Monte Santu Juvanne

Monte Santu Juvanne is not a particularly high mountain in Sardinia, but is all the more picturesque. Like a mighty sculpture, it towers over the tops of the dense holm oak forests in its surroundings. The name Santu Juvanne is Sardinian, in Italian it is called San Giovanni, or Saint John. The origin of the name is obviously religious.

To enjoy its beauty, you don't need to climb it, although that is possible. In principle, it is enough to go around it on an off-road tour. This is no joke in terms of driving technique and offers the committed off-road driver a potpourri of technically simple to demanding variants.

From Orgosolo, you first drive south on the SP 2bis for about five kilometers. This asphalt stretch with its wonderful curves is great fun for fans of hot tires. After that, a small road branches off to the left, which we follow for another nine kilometers until its surface changes from asphalt to gravel. It circles the Santu Juvanne massif without any significant inclines or declines, showing the mountain from its most beautiful side time and again. The ride is also fun as it takes place on a decent road surface. That changes after about eight kilometers. A fork appears, we take the left turn and set off on a nine-kilometer circuit around Punta Capaddaris (1,161 m). From here the track becomes much more demanding, quite narrow in places and throws rough rubble and stones in front of our wheels. You shouldn't attempt this circuit without good ground clearance.

Back at the junction, you have to drive back the same way. No problem, because the gravel track with its good surface and views of Santu Juvanne is great fun.