Entering the ‘heart’ of Mt. Nieddu is a non-stop nature discovery tour: wild mouflons, foxes and wild boar roam in their habitat and the golden eagle nests here, and you’ll never know when one will appear circling in the skies high above you. The stunning granite massif rises in the southernmost part of Gallura, between the territories of Padru and San Teodoro. From its peaks, Punta Majore and Punta Coloredda, and from the observation points marked along the trails, the view spans from Gennargentu to the marvellous beaches of San Teodoro all the way to the island of Tavolara. The paths in the woods, home to a wide variety of wild mushrooms, are suitable for everyone and have rest areas equipped for picnics.
A picturesque forest of oak and juniper trees is home to the waterfalls and pools of Rio Pitrisconi. They are fed by a river bearing the same name, one of the few Sardinian streams that flows all year long. Over time, water erosion on the granite has slowly carved a gorge with natural pools, little lakes onto which the green of the Mediterranean vegetation is reflected, and a scenic waterfall featuring several drops.
To immortalise this gorgeous scenery, you can take some lovely pictures but there’s so more you can do here: a growing number of visitors prefer a more hands-on experience canyoning over the falls, the pools and the natural slides. Hiking is also an exciting option as you walk along the river banks admiring ancient trees and majestic sculpted rocks, even cooling off in the refreshing emerald green water of the pools. Now and again, take a break in the shade of a tafone, a characteristic granite grotto carved by erosion.
As you continue, you’ll come across the Pitriolu natural pool, another destination for canyoning enthusiasts and just as spectacular. The trail continues through woods of strawberry, oak trees and juniper bushes and brings you to the Scala Taddata waterfall, where you’ll find another small pool of crystal-clear water. As you walk along the ring trail back to the trailhead, the views of the sea that open up here and there in the woods are simply spectacular.
San Teodoro is considered one of the ‘queens’ of summer holidays in Sardinia, dotted with fine sandy beaches lapped by clear turquoise water: La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu and s’Isuledda, just to name some of the more celebrated beaches, will leave you breathless. Around Pedru, on the other hand, you’ll find archaeology and nature in the area of Santu Miali, a valley dotted with the remains of a rural Roman villa, a necropolis and two medieval churches.
