The natural pools of Monte Ferru lie in the municipality of Gairo, in Ogliastra, in eastern Sardinia.
They are also known as “is Piscinas” and “Piscina ‘e cerbu” which means “the deer’s pool”.
This natural site lies not far from the coastal area of Gairo Sant’Elena in the Marina di Cardedu, in Monte Ferru (875 m a.s.l.).
The river stems from the spring su Accu ‘e s’Axina and descends towards the valley through the red porphyry rocks. Different basins of various width and depth form here with waterfalls and rapids. The water is fresh and transparent and continues to flow even during the warmest periods of the year.
The pools are immersed in a forest of holm oak and juniper and typical wetland essences grow around their banks, like oleander. It is not uncommon to spot a golden eagle, peregrine falcon or Eleonora’s falcon flying overhead.
The paths to reach this site are marked by wooden signs and directions painted on the rocks. The paths flank the riverbed until they reach a kind of natural flight of stone steps which lead to the first basin. There are picnic areas along the path.
The pools are part of the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Area del Monte Ferru di Tertenia” (ITB020015), regulated by the Rete Natura 2000.
