My Journey to the Supramonte Wilderness
My name is Matthew Sterling. I am an independent travel writer and trail guide. I relocated from the northeast of England to the municipality of Oliena in the spring of 2018. Before making this move, I spent years working in secondary education and mapping regional trail systems in Great Britain. My first visit to the Barbagia region was a simple walking vacation. The steep white limestone cliffs and ancient holm oak forests left a permanent impression on me. Within six months, I settled in a small stone house near the base of Mount Corrasi.
Living in central Sardinia requires a deep appreciation for slow, local rhythms. The Lanaitho Valley became my primary place of study. I spent my early years here learning the regional dialect and building relationships with local shepherds. I also worked with the guides of Cooperativa Corrasi. These local experts have protected the archaeological structures of the valley for decades. Through their guidance, I learned to see the landscape as an open archive. The valleys and caves are more than scenic structures. They are places of ancient survival.
I created this digital guide to help international travelers plan safe, respectful journeys into this unique environment. Many online resources list tourist sights without explaining the physical realities of the terrain. The Lanaitho Valley is a rugged limestone wilderness. It has no cell signals, no shops, and demanding paths. I want to replace generic travel advertisements with clear, fact-based guidance that keeps hikers safe.
