Itineraries

Natural Swimming Pools

Natural Swimming Pools

A Journey Through Crystal-Clear Pools, Hidden Canyons and Wild Nature

Overview

Eight stops, one common thread: water shaping Sardinia.

This itinerary is an invitation to slow down, lace up your hiking shoes (and pack your swimsuit), and follow your instinct. From the southern coast to the north of the island, through hidden canyons and silent mountains, it’s a journey that blends refreshing swims, scenic walks, and landscapes that change character around every bend.

It begins by the sea in Sant’Antioco, at the natural pools of Is Praneddas, where water slips between volcanic rocks to form small basins overlooking the horizon. From here, the route heads inland to San Vito for a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Piscina Lecis, before entering the wild heart of Ogliastra.

In Ussassai, the green oasis of S’Ogliu Ermanu offers one of the freshest and most rejuvenating settings along the way, while between Seulo and Gadoni, the emerald pools of Is Caddaias await, wrapped in an almost unreal silence.

The journey climbs higher between Villagrande Strisaili and Villanova Strisaili, where Bau Mela surprises with its cold, transparent waters nestled among forests and rock formations. Then the scenery shifts completely: in San Teodoro, the pools of Rio Pitrisconi deliver the perfect mix of light trekking and swims among granite canyons.

The route continues north to the almost surreal waters of the Budelli Pools, in the Maddalena Archipelago, where the sea takes on colours that look straight out of Photoshop. The grand finale unfolds on the west coast, in Bosa, with the natural pool of Cane Malu—a sculptural blend of water and stone that brings the itinerary to a close at one of the island’s most photogenic spots.

Natural Swimming Pools

🕒 8 Days

🏰 8 Natural Pools

Follow the route in any order you like

Pick the stops that inspire you most

Book at your own pace

800 €

Indicative price per person. Prices may vary depending on the season, selected accommodations, and included services.

Is Praneddas

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Admission

Free

Duration

30 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

📖 The Contex

Cane Malu Natural Pool lies along Bosa’s rocky coastline, on the island’s western shore. Here, the sea has carved a large natural basin into the rock—seen from above, it looks like a precisely sculpted work of art.
It’s a stop that blends open sea with an intimate atmosphere: on one side, the endless horizon; on the other, a sheltered pool where the water calms and becomes ideal for swimming.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Cane Malu is a wide natural basin set among smooth, flat rocks—perfect for stretching out in the sun. The water is crystal clear, shifting from emerald green to deep blue depending on the light and sea conditions.
When the sea is calm, the pool becomes a perfect mirror for peaceful swims. With a gentle movement of the water, reflections ripple across the surface, making the setting even more atmospheric. It’s an ideal spot to alternate between dips in the water, relaxing on the rocks, and taking panoramic photos overlooking the Bosa coastline.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning is the best time to enjoy greater tranquillity and softer light. Late afternoon can also be magical, especially as the sun begins to sink toward the horizon.
As with all sea-fed natural pools, it’s important to check marine conditions: when the sea is rough, access can be more challenging and swimming less safe.

👟 Practical Tips

Wear reef shoes or footwear suitable for rocky surfaces—the stones can be smooth and slippery. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel for sun breaks.
One last tip: respect the place and be mindful when diving in, always checking depth and water conditions. Cane Malu is one of those places best enjoyed slowly, simply following the rhythm of the sea.

Eleonora D'Arborea Castle

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Admission

Free

Duration

2 hours

Difficulty

Easy

📖 The Context

Piscina Lecis is located in the inland area of San Vito, along the course of a stream that, over time, has carved the rock into a deep natural basin surrounded by greenery.
Here, the landscape shifts completely compared to the coast—no sea on the horizon, but lush vegetation, rocky walls, and the cool, quiet atmosphere typical of places shaped by flowing water. It’s a perfect stop for discovering the more intimate and lesser-known side of south-eastern Sardinia.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Piscina Lecis is a large emerald-coloured pool nestled among smooth rocks and Mediterranean scrub. The water is crystal clear and, on warmer days, becomes an irresistible invitation for a swim.
Around the basin, small flat areas offer space to lay down a towel and relax in the shade of the trees, while the gentle sound of running water sets the rhythm of the experience. It’s one of those places where you lose track of time—ideal for alternating refreshing dips with quiet, contemplative breaks.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning remains the best time to visit: milder temperatures, softer light, and greater tranquillity. Early afternoon can also be pleasant—especially if you’re looking for relief from the summer heat—but keep in mind that weekends in peak season can be busier.
After heavy rainfall, the water may become more turbid and the stream level may rise, so it’s always worth checking conditions before setting off.

