Skip to Content

Swimming in river pools – near Gola Gorruppu in Sardinia

To make a change from the local beach at Cala Gonone where I’m on holiday, we headed inland today, where the terrain quickly becomes rocky and mountainous. West of the town of Dorgali we followed signs for Gorroppu and were soon on an uneven dirt track which gave us a few nervous moments with the hire car. We were heading for Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia, a deep gorge, where the walls rise steeply to 200m on both sides of the canyon. In spring you must choose your moment carefully to trek here, in case you get swept away by a flash flood.

River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia
River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia

Full of white boulders and pebbles

On parking the car we crossed the river on a makeshift bridge made of metal pipes and old planks and walked along beside the river full of white boulders and pebbles. The children were all for swimming under the bridge but I urged them to walk a little further, following an Italian family with towels and picnic bags who looked as if they might be heading for a more idyllic spot. After 20 minutes we found the place beside a deep rocky pool with large flat boulders to make a jumping platform and a place to sunbathe and a few bushes of pink flowered Oleander providing shade.

River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia
River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia

The steep cliff faces towered above us and I could imagine how bandits in the past might lurk on the wooded slopes or keep watch from the cliff top.We swam and relaxed here for an hour or two but didn’t make it as far as the gorge itself which was at least an hour’s further walk along the track.

River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia
River near Gola di Gorroppu in Sardinia

I did venture a little further along the path on my own, overtaken by more serious walkers with boots, walking poles and sun hats. With the afternoon sun beating down on my head I concluded that the green river pool was more inviting than a long hot walk, but it would be fun to attempt the trek on a cooler day in Spring or Autumn.

More Sardinia articles to enjoy

Sea Caves and a boat trip
A prehistoric village with a sea view
A tour of the best beaches in Sardinia

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

Subscribe to Heather on her travels newsletter

Sardinia blog

Sunday 10th of May 2015

Yes I know, beaches in Sardinia during the summer and especially on weekends are so packed with people!

Heather Cowper

Tuesday 12th of May 2015

@Sardinia Blog - we should have known better than to go in August!

Sardinia blog

Sunday 10th of May 2015

Hi Heather, to be honest I did not know this river located close to Gola Gorruppu. I must go as soon as possible as it looks gorgeous! Thanks!

Heather Cowper

Sunday 10th of May 2015

@Sardinia Blog - It was welcome to find a swimming spot when the beaches were so crowded!

Rob Burns

Friday 8th of June 2012

Great article. We're looking at Sardinia for our holiday this year and based on your article, we're definitely going to make time for this. Great photos, it's always nice to get a recommendation and see who else has been down the less beaten track!

Heather

Saturday 9th of June 2012

@Rob So pleased you're feeling inspired about you holiday in Sardinia. I must admit that in August the beaches are incredibly crowded as all the Italians are on holiday so looking ofr places to swim inland such as these river pools was definitely a good decision.

Hotel Co-op Enis at Monte Maccione Sardinia | Heather on her travels

Tuesday 27th of September 2011

[...] caves and a boat trip in Sardinia Swimming in rock pools near Gola di Gorrupa in Sardinia A prehistoric village with a sea view in [...]

Dreaming about the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily | Heather on her travels

Wednesday 21st of September 2011

[...] Swimming in river pools in Sardinia A prehistoric village with a sea view in Sardinia Sea caves and a boat trip in Sardinia [...]