If you slept in the cumbessias on Mt. Gonare, from the forecourt follow the arrows that lead to the top of the Sanctuary of Our Lady (83 mt uphill). If you slept in Orani or Sarule, there are two ways to get to the square of the cumbessias and then to the Sanctuary: i) have thehospitalero who welcomed you accompany you by car (remember to leave a donative) or ii) on foot, still going uphill for about 3.5 km, following the arrows marked “Cammino di Bonaria Gonare.”
If you do not feel up to reaching the Sanctuary, you can start the stage by aiming directly for Orotelli as follows:
- From Sarule following the arrows “Cammino di Bonaria Gonare.” After 3 km you will find an arrow that says “Cammino di Bonaria Orani” that invites you to turn left, follow it.
- From Orani directly following the arrows of the Way to Orotelli.
From the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Gonare follow the only downhill path to the cumbessias and then the arrows that will take you to Orani and then to Orotelli.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Gonare is also the highest church in Sardinia. This special place is also home to the highest Siste Viator stone on the path. From now on you will descend. You will cross a protected area and encounter crystalline schist and limestone, oaks, holm oaks and chestnut trees. After Orani, you will walk in contact with an ancient land, in the background you will notice the now disused talc mines. This is an area of miners, the stones have forged the character of its inhabitants. You will pass through some private land, for which we have been authorized by the respective owners. Even more we ask for your attention and respect. After 11 km from the start you will catch a glimpse of the day’s destination: Orotelli, which stretches between granite and prickly pear trees. At the entrance to the village (15.3 km) you will find waiting for you a niche carved out of a chestnut tree trunk from Aritzo, it contains the simulacrum of Our Lady of Bonaria; at its side the Siste Viator stone and an olive tree sapling: they want to welcome you to the village of Salvatore Cambosu.
The stage has a “medium” difficulty that becomes “very challenging” if you reach Monte Gonare on foot.
Today’s stage can also start from Oniferi by following the slip road (see digital track) that in 2 km takes you to the main track, close to the church of Madonna della Pace.
Orotelli contact persons – for any urgency and need you can contact the stage contact persons: 339 6034685 (Luisa) – 328 7126908 (Paola) – 348 2611018 (Laura) – 347 9240316 (Tore).
Next you will find three digital tracks: the first one that from Orani takes you to the top of Mt. Gonare; the second one that from Sarule equally takes you to the top of Mt. Gonare; and the third one that from Mt. Gonare takes you to Orotelli.