👟 Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes or light hiking footwear to reach the pool and move safely among the rocks, which can be slippery. Bring your swimsuit, water, a hat, and sunscreen—as well as a towel to relax along the banks.

Aymerich Castle

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Admission

Free

Duration

30 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

📖 The Context

S’Ogliu Ermanu Natural Pool is located in the mountainous area of Ussassai, in the greenest and wildest heart of Ogliastra. Here, water flows between rocky walls and dense forests, creating a cool, secluded corner set within a rugged and authentic landscape.
It’s a stop that tells the story of inland Sardinia—less touristic, quieter, and more intimate, where your connection with nature feels direct and unfiltered.

🏊 The Natural Pool

S’Ogliu Ermanu is a deep, crystal-clear pool formed by the stream, which over time has carved the rock into a natural basin perfect for a refreshing swim. The surrounding rock faces and vegetation create a sheltered, almost protected atmosphere.
The water stays cool even in midsummer, making it ideal after a walk. Sunlight filters through the trees and reflects on the surface, creating shades that range from emerald green to deep blue.

☀️ When to Visit

The best period is from late spring to early autumn, when water levels are stable and temperatures are suitable for swimming.
Morning is ideal for greater tranquillity and softer light, while during the middle of the day the shade of the trees helps keep things comfortable. After heavy rainfall, it’s always a good idea to check trail and stream conditions.

👟 Practical Tips

To reach the pool, wear light hiking shoes or footwear suitable for dirt paths and uneven terrain. The rocks near the basin can be slippery, so move carefully.
Bring water, a hat, and everything you need for swimming—but travel light. And above all, respect the place: no litter, no loud noise—just nature, silence, and flowing water.

Malaspina Castle

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Admission

Free

Duration

30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

📖 The Context

The natural pools of Is Caddaias lie between Seulo and Gadoni, in one of the most authentic areas of Sardinia’s interior. Here, the stream has shaped the rock into a series of natural basins, set within a landscape of forests, canyons, and deep silence.
It’s a stop that carries the scent of mountains and fresh water, far from the usual routes—perfect for those who love discovering hidden corners and experiencing Sardinia at its wildest.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Is Caddaias is a small system of emerald-coloured pools connected by short cascades. The basins are nestled between smooth rock walls and surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a secluded setting that stays surprisingly cool even on the hottest days.
The water is crystal clear and instantly inviting, while the surrounding rocks offer ideal spots to lay down a towel and relax. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down, making it easy to alternate between swims, quiet moments, and a few memorable photos.

☀️ When to Visit

The best period runs from late spring to early autumn. Morning is ideal for softer light and greater tranquillity, while in the afternoon the shade cast by the rock walls makes the setting even more pleasant.
After heavy rainfall, water levels can rise and currents become stronger—in these conditions, it’s always best to postpone your visit or proceed with extra caution.

👟 Practical Tips

Wear light hiking shoes or reef shoes: access involves uneven terrain, and the rocks near the pools can be slippery. Bring water, your swimsuit, a hat, and a towel for sun breaks.

Goceano Castle

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Admission

Free

Duration

30 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

📖 The Context

Bau Mela Natural Pool lies between Villagrande Strisaili and Villanova Strisaili, in a mountainous area where water flows through dense forests and time-shaped rocks.
Here, the landscape reflects the true character of inland Ogliastra: fresh air, deep silence, and nature taking centre stage. It’s an ideal stop to break up the journey with a refreshing pause, far from the heat of the coast.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Bau Mela is a natural basin carved by the stream, with clear water that stays surprisingly cold even in midsummer. Smooth rocks create small flat areas perfect for laying out a towel, while the surrounding greenery wraps everything in an intimate, secluded atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place you arrive at “just to take a quick look” — and end up staying for hours: one swim leads to another, alternating with moments of relaxation in the shade and the constant sound of flowing water.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning is the best time to enjoy Bau Mela at a relaxed pace, with milder temperatures and greater tranquillity. Early afternoon can also be pleasant, especially on hotter days, thanks to the natural coolness provided by the water and forest.
As with all river pools, after heavy rainfall it’s advisable to check stream conditions before heading out.

👟 Practical Tips

To reach the pool, wear light hiking shoes or footwear suitable for dirt paths and uneven terrain. The rocks can be slippery, so move carefully—especially near the water.
Bring your swimsuit, water, a hat, and a towel.

