If you're visiting the eastern coast of Sardinia and fancy a change from the crowded beaches of the coast in high season, swimming in river pools is a tranquil alternative.

We found a wonderful cool pool to swim in on the way to the well known gorge of Gola di Gorroppu.

You drive from Dorgali towards Gola di Gorroppu and park the car when the track runs out, then cross the footbridge and walk on the right of the river in the direction of the gorge.

After about 15 minutes, the path forks - the right fork will lead you past a barrier into the national park and on towards the gorge, the left fork leads you downhill towards the river, where you can find big boulders and deep river pools to swim in.

After fighting our way through the crowded beaches in August it made a refreshing change, but sadly we didn't quite make the gorge which is a sight in itself.

On the way back, just short of the Dorgali road, you might like to stop for a drink or meal at the hotel Sant'Elene which serves Sardinian specialities and has a terrace with an amazing view over the valley.

heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/2008/08/swimming-in-river-pools-in-sardinia.html

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Last summer, for the first time, we hired a boat and went sailing. As Sardinians living in London we go to the island quite often but we had never hired a boat before.

We started from Cagliari and drove for one and a half hours to Portovesme where we caught a ferry to Carloforte, a small town in the island of San Pietro, 45 minutes from Sardinia. We also boarded our car and the trip was quite comfortable.

On arrival, we unloaded the car and parked it near the harbour, easy peasy! Man, that boat was something.

The morning after the real fun started, we sailed for most of the morning and the views of Carloforte and Sardinia's south-west coast were just there, like a precious frame for a priceless painting, my sea.

We stopped just on a side of Pan di Zucchero, a stunning huge surfacing rock in front of Masua bay, and stayed there swimming and diving and snorkeling.

We stayed two days more, going to hidden bays very early in the morning or during the night, fishing etc. It has been an unforgettable experience and I will definitely do it again and suggest it to the readers.

I've put more details and driving directions in our blog.
www.blog-sardinia.co.uk

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Listed as one of Sardinia's nest beaches, Spiaggia della Pelosa is about an hour's drive from Alghero up to the north-west coast. It's a dreamy crescent of white sand and sparkling emerald water guarded by an ancient stone watchtower. It's very popular in summer though, so be prepared for traffic jams. The nearest town of Stintino is a little port that makes a nice stop for lunch.

on the SP 34 road, past Stintino

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