{"id":13209,"date":"2026-06-10T16:23:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=13209"},"modified":"2026-06-15T10:31:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:31:08","slug":"the-natural-pools-of-santo-stefano-how-to-find-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/le-piscine-naturali-di-santo-stefano-come-trovarle\/","title":{"rendered":"The Natural Pools of Santo Stefano: how to find them"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"le-piscine-naturali-di-santo-stefano-il-segreto-meglio-custodito-dellarcipelago-della-maddalena-e-come-trovarle\"><span class=\"\">The Natural Pools of Santo Stefano: the Maddalena Archipelago\u2019s best-kept secret (and how to find them)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Did you know there\u2019s a place <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/la-maddalena-archipelago-national-park\/\">in the Maddalena Archipelago<\/a> where the water is so calm and clear that it looks like a swimming pool, surrounded by pink granite rocks sculpted by the water like works of art, and where you can float in total relaxation without a single wave to disturb you?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0They are known as \u201cThe Natural Pools of Santo Stefano\u201d, are located on the island of Santo Stefano, and are one of the best-kept secrets in the entire national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">In this guide, you will discover:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">What exactly are natural pools, and how did they form?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Where are they and why are they so hard to find (and to reach)?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">How to get there: only by sea, but with a few precautions<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Because they\u2019re better than a swimming pool (and even better than many beaches)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">What to bring and what rules to follow to preserve this gem<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Reading time:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a06 minutes. By the end, you\u2019ll know whether the Santo Stefano Natural Pools are the right destination for you and how to plan your visit (because they\u2019re not for everyone).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cosa-sono-le-piscine-naturali-di-santo-stefano-un-capolavoro-della-natura\"><span class=\"\">What are the Santo Stefano Natural Pools? A masterpiece of nature<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Natural Pools of Santo Stefano are not a beach. They are not a cove. They are something different, rarer and more intimate. They are a series of small freshwater and brackish water pools, carved into the granite by thousands of years of erosion by the wind and the sea, situated on the north-eastern coast of the island of Santo Stefano.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Imagine this: a platform of pink granite jutting out over the sea, as smooth as if it had been polished by a craftsman. On this platform, the sea water, driven by the waves and tides, seeps into natural fissures and crevices. Over time, these fissures widen and deepen, becoming natural pools. At high tide, the water flows in and fills them. At low tide, they remain full thanks to the shape of the rocks, which hold the water back like a natural dam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The result is open-air pools, fed by the sea but sheltered from the waves. The water is very warm in summer (it heats up in the sun inside the rocks) and incredibly clear. There are no currents, no waves, no dangers. You can sit in one of these pools with the water up to your chest, gaze out at the open sea just a few metres away, and feel as though you\u2019re in a natural spa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A detail you won\u2019t find anywhere else:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Some of these pools contain fresh water. Yes, you heard right. On the island of Santo Stefano, there are small freshwater springs that emerge right where these cracks in the granite are. When it rains, the rainwater collects in the same pools. The result is a unique mixture of fresh and salt water, with a temperature and density different from the surrounding sea. Floating in it is a very strange and wonderful experience: you feel lighter, just like in the Dead Sea, but without the stinging in your eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">How many are there? It\u2019s hard to say. There are three main ones \u2013 the largest and most accessible. But there are at least a dozen smaller secondary pools, some just a few centimetres deep, others over a metre deep. Every year, with the winter storms, their shape changes slightly. Some pools fill with sand, others become deeper. The Natural Pools are alive; they change and transform.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dove-si-trovano-le-piscine-naturali-la-posizione-esatta-e-perche-nessuno-te-la-dara-mai\"><span class=\"\">Where are the Natural Pools? The exact location (and why no one will ever tell you)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">This is the trickiest part. The Santo Stefano Natural Pools aren\u2019t signposted. They don\u2019t appear on tourist maps. There\u2019s no sign to mark them. And if you ask the boat tour captains about them, they\u2019ll just smile and say, \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Why? Because it\u2019s an extremely fragile place. There\u2019s no landing place, no beach, no sand. There are only granite rocks and small pools of water. If a hundred people arrived every day, the pools would be destroyed within a week. The locals protect them by keeping quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Having said that, here\u2019s what I can tell you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Natural Pools are located on the north-eastern coast of the island of Santo Stefano, about half a kilometre east of Cala Granara, towards the former NATO base. They are situated directly opposite the military jetty. There is no path from the beach: the only way to reach them is by sea, using a small dinghy or a kayak, and then climbing over the rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The approximate coordinates are: latitude 41 degrees 12 minutes north, longitude 9 degrees 25 minutes east. But don\u2019t be fooled: without a marine GPS and without someone who\u2019s been there before, it\u2019s easy to sail right past them without noticing. From the boat, the pools look like mere dark shadows on the rock. You only recognise them once you\u2019re already on top, or when someone points them out to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">An insider's tip:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Instead of searching on your own, ask a local fisherman. Not the dinghy hire operators, not the tour guides. A fisherman. The sort who set out at dawn and return at midday. If you make a good impression on him (and perhaps buy him a coffee), he might give you a tip. Or, even better, ask if he\u2019ll take you there. Some do, under the table. It costs a bit, but it\u2019s worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"come-si-arriva-alle-piscine-naturali-solo-via-mare-e-solo-per-esperti\"><span class=\"\">How do you get to the Natural Pools? Only by sea, and only for experienced swimmers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Getting to the Natural Pools isn\u2019t like going to Cala Granara. It\u2019s more difficult, more technically demanding, and riskier. It\u2019s not suitable for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">With <a title=\"organised boat tour\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/boat-trips-la-maddalena-from-palau\/\">organised boat tour<\/a>:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0No organised tour stops at the Natural Pools. There\u2019s no landing stage, no place to moor comfortably, and the stop would be too short to justify the detour. So, if you want to see the Natural Pools, forget about the tours. You\u2019ll have to go on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">With a hired dinghy (for experienced users):<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0You can get there by dinghy, but you need to know what you\u2019re doing. There\u2019s no buoy. There\u2019s no jetty. You have to moor on the rocks, using long ropes and a locker, taking care not to damage the hull. The seabed is rocky and uneven. It\u2019s not the place for a beginner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Here\u2019s what you need to do: approach slowly, with the engine running at very low revs, until you\u2019re just a few metres from the rock. Drop the anchor at the bow and stern so that the dinghy remains parallel to the shore. Don\u2019t pull the dinghy onto the rock: the surf will slam it against the granite and destroy it. Leave it in the water, moored. Then get into the water (watch out for exposed rocks) and swim a few metres to the pools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">By kayak:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0This is the best way to go about it. A kayak is small, light and easy to manoeuvre right up against the rock. You can tie it to a natural crevice or simply pull it up a few centimetres onto a flat granite ledge. From there, you\u2019re already in the pools. The kayak also allows you to explore every single pool, moving from one to the next without getting out of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Be aware of the tides and the wind.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The Natural Pools are only accessible when the sea is calm (waves less than half a metre high) and the wind is light (less than 10 knots). Even a moderate mistral wind makes the waves dangerous for landing. The undertow will throw you against the rocks. Don\u2019t take any risks. If the sea isn\u2019t calm, postpone your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What about the tide?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The tidal range at the Strait of Bonifacio is significant (with a difference of up to 50\u201360 centimetres between high and low tide). The best time to visit the Natural Pools is at high or medium tide. At low tide, the pools empty partially and become shallow. At high tide, however, they are full and overflowing. Check the tide tables before you set off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"perche-le-piscine-naturali-sono-meglio-di-una-piscina-artificiale-e-anche-di-molte-spiagge\"><span class=\"\">Why are natural swimming pools better than artificial ones? (and even better than many beaches)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If you\u2019ve never seen them before, you might think: \u201cWhat\u2019s so special about puddles in the rock?\u201d You only realise the answer once you\u2019re standing in one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The water is hot.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The granite heats up in the sun. The water in the pools, especially in the afternoon, reaches temperatures of 25\u201328 degrees. Warmer than the open sea. You step in and relax straight away. There\u2019s none of that initial chill you get when you go into the sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">There are no waves.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Not a ripple. Not even a ripple. The pools are sheltered by the rocks that surround them. The water is as smooth as glass. You can float there in complete relaxation, gaze at the sky, and hear nothing but the sound of the waves breaking just a few metres away from you, yet they never touch you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The water is crystal-