Best mountain peaks around Tonara are found in the immediate vicinity of the town and within the broader Gennargentu National Park. Tonara is nestled at the foot of Mount Mungianeddu, surrounded by rich woods of chestnut, walnut, and hazelnut trees. The region serves as a gateway to Sardinia's highest mountains, offering diverse landscapes from dense forests to alpine meadows. This area provides access to challenging hikes and natural environments.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Perhaps in front of this small sacred monument in the form of a summit cross that crowns the highest mountain in Sardinia, the mountain hiker will find it helpful to remember what Pope Francis prayed during the traditional Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum in Rome on the evening of Good Friday 2023: "Lord Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you have become silence for us. And in the silence that leads us to your grave, there is one more word that we want to say to you when we think back to the Stations of the Cross that we walked with you: Thank you! (...) Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the light that you have ignited in our nights, for reconciling every separation and thus making us all brothers and sisters, children of the same Father in heaven." (Prayer for the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, Good Friday 2023)
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A peak at 1083 meters with a splendid view over Meana Sardo and its surroundings, reached by trail 521, represents the highest summit in the area. Highly recommended.
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The summit of Sardinia's highest mountain is another 300 m further south.
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With an all-mountain mountain bike you can do almost everything on the bike, both uphill and downhill
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Imagine standing on the highest point in Sardinia, Punta La Marmora, and your gaze sweeps over the entire island. On a clear day you can even see the silhouettes of Corsica on the horizon. You can put this experience into practice by hiking to the summit of this 1,834 meter high elevation. Ideally, start your tour in the parking area at Rifugio Sa Crista or Rifugio S’Arena near Desulo. The route is not short at 15.5 kilometers, but it rewards you with an incredible variety of landscapes. Within a walking time of three and a half to four and a half hours, you will cross picturesque forests, pass flowering meadows and hike across impressive boulder and craggy terrain. Among other things, it goes over the summits of Bruncu Spina and Punta Paulinu. As you climb from Bruncu Spina towards Punta La Marmora, a huge summit cross might lead you astray. But don't be fooled, because the true summit is only reached when you reach the small rock pyramid that marks the top of La Marmora. The peak itself was named after the general and scientist Alberto Ferrero della Marmora, who described Sardinia in detail in his works. His love for the island will become clear to you at the summit when you enjoy the breathtaking view. You should be well prepared for this hike. This means: Sturdy hiking boots, enough water and sun protection should be in your luggage. If you need refreshment in between, you can stop off in the towns of Desulo or Fonni. The months from June to September are ideal for the tour. But Punta La Marmora is actually a year-round hiking destination for everyone who is looking for something special. Ready for this adventure? Then lace up your hiking boots and experience Sardinia at its best!
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Climbing to Punta La Marmora from Bruncu Spina you first reach the pre-summit, which is misleading with its enormous summit cross. To reach the highest peak in Sardinia, you need to continue further south until you reach a small rock pyramid. This marks La Marmora's peak share of 1,833.
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If you reach Punta Paulinu from Mount Bruncu Spina by walking on the high path, as you approach the rocky peak you can see on the left (towards the south-east) the famous rock formation called "Arcu Gennargentu", which is a set of three rocks that it forms a natural arch overlooking Mount Bruncu Spina on one side and the Sardinian panorama to the east.
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The most prominent peaks around Tonara are found within the Gennargentu National Park. These include Punta La Marmora, Sardinia's highest point, and Mount Bruncu Spina, the second highest, known for its unique winter sports opportunities. Tonara itself is situated at the foot of Mount Mungianeddu, offering local trails.
Punta La Marmora offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views across the entire island of Sardinia. On clear days, you can even see the silhouettes of Corsica to the north and the hills of Cagliari to the south. The ascent is a rewarding challenge, revealing diverse landscapes from forests to alpine meadows.
Yes, Mount Bruncu Spina is home to Sardinia's only ski resort. When snow conditions allow, it offers slopes suitable for beginner and intermediate levels, making it a unique destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during winter months.
The months from June to September are ideal for hiking to peaks like Punta La Marmora. However, many of the peaks in the Gennargentu massif are considered year-round hiking destinations for those seeking a special experience, provided you are prepared for seasonal weather changes.
Beyond the stunning views, you'll encounter diverse landscapes, from dense forests of chestnut, walnut, and hazelnut trees around Tonara to alpine meadows and craggy terrain in the higher elevations. Keep an eye out for unique flora, including endemic species like Lamyropsis microcephala, and wildlife such as golden eagles and mouflons. Punta della Croce (1829 m) is also a significant landmark marked by a cross near Sardinia's highest mountains.
Yes, the ascent to Punta La Marmora is considered a challenging hike, rewarding trekkers with incredible variety of landscapes. The route from Rifugio Sa Crista or Rifugio S’Arena near Desulo is about 15.5 kilometers and crosses forests, meadows, and impressive boulder terrain. Many trails in the Gennargentu National Park are rated as challenging.
Besides hiking, the Tonara area and nearby Gennargentu National Park offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging road cycling ascents like 'The climb to Bruncu Spina from Desulo'. There are also running trails, such as the 'Bruncu Spina - Punta La Marmora Loop'. For more details on routes, you can explore guides like Cycling around Tonara, Road Cycling Routes around Tonara, and Running Trails around Tonara.
For hiking in the Tonara mountain peaks, especially to higher elevations like Punta La Marmora, it's essential to bring sturdy hiking boots, enough water, and sun protection. Depending on the season, layers of clothing are advisable due to changing weather conditions at altitude.
Yes, Tonara serves as a convenient base for exploring the magnificent peaks of the Gennargentu National Park. It offers access to trails that lead into the heart of Sardinia's highest mountains, complementing the town's rich cultural experience with natural adventures.
Visitors highly appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views, the diverse natural landscapes, and the sense of solitude and unspoiled nature. The opportunity to stand on Sardinia's highest point, Punta La Marmora, and experience the unique winter sports at Mount Bruncu Spina are also frequently mentioned highlights.
While popular peaks like Punta La Marmora attract many, the vastness of the Gennargentu National Park offers numerous trails. Exploring routes around Mount Mungianeddu directly from Tonara, or lesser-known paths within the broader park, can provide a more secluded experience. The region is characterized by dense woods and extensive trail networks, allowing for exploration away from the main routes.
While the highest peaks require significant effort, viewpoints like Bruncu Sant’Elias Summit, accessible via trail 521, offer splendid views over Meana Sardo and its surroundings at a more moderate elevation of 1083 meters. The area around Mount Mungianeddu also provides various trails with scenic outlooks closer to Tonara.


See even more amazing summits around Tonara with these guides: