You probably wouldn’t imagine that, but there are many waterfalls in Sardinia.
While there’s a song that says, Don’t go chasing waterfalls, I couldn’t disagree more. When you’re in Sardinia, you definitely need to go chasing waterfalls. There are so many spectacular waterfalls to see that you’re going to want to plan your trip accordingly to not miss out on any of them.
Most Sardinian waterfalls can be reaches via a hike (more or less easy), though some of them are super easy to see. I love nature, and I never miss a chance to go on a hike in Sardinia, even more so when there’s a chance to see a waterfall.
True – most people visit Sardinia in the summer to make the most of its incredible beaches. However, if you visit Sardinia in the off-season, you can enjoy everything else the island has to offer, including the many scenic waterfalls.
Here is a selection of the waterfalls in Sardinia that I have visited, as well as all the details you need to visit them.
The town of Villacidro is also home to three of the most majestic waterfalls in Sardinia — Sa Spendula, Piscina Irgas, and Muru Mannu. It’s a little town with a curious historic landmark – a wash house built in 1893 with an impressive metal and stone design. I’ll mention these waterfalls below, but I just wanted to offer a quick point of reference before diving into the details!
Most Scenic Waterfalls In Sardinia
Waterfall of Piscina Irgas
The waterfall of Piscina Irgas offer a truly spectacular landscape, located in the Campidano in Monti Mannu forest, outside the small town of Villacidro. Piscina Irgas reaches 45 meters (more than 147 feet) and cascades into a deep jade-green natural pool below.
When I visited, I was stunned at not just the height of the waterfall but also its shape. It streams down the mountainside almost in a perfect “waterfall” shape, which I would liken to the tail of a horse. It’s spectacular!
I would recommend visiting in spring or fall when the rivers flood, and the waterfall is at full strength. However, it is still worth a visit in the summer months as it’s one of Sardinia’s year-round waterfalls.
The path to get the waterfalls consists of mixed terrain, transitioning from dirt to rock. There are even some steep and narrow stretches with overhangs over the gorge below. You’ll then hike down to the waterfall itself.
The path can get a little slippery, so make sure to take your time and go slowly.
It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to make the trek out to the Piscina Irgas waterfall, on a trail that’s well-marked and easy to follow: you’ll want to take path 113 and follow the sign that points you towards Piscina Irgas.
You will walk roughly 300 meters (less than 0.2 miles) uphill. This path is qualified as a hard hike, given the narrow and steep trail. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes.
Muru Mannu
Muru Mannu is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sardinia, close to Sa Spendula and Piscina Irgas in the territory of Villacidro, As a single jump (a single cascade), Muru Mannu jets down the mountainside for 70 meters (229.6 feet) before plummeting into a pool.
The hike to reach Muru Mannu takes about two hours on a well-marked trail. It’s not too hard in terms of effort, but it’s a rather technical hike as the trail can be very narrow and exposed in points. Plus, keep in mind there are many fords to pass, and it can be more difficult after heavy rain.
To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to follow trail 109.
Bordered by the colossal Monte Linas mountains, with peaks that soar over 800 meters (2,625 feet), and completely immersed in verdant woods, the hike to Muru Mannu is almost as unforgettable as the waterfall itself.
I wouldn’t recommend hiking out to Muru Mannu during times of frequent and heavy rain, as this will make the trail rather treacherous. I would highly recommend visiting Muru Mannu from late spring to the start of autumn to avoid the rainy season.
Sa Spendula
Located in Villacidro, in the Medio Campidano area, is yet another majestic waterfall, Sa Spendula. In the Sardinian language, Sa Spendula translates to “the cascade.”
There are three consecutive water drops that have a 60-meter-high (almost 197 feet) gap between them. They stream through a narrow gorge between Mount Margiani and Mount Omo. Best of all, these cascades form three separate, substantial pools.
The best time to visit Sa Spendula is during autumn and winter when the falls are at their peak intensity. If you visit Sa Spendula during summer or spring, the waterfall will be more feeble. However, you can still revel in the cool spray and take a refreshing dip in Sa Spendula’s pools.
If you’re interested in going canyoning, there is a canyoning crew that can take you down in the canyon around Sa Spendula. It’s rated as easy to medium in difficulty and is a solid half-day activity. For more information, get in touch with Sardinia Wild Canyoning.
Sos Molinos
Sos Molinos waterfalls – whose full name actually is S’Istrampu de Sos Molinos – are among the prettiest waterfalls in Sardinia.
The waterfalls are formed by the Molinos River, and fall in a deep and beautiful gorge. The area where they are located takes its name from the presence of numerous mills that used to be put in motion by the waters fo the river.
They are located at an elevation of 443 meters (1,453 feet) above sea level and fall down to the valley at 413 meters (almost 1,355 feet), which means they are 30 meters (more than 98 feet) tall, distributed in five different jumps.
Contrary to most waterfalls in Sardinia these are active even during the summer months.
Located at easy distance from Santu Lussurgiu, one of the nicest small towns in Sardinia, and Bonacardo, they can be accessed through an easy-to-follow trail – which is partially paved – that goes through a beautiful forest, along which you gain a bit of elevation.
The trail starts at the parking lot set along the road that connects the two villages.
Cascata a Mare di Capo Nieddu
When you first lay eyes on the Cascata a Mare di Capo Nieddu, you’re sure to feel your breath catch in your throat, your chest tighten, your jaw drop in wonder and awe.
Cascata a Mare di Capo Nieddu is truly a sight to behold. It’s a river that jumps directly into the Mediterranean Sea, plummeting down from 40 meters (131 feet). You can find this magical spot in the town of Cuglieri, which lies in the province of Oristano.
This is the only waterfall that flows directly into the sea in Italy, and one of the very few in Europe.
What makes this sea waterfall so special is that it is not present year-round. You can witness its glory from November through May during the rainy season in Sardinia. During the rest of the year, it’s a very faint and wobbly stream.
In order to get to the trail that leads to the waterfall, follow SS 292 that goes from Oristano to Cuglieri. Once you pass Santa Caterina di Pittinurri, at km 100.5, make a left turn on a small country road that is for the most part unpaved.
Continue driving for about 1 km and once you get to the intersection take it right, drive over the bridge, and get to a gate – that’s where you should park your car and begin walking.
It takes you about one hour to get to the viewpoint, on a walk that is mostly flat and easy.
Alternatively, you can follow this trail.
Cascata di San Valentino, Sadali
The Cascata di San Valentino in Sadali is the only Sardinian waterfall to flow through an urban area. In fact, it cascades in front of a church.
The town of Sadali dwells in the central region of Sardinia and is a positively picturesque village. The church of Saint Valentine (the saint who marries and protects lovers) is the only church in Sardinia dedicated to the renowned saint or romance – and one of the prettiest churches on the island.
According to local legend, a robber tried to carry off the statue of Saint Valentine, but he stopped in front of the waterfall to admire it and then was unable to budge the statue a centimeter more. It was like it was glued to the ground. People in Sadali have passionately guarded this statue ever since.
Sardinian people visit this waterfall on February 14 to ask Saint Valentine to aid them in searching for their future partner.
The town is encased in soothing cork oaks, holm oaks, and Mediterranean shrubs, making it perfect for a wonderful afternoon stroll. In the Addolí Forest, there is a unique water phenomenon: a stream that disappears in a hole, only to reemerge in a cave below as a waterfall.
There’s also a cave (Is Janas, one of the prettiest caves in Sardinia) that, according to another legend, is home to three fairies.
You can visit this magical town and waterfall anytime throughout the year— but of course, visiting around Valentine’s Day makes the trip all the more special.
Su Stampu ‘e su Turrunu in Sadali
Sadali is also where Su Stampu ‘e su Turrunu resides.
Deep in the lush Addolí woods is a natural phenomenon— a stream that disappears into a hole in ancient stone, then drops 16 meters (52.5 feet) into a pool inside a cave below. It’s truly a natural wonder.
The cave has an even, round shape and is filled with plenty of light. The waterfall falls close to the entrance of the cave, and seemingly appears out of nowhere. The rushing sounds of Su Stampu ‘e su Turrunu waterfall are amplified by the round cave walls— reverberating in a way that makes your heart sing.
It’s very easy to follow this well-marked trail through the wild Sardinian forest downhill to Su Stampu ‘e su Turrunu. There is a parking lot at the Is Janas cave, and the hike will take about 45 minutes. There are stairs and a guardrail for your safety.
Visit any time of the year, but preferably not on a day when it is raining as the stairs can get slippery.
Cascate Lequarci and Lecorci
Shooting down from the limestone peaks of the Buttes mountains are the colossal Lequarci and Lecorci waterfalls. Situated in the central-eastern region of Sardinia, nearly on the coast in the Ogliastra region, lies Ulassai—where you can find these megalithic waterfalls.
Ulassai is a territory rich in underground water, as well as plentiful springs and streams. All these factors result in these tremendous waterfalls, with Lecorci spewing straight into the river and then forming the Lequarci waterfall.
Descending multiple rivulets from the limestone mountainside, Lecorci jumps one hundred meters, then gushes into Cascate Lequarci, which flows for another 75 meters (246 feet) before pouring into the awaiting lakes.
Lecorci and Lequarci have a width of nearly 70 meters (229.6 feet). This means these waterfalls are truly enormous, in height and width – the most impressive waterfalls in Sardinia.
The Lecorci and Lequarci waterfalls are situated 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the town inside a massive forest. There are dozens of trails you can take to get to the waterfall.
If you’re an avid trekker or even a free climber, 200 paths have been marked. However, if you want to skip the hike, you can see the waterfall from the road from Ulassai to Santa Barbara. There is parking near the waterfall.
I recommend visiting this waterfall during the rainy season as it’s even more powerful during winter and spring.
Cascata Rio Pitriscioni
Rio Pitriscioni is the main river flowing in the area of Monte Nieddu, near San Teodoro – one of the most popular tourist destinations on the north eastern coast of Sardinia, famous for the stunning beaches, the nearby islands of Tavolara and Molara, and for its incredible nightlife and food scene.
