Masterpieces between the sea and the mountains. A few steps away from the coastal ‘jewels’ of Gairo Sant’Elena and from the Marina di Cardedu, proceeding towards the eastern side of Monte Ferru, the highest ‘coastal’ peak in Sardinia, you will find yourself surrounded by spectacular nature. From the source on Accu ‘e s’Axina, crystal clear waters are channelled towards the valley, creating a series of little waterfalls, with water drops of a few metres, ‘resting’ in red porphyry basins of various widths and depths. Their name is Monte Ferru, but they are also known as the natural pools of Coccorrocci. The scenery is enchanting. The pools will appear in front of you at the end of a intertwining of holm oaks, junipers and oleanders. The pure, clear, very cool waters are ideal for a revitalising dip, especially in the summer heat: you’ll undoubtedly feel lulled by the gentle sound of the little waterfalls.

To get to the pools, you can follow a path marked by various indications - on signposts and painted on several rocks -, alongside the bed of a torrent up to a sort of natural stone staircase, from which you can enter the first pool and, one after the other, to the others further 'upstream'. During the journey, you can stop off at the convenient picnic areas. The area is classified as a site of community importance: it isn’t hard to understand why. You may spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons and Eleonora’s falcons flying over the lush woods.

You can also continue up to the top of Monte Ferru, where, at an altitude of 875 metres, the view extends over the whole of the Ogliastra hinterland and coast, to the north over the plain of Tortolì, as far as the Supramonte di Baunei area and Perda Liana and, to the south, all the way to the coast of Quirra. The massif’s almost two thousand hectares of territory offer opportunities for trekking, horseback riding or mountain bike excursions. Then, a few kilometres away, there are dreamy beaches: the Marina di Cardedu, with light sand mixed with pebbles, divided into the large beaches of Museddu and Perd'e Pera; and the Marina di Gairo, with the wild charm of su Sirboni, with its soft, fine sand and red-tinted rocks, as well as the thousand colours of Coccorocci, the red background of Monte Ferru, the green junipers, the pebbles of countless colours making up the beach and the blue sea, perfect for snorkelling.