Chia Waterfalls Trek & Swim: A 2025 Cagliari Tour Review

You know, most people come to Chia, Sardinia, and they really only think about the beaches. To be honest, you can’t blame them; the sand is sort of a perfect, powdery white and the water is, well, unbelievably clear. But still, after a few days of that postcard perfection, you might find yourself getting a little bit restless. I mean, we were definitely looking for an experience that was just a little different, something more than another day spent on a sun lounger. That’s actually when we stumbled upon the ‘Trekking and Swimming at the Waterfalls from Chia’ tour. Frankly, the idea of a trek into the mountains to find hidden waterfalls seemed almost too good to be true, a completely different side of Sardinia we were, you know, dying to see.

Leaving the Coast: The Drive into Sardinia’s Wild Heart

The whole thing started, you know, pretty conveniently with a pick-up right from our spot near Cagliari. Our guide for the day, Marco, was, honestly, just a really great guy from the get-go, very welcoming and super passionate about his home island. So, we hopped into a sturdy 4×4, which was, by the way, absolutely necessary for the roads ahead. As we pulled away from the coast, the change in scenery was, frankly, immediate and quite dramatic. It’s like one minute you are seeing blue sea and pink flamingos, and then, you know, the next minute you’re climbing into these really rugged, green mountains. The air itself apparently started to smell different, getting kind of earthy and fragrant with herbs. Marco, as a matter of fact, kept pointing out stuff along the way—ancient shepherd’s huts made of stone and weirdly shaped granite rocks that, he said, looked like animals if you sort of squinted a little. The drive was actually a part of the adventure itself, taking us deeper into the Sulcis region, an area that feels almost a world away from the busy tourist spots.

The Trail to the Falls: A Walk Through an Ancient Forest

Alright, so once the 4×4 couldn’t go any further, it was time for the trek. The trail itself is inside the Is Cannoneris forest, which is, you know, just this massive public forest filled with some of the oldest holm oaks in Europe. The hike, I mean, was moderately challenging; it’s not just a flat walk, so you definitely need some decent shoes. There are, for instance, some uphill sections and a few rocky bits where you have to watch your step. The path, however, is mostly shaded by these gigantic trees, which is a total blessing, especially on a warm day. You are literally surrounded by the sounds of the forest, and the air is thick with the scent of myrtle and wild rosemary. At the end of the day, it’s just incredibly peaceful. Marco was awesome here, pointing out different plants and explaining what local people use them for, you know, in cooking or for old remedies and stuff. He even, at one point, stopped us to show us tracks from a wild boar that had apparently passed through just a little earlier. It’s those kinds of details that really make a guided walk feel special.

A Deeper Look at the Hiking Experience

Frankly, the path follows a little stream for a good part of the way, and the sound of the running water is a pretty constant companion. You cross this stream a few times, you know, on these little rustic wooden bridges or by just hopping across some well-placed stones. The trail is really well-maintained, but it still feels, in a way, very wild and untamed. It’s a good balance, honestly. You feel like you’re on a real adventure without ever feeling like you are genuinely lost or in danger. The terrain, for the most part, is just a mix of dirt paths and stony sections. We saw some pretty amazing cork trees, too, with their bark partially stripped away. Marco told us that was for making wine corks, a craft that’s, you know, been around here forever. It really makes you appreciate where everyday things come from. This walk wasn’t just about getting to the waterfalls; it was sort of a slow discovery of the forest’s secrets.

The Grand Finale: A Refreshing Plunge into Paradise

And then, just when you’re starting to feel the burn in your legs a little, you hear it. I mean, the sound of the stream gets a lot louder, and you can just sort of feel the spray in the air. Marco, with a smile, says, “Okay, we are almost there.” Honestly, turning that final corner and seeing the main waterfall for the first time is a ‘wow’ moment. It’s not a huge, thundering giant like Niagara or something, but it’s just so perfectly formed. Water cascades over these super smooth, grey granite rocks into a series of crystal-clear pools. The biggest pool at the bottom is just incredibly inviting. Taking off your sweaty hiking gear and jumping into that water is, seriously, one of the most refreshing feelings you can imagine. The water is definitely cool, but not, like, painfully cold. It’s absolutely perfect after the heat of the walk.

At the end of the day, just floating in that natural pool, with the green forest all around you and the sound of the water filling the air… well, it’s a moment of pure, simple happiness that’s pretty hard to beat, you know?

We probably spent over an hour there, swimming from one little pool to another, scrambling up the rocks a bit to get a different view, and just soaking it all in. There were, for example, multiple levels of smaller cascades and pools to explore. It’s literally like a natural water park carved into the middle of an ancient forest. It felt completely private and secluded, just our little group enjoying this hidden slice of Sardinian paradise. It’s an experience that, to be honest, stays with you for a long, long time.

Good to Know: Tips for Your Waterfall Adventure

So, if you’re thinking about doing this trip, there are, of course, a few things you should probably know to make the most of it. At the end of the day, being prepared makes everything more enjoyable, right? The guide provides some water, but honestly, bringing an extra bottle of your own is a really smart idea, especially in the summer. The trek isn’t super long, but you’ll definitely work up a sweat. Having enough water is, well, pretty much non-negotiable.

Also, the right gear can make or break the day, you know? You absolutely need to wear proper sneakers or, even better, light hiking shoes. Seriously, don’t even think about doing this in flip-flops or flimsy sandals. The path is just too uneven and rocky for that. In the same way, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. I mean, there aren’t exactly any changing rooms out there in the woods, so it’s just a lot easier. A small towel that dries quickly is a great thing to pack, too. And of course, a camera or your phone is a must, but maybe think about putting it in a waterproof bag, just in case. You’re going to want to take a lot of pictures.

What We Absolutely Loved

• The Scenery Change: Going from the beach to the mountains so quickly is, you know, really amazing.
• The Guide’s Stories: Marco’s local knowledge made the forest come alive; it was more than just a walk, frankly.
• The Swim: Obviously, the plunge into the cool, clear water after the hike felt absolutely incredible.
• The Seclusion: Feeling like you have this beautiful spot all to yourself is, well, pretty much priceless these days.

Read our full review: [Cagliari Trekking Tour Full Review and Details]

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