One of the most incredible lines you can find on the cliffs of Cala Gonone, referred to as Biddiriscottai, is the multipitch route called Zanahoria. Great route, fairly easy (6a+ max), but with a spectacular view on the sea and astonishing rock formations. The climb is very peculiar and we don’t know of many other places where you can find a similar line. The second and third pitch take you through two vertical tunnels inside the cliff, giving you a mix of climbing styles and rock.
Zanahoria, rock climbing route
The line is bolted with titanium bolts and anchors are in place. The route can be climbed without addition gear if you are confident climbing the grade but a few cams (medium sized) can be useful to reduce the risk of fall (green cam at the end of the first tunnel recommended).
You can climb with a single 60 meter rope and 12 quickdraws.
Grades could differ slightly in our opinion (a few moves could be 6b, especially on the second pitch, and the last pitch could be graded 5c).
Zanahoria climbing Route details:
4 pitches: 6a, 6a+, 6a, 5b
other info: https://www.gulliver.it/itinerari/biddiriscottai-zanahoria/
How to reach Zanahoria
From Cala Gonone take the road to Cala Cartoe and park the car at the start of the old road (two sharp bends, space for a few cars on the road and a few spaces if you park on the gravel road before the “no access” signpost). DO NOT PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR AFTER THE SIGN (police often fines cars parked here).
Walk for approximately 30 minutes along the path until you reach the sign for Millennium Cave (rock on the ground with name on it). Take the path descending on the right side and follow the signs until you reach the via ferrata (some fixed ropes and cables in place). Once you reach the bottom you can walk to the left (facing the sea) if you want to reach Millennium Cave. Zanahoria starts at the bottom on the right side (facing the sea) so you have to follow the path down to the right until you reach the white rocks just above the water. Continue to the end of the flat rocks and you will see the rock tunnels of Zanahoria; the line starts from here.
Total time for the approach: approx. 50 minutes
Once you reach the end of the route you scramble up to reach the path, and then walk back to the car.
For other climbs in Sardinia visit our page
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