canyons in Sardinia from a purely aesthetic point of view.
To reach Codula Orbisi from Dorgali, we follow the SS125 and then turn right near Genna Croce.
From here, a long dirt track leads to Campu Oddeu, crosses Campos Bargois and reaches Sedda Ar Baccas, where the homonymous shepherd's hut is located.
Depending on the season and the amount of water in the canyon, it is important to choose the appropriate wetsuit, either a thicker or lighter one. The deep pools along the route remain very cold throughout the year.
THE CODULA
Once we reach Sedda Ar Baccas, we pass two shepherd's huts and park beneath several large holm oak trees.
From here, it takes just a few minutes to reach the heart of Codula Orbisi, where we begin our descent along the canyon bed, moving between huge blocks of white limestone.
After approximately 25 minutes, the canyon begins to narrow, with short sections of down-climbing, followed by a series of abseils leading to the first major and spectacular vertical section above Pischina Urtaddala: a 35-metre abseil.
After this exciting descent into the void, the canyon opens up again, reaching the first possible escape route, a trail that can be used, if necessary, to return towards Sedda Ar Baccas.
We continue through the canyon, tackling short sections of down-climbing and abseils into deep pools, until we reach a mandatory abseil with a tyrolean traverse.
This marks the beginning of the spectacular vertical section leading down towards Lago Nero.
Lago Nero is a deep limestone fissure filled with icy water. With the right equipment and preparation, it can also be crossed using a small inflatable raft.
At the end of the abseil, the Codula offers us two possible routes.
The first involves a short ascent out of a pothole, followed by a 25-metre abseil.
The second, considerably more spectacular when water conditions allow it, involves passing through the Grotta dei Colombi, where we enter a fascinating environment somewhere between a cave and a canyon, reminiscent of the final section of the famous Grotta Donini.
After exiting the Grotta dei Colombi with an 18-metre abseil, we reach a wider section from which a steep ascent begins. This connects the Codula with the well-established trail linking Sa Giuntura, the confluence of the Flumineddu and Orbisi rivers, with Sedda Ar Baccas.
THE RETURN
The return hike offers breathtaking views over the Flumineddu Valley.
Along the trail, we can spot the entrance of Grotta Donini, also known as Su Cunnu e S'Ebba, while in the distance rise the enormous vertical walls hiding the spectacular Gorropu Gorge.
The trail passes through an environment dominated by large holm oaks and Mediterranean shrubs, but the most impressive sight is undoubtedly a thousand-year-old yew tree, which almost seems like an ancient, mythical tree of life.
Canyoning in Codula Orbisi means immersing yourself—not only in the literal sense—in one of the wildest and most fascinating gorges in Sardinia.
A technical and spectacular adventure in the heart of the Supramonte, among abseils, crystal-clear pools, caves, limestone walls and untouched landscapes.
LET'S GO CANYONING! 🌊⛰️