Crossing an area filled with rocky peaks, the Rio Pitriscioni river passes through a canyon, generating beautiful waterfalls and natural pools where it is an absolute pleasure to go for a swim.
The best starting point from which you can reach Rio Pitriscioni waterfalls is San Teodoro. You will see that nearby there are a couple of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty that you can follow to get there. My favorite one is a circular hike of about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) in length, of moderate to hard difficulty and with an altitude gain of about 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Cascata di Mularza Noa
Bolotana is the kind of place that nobody would ever consider visiting. But when, for some reason or another, you go there, you realize you have been missing out. That’s certainly how I felt when I discovered the beautiful Mularza Noa waterfall.
This waterfall is found in a local natural park called Parco Pabude. Created by the Riu Biralotta river (also known as Ortachis river), which starts in the Ortachis Plateau just 700 meters (less than half a mile) away and flows through a volcanic area, it drops for about 18 meters (59 feet) and is completely scenic.
Bolotana is a 30-minute drive from Nuoro, the main mountain outpost on the island. From there, it’s an easy 15-minute drive to Parco Pabude (one of the nicest parks in Sardinia) and an extra 10-minute walk to get to the bottom of the waterfall. The trail is well marked.
Cascata di Triulintas in Martis
In the northern part Sardinia, close to the north-central coast, is the Cascata di Triulintas in Martis.
In times past, the area where the Cascata di Triulintas is located was a burgeoning grain mill until floods destroyed it. However, there are still a few remnants of the mill around the Cascata di Triulintas.
Jetting down from 15 meters (a little over 49 feet), Cascata di Triulintas is the perfect spot for a little picnic. There’s even a picnic table near the falls.
The best time of year to visit Cascata di Triulintas is from December to April as the currents will be running at their strongest during those months.
It’s exceptionally easy to find this waterfall in Martis, as there are tons of road signs pointing you in the right direction. There is a dirt road with a dead-end where you can park, then it’s an easy ten-minute walk to the waterfall. Keep in mind that there are no parking-lot signs – just pull over on the shoulder and park.
There are also no signs marking the dirt path to the waterfall, but a wooden fence lines the way.
Is Corropus
Is Corropus waterfall is located in Gergei at Mount Trempu. It’s a wild, stunningly beautiful area. Dwelling in the south of Sardinia, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Cagliari, visiting Gergei makes for a great day trip if you’re staying in the capital city.
Moreover, Gergei borders the town of Barumini, renowned for its archeological wonders (the most important one is Su Nuraxi nuraghe).
If you visit Is Corropus during the spring months, you’ll find abundant flowers and even little mushrooms popping up all around the forest. Is Corropus flows into a large pool, which is perfect for a refreshing swim.
From the small town of Gergei, it takes about one hour of walking to reach Is Corropus waterfall. The waterfall isn’t that large or tall, but it is a serene waterfall that I love to revisit time and time again.
It’s best to visit during December through April so that the waterfall isn’t too weak and unimpressive. At that time, you can expect this waterfall to be much more hearty.
Sa Stiddiosa
Seulo is a small town in the Barbagia mountainous region of Sardinia, about an hour and a half drive from the capital city of Cagliari and famous for being one of the towns of the Sardinia Blue Zone. Not far from Seulo, Sa Stiddiosa is one of the most famous waterfalls in Sardinia, a little slice of heaven along the Flumendosa river at 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level.
The name Sa Stiddiosa means “leaking” and comes from “is stiddius” which refers to the the small drops of water falling. This isn’t your typical waterfall – but more like a mist that falls from a water source into a gorgeous, small emerald lake along the river where swimming is simply fabulous.
You can get to Sa Stiddiosa via a hike of just 2 km (1.2 miles) and medium level difficulty – depending on how often you stop the hike there can last up to one hour (it’ll take you about the same amount of time to walk back up). You don’t need a guide, as the trail is easy to follow.
To get to the starting point, follow the signs that from Seulo point to Gadoni. After about 1 km (0.6 miles), right by the small countryside church of Santa Barbara, you will find a sign pointing you to Sa Stiddiosa. You can follow that road for a bit more until you get to the parking lot, and then park the car and continue on foot.
There’s a fee to pay – either at the gate of the park, or online via the website Heart of Sardinia.
Map of Waterfalls in Sardinia
There are waterfalls spread all over the island, and if you visit in the right season, you are never too far from one of them. To help you locate the various Sardinian waterfalls, I have created an easy-to-use map.
How to use this waterfalls in Sardinia map: This map points out the prettiest waterfalls on the island. To enlarge it, you can use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Final Considerations
If you were wondering, “Does Sardinia have waterfalls?” this post surely answered your questions. Yes, there are several beautiful waterfalls on the island.
You won’t be able to see waterfalls if you are visiting Sardinia in the peak summer months (ie, in August). Come to Sardinia at the end of October or in the winter, or even in the early spring months, and there will be many waterfalls you can see.
Which of the top waterfalls in Sardinia is calling your name?
I recommend this guided tour to some beautiful waterfalls in Southern Sardinia as a fun way of seeing the sites.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
Make sure to check out my other posts about Sardinia:
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Sardinia, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.