Doria Castle

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Admission

Free

Duration

1 hour

Difficulty

Easy

📖 The Context

The natural pools of Rio Pitrisconi are located in the inland area of San Teodoro, among granite canyons and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. Here, over time, the stream has carved a series of interconnected natural basins, set within a landscape that feels tailor-made for those who love walking, exploring, and then diving into crystal-clear waters.
It’s a stop that perfectly blends light trekking and relaxation: just a short walk through nature and you find yourself in a small world of pale rocks, cool water, and silence broken only by the sound of flowing water.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Rio Pitrisconi offers a sequence of emerald-coloured pools—some wide and open, others more intimate—all sculpted into granite. The water is transparent and instantly inviting, while the surrounding rocks create ideal spots to lay out a towel or sit in the sun.
Between one pool and the next, you’ll encounter small cascades and scenic passages that make exploration part of the experience. It’s the perfect place to alternate short walks, refreshing swims, and moments of pure relaxation immersed in nature.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning remains the best time to enjoy the pools at an easy pace, with softer light and more pleasant temperatures. Early afternoon can also work well, especially on hot days, thanks to the natural cooling provided by the water.
After heavy rainfall, stream levels can rise and the water may become cloudy—in these cases, it’s best to postpone your visit or move with extra care.

👟 Practical Tips

Wear light hiking shoes or reef shoes to move safely among rocks and trails, which can be slippery. Bring your swimsuit, water, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel for sun breaks.
One last explorer’s tip: take your time following the stream upstream, pool by pool. Rio Pitrisconi reveals its true magic when discovered slowly.

Pedres Castle

Image

Admission

Free

Duration

1 hour

Difficulty

Medium

📖 The Context

The natural pools of Manto della Madonna are located on Budelli Island, in the heart of the Maddalena Archipelago. Here, the sea meets wind-shaped granite, creating a mosaic of natural basins overlooking one of the most spectacular stretches of water in the Mediterranean.
It’s a fragile, protected place, accessible only by boat and regulated by the National Park—a small paradise where nature sets the rules and every visit becomes a slow, respectful, and deeply immersive experience.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Manto della Madonna is a series of pools carved into granite rock, filled with incredibly clear water that shifts from turquoise to emerald green. The basins are separated by smooth, polished surfaces—perfect for stretching out in the sun between swims.
There’s no need for dramatic dives here: just slip into the water and float, surrounded by almost unreal colours. It’s one of those places that instinctively makes you lower your voice, as if the landscape itself were asking for silence.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning is the best time, when the sea is usually calmer and the light brings out the full range of colours in the water. Early afternoon can also offer ideal conditions, though everything depends on the wind.
It’s essential to always check marine weather conditions before setting off: when the sea is rough, access to the pools can be difficult or not recommended.

👟 Practical Tips

As this stop is reachable only by boat, bring reef shoes for moving safely over the granite surfaces, along with your swimsuit, water, a hat, and sunscreen. Avoid bulky items and strictly follow park regulations: no removing sand or shells, and always show maximum respect for the environment.

Fava Castle

Image

Admission

Free

Duration

30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

📖 The Context

Cane Malu Natural Pool lies along the rocky coastline of Bosa, on the island’s western shore. Here, the sea has carved a large natural basin into the rock which, when seen from above, looks like a precisely sculpted work of art.
It’s a stop that blends open sea with a more intimate atmosphere: on one side, the endless horizon; on the other, a sheltered pool where the water settles and becomes ideal for swimming.

🏊 The Natural Pool

Cane Malu is a wide natural basin set among smooth, flat rocks—perfect for stretching out in the sun. The water is crystal clear and shifts in colour from emerald green to deep blue, depending on the light and sea conditions.
When the sea is calm, the pool turns into a perfect mirror for peaceful swimming. With a gentle swell, reflections ripple across the surface, making the setting even more atmospheric. It’s an ideal spot to alternate refreshing dips, relaxing breaks, and a few panoramic shots overlooking the Bosa coastline.

☀️ When to Visit

Morning is the best time to enjoy greater tranquillity and softer light. Late afternoon can also offer particularly beautiful atmospheres, especially as the sun begins to dip toward the horizon.
As with all sea-fed natural pools, it’s important to check marine weather conditions: when the sea is rough, access may be more challenging and swimming less safe.

👟 Practical Tips

Wear reef shoes or footwear suitable for rocky surfaces—the stones can be smooth and slippery. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel for sun breaks.
One final tip: respect the place and take care when diving in, always checking depth and water conditions. Cane Malu is one of those places best experienced slowly, simply letting yourself be guided by the rhythm of the sea.

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