Piscina Irgas

Piscina Irgas in Villacidro, Sardinia, is a 45-metre waterfall on the Rio d'Oridda, plunging through granite rock into an emerald-green natural pool at the heart of the Parco di Monte Linas – Oridda – Marganai.

One of three great waterfalls of Monte Linas

Piscina Irgas belongs to a trio of major cascades on the granite massif of Monte Linas. The other two are Sa Spendula — close to the village of Villacidro, easy to reach and surrounded by a park — and Muru Mannu (70 m), the tallest waterfall in Sardinia, within the municipality of Gonnosfanadiga.

The Rio d'Oridda crosses the Oridda plateau and flows through a valley carved from granite over millennia, forming a chain of natural pools before joining the Rio Leni below the main fall.

Trails and access

Two hiking trails lead to the waterfall and can be combined into a 10-kilometre loop:

Trail 1 (CAI 113) starts at the Montimannu forest entrance gate, roughly 15 km from Villacidro. The route leads through an oak forest, across the Cannisoni river on a metal bridge, and up to a belvedere at around 600 metres altitude with views over Piscina Irgas from above and across the Marganai massif, then descends to the base of the falls. The same trail also leads to Muru Mannu.

Trail 2 starts from Sa Duchessa near Domusnovas, passing through abandoned mining areas and partly following section 11 of the Cammino minerario di Santa Barbara pilgrimage route along the left bank of the Oridda river to a panoramic viewpoint, then down to the base of the falls.

Canyoning and outdoor activities

Piscina Irgas was one of the first waterfalls in Sardinia to be equipped for canyoning and remains a favourite for the sport, with smaller drops and pools continuing below the main fall. Mountain biking and hiking trails are well developed in the area. Best visiting period: March through December.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the waterfall? Piscina Irgas has a 45-metre drop into a small emerald-green lake.

What is the tallest waterfall in Sardinia? Nearby Muru Mannu (70 m) in Gonnosfanadiga — accessible along the same CAI 113 trail.

Is canyoning available? Yes — Piscina Irgas is one of Sardinia's oldest-established canyoning venues, with continued drops and pools below the main fall.

Can you visit independently? Yes, though the terrain is mountainous and remote. Local outdoor operators offer guided excursions.