A difficult off-road tour just a handful of kilometers from the sea, just 742 meters high, close to a larger city? Can that be? It can. We're talking about the hinterland of the coastal town of Olbia in the north of Sardinia. The area is sparsely populated, crossed by only a few small roads and blessed with fantastic views due to the lack of forests. In principle, a first-class playground for us off-roaders. What the theory suggests is confirmed by practice: with Monte Pino as the "highlight", driving fun, thrills and sightseeing can be perfectly combined in Olbia's hinterland.
The start of the route is in the town of Telti, which can be reached from Olbia via the SP 38bis and SP 38. An initially easy gravel track winds its way up the slope from almost 400 meters in altitude. Beautiful views, relaxed atmosphere. After about five kilometers, turn right up to the summit of the 742 meter high Monte Pino. The radio system and fire watchtower have to take a back seat to the view in terms of sights. The view from this balcony down to the sea to Olbia and its offshore islands is just too beautiful.
Back at the junction, we follow the track to the right and begin the long approach downhill to the coast. Initially on a harmless gravel track. Where is the promised difficulty? Just be patient. Because after a few kilometers, the beautiful track turns into a steep, stony, washed-out and in some places barely existent natural path. The recent rains have probably left their mark. Since these types of paths are hardly used commercially anymore, there is hardly any maintenance. So first gear and through. With a decent ground clearance and off-road experience, it's a lot of fun.
Once you've overcome the short, tricky section, you can take a deep breath and follow the track, which is reasonable again. Just before the SS 125, the asphalt begins, which turns right and leads back to Olbia.
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