Monte Ortobene
Category 28.2 km
Distance
530 m
Elevation Gain
6.5%
Average Gradient
11%
Max Gradient
The most celebrated climb in Sardinia and the island's clearest connection to Grand Tour cycling. The ascent from Nuoro — Sardinia's cultural capital and the birthplace of Nobel laureate Grazia Deledda — winds through fragrant cork oak and holm oak forest on a consistently engaging gradient. The road averages 6.5% for 8.2km, with sharp ramps of 10-11% on the upper switchbacks approaching the 955m summit. The bronze statue of the Redeemer at the top has watched over the Giro d'Italia peloton on multiple occasions, most memorably during the 2017 edition's Sardinian stages. Road surface is good throughout with light traffic even in summer, as the summit road serves primarily the viewpoint and a handful of agriturismo properties. The descent south towards Oliena offers an excellent alternative to retracing the ascent.
Pro Tip
Start from the centre of Nuoro and add the approach climb from the town for the full 10.5km effort. The Caffe Sandalyon on Corso Garibaldi serves the best caffè macchiato in Nuoro — fuel up before departure. The panoramic view from the summit on clear days spans from the Gennargentu massif to the Tyrrhenian coast.
Part of
Cycling in Sardinia