Piscine Naturali Di Monte Ferru

Outside, the air shimmers at 30 degrees Celsius, inside the car it's as humid and hot as a sauna, and sweat is pouring down your motorcycle gear like a mountain stream – who hasn't experienced this, and who doesn't feel a powerful urge for a cool, refreshing dip in a natural pond in such moments? Unfortunately, a natural pond is usually not readily available when you need one. Or is it? During an off-road tour on the southern east coast of Sardinia, there is indeed the opportunity to cool off along the way. Specifically, in the Piscine Naturali di Monte Ferru. These natural swimming pools are fed by a mountain stream and are located right at the start of the tour. From the track, it's just a few minutes' walk to the pools.

The entrance to this route can be found coming from the SS 125 at the Coccorrocci campsite (dead end). Initially, the wide gravel track winds its way relatively smoothly into the hills, but it soon reveals its rougher nature: fine and coarse gravel alternate with scree and rocky sections. Transverse ruts and washouts crisscross the track, which in places demands high ground clearance. The route leads over some steep to very steep climbs and runs along exposed sections close to the edge of a precipice.

At one point, it fords the Riu Badde Gottiu stream (mostly harmless), while forests, dense bushes, and vegetation encroaching on the road line the route. Hairpin bends and switchbacks provide variety for the driver. After just under three kilometers, you reach the Piscine Naturali (Natural Pools), after which the route follows the stream for a short distance before leaving it at its source. At an altitude of approximately 220 meters, the track reaches its highest point, offering a lovely panoramic view, and then descends in beautiful switchbacks towards the valley. The first houses appear, and at the hamlet of Marosini the connecting road to the SS 125 or to the town of Tertenia is reached.