Muru Mannu

Muru Mannu is Sardinia's highest waterfall, tucked among granite cliffs and dense forest on the border between the municipalities of Villacidro and Gonnosfanadiga in the province of South Sardinia. Its Sardinian name translates as "great cascade" — a title it earns in full.

How to Get There

The waterfall is reached via trail D-109 (Sardegna Sentieri), starting from Filareddus. The path runs entirely through the valley floor, under a canopy of oaks and holly trees. Allow about two hours each way at a comfortable pace. The trail is well-marked and maintained throughout its length.

At the main junction, turning right continues along D-109 toward Muru Mannu, while path 113 branches left toward Piscina Irgas waterfall, roughly an hour away.

By car: from Villacidro, head toward Gonnosfanadiga and follow signs for the trailhead parking area. The nearest major city is Cagliari, approximately 55 km away.

What You Will See

Water plunges more than 70 metres down sheer granite walls into a natural pool fringed by oaks and holly. From there the stream feeds into the Linas river, which eventually merges with another watercourse to form the Cannisoni river.

The waterfall sits within the Monte Linas massif, a landscape of deep ravines, forested slopes, and classic Mediterranean scrubland — one of the least spoilt wild corners of Sardinia.

When to Visit

Muru Mannu is fed by rainfall and snowmelt from the Monte Linas range, so the flow is highly seasonal. The falls are at their most impressive between October and May. From late spring through summer the streambed can be nearly dry.

The sweet spot is early spring, March through April: high water from winter rains, fresh green vegetation, and mild temperatures that make the hike comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muru Mannu really the highest waterfall in Sardinia? Yes. The free-fall drop exceeds 70 metres, placing it at the top among the island's waterfalls.

How long is the hike and how difficult is it? Trail D-109 from Filareddus takes roughly two hours one way over flat valley terrain. The difficulty is rated moderate — accessible to averagely fit hikers wearing proper footwear.

Can I combine Muru Mannu with other waterfalls in a single day? Yes. From the D-109 junction, path 113 leads to Piscina Irgas waterfall in about an hour, making a combined day trip straightforward.

Is swimming allowed at the waterfall? A natural pool forms at the base of the falls. Whether swimming is permitted depends on current local regulations — check with the Comune di Villacidro or Comune di Gonnosfanadiga before your visit.