Minitrip in a mountain refuge with donkey

Arrive in the heart of the Niolu, in the charming village of Albertacce. At 2pm, you'll meet the donkey hire company, where you'll get to know your long-eared companion who will accompany you for the next three days. In the afternoon, your first walk will take you to the River U Viru. This picturesque spot, with its mill and stone bridge, is also a refreshing spot thanks to its magnificent natural pools, nestling in a high mountain setting of majestic pine trees and imposing peaks. After this walk, return to the farm and settle into your gîte.

The village of Casamaccioli, which welcomes you at the start of this morning, has for centuries been the scene of a large fair held every 8 September to mark the end of the transhumance and celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. After preparing your travelling companion, you'll begin your ascent in the heart of the Cavallo Morto forest, following an ancient transhumance route.

This path will take you to the crest, not far from Capizzolu (1671 m). You'll be treated to an exceptional 360° panorama: the Cintu massif, the highest point on the island at 2706 m, the Niolu valley with its lake, the Scala di Santa Regina gorge, the Rotondo massif (2622 m) and, further down, the Tavignano valley, where the river has carved out spectacular gorges. You'll follow the ridge line before descending into the valley, passing numerous sheepfolds. Your itinerary will take you to the A Sega refuge (1166 m), where a life-saving stop awaits you beside magnificent natural pools.

Near the refuge, an ancient chestnut grove still bears witness to the essential role played by chestnuts in the livelihood of the local people. Nicknamed the ‘breadfruit tree’, it was ground into flour to make pulenta, a local delicacy. Enjoy a peaceful morning by the crystal-clear waters of the natural pools before setting off on your return journey. The route climbs back up to the Arinella ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Cintu massif (2706 m), the highest point on the island.

Passing through Bocca Croce, marked by a small oratory, you can see the impressive hole at Capu Tafunatu (2335 m), a spectacular opening 35 metres wide and 10 metres high. Legend has it that this hole was formed by the devil's plough. You will then plunge beneath the majestic Laricci pines, a species endemic to the island, to descend to the village of Casamaccioli, where the donkey hire driver will be waiting with his vehicle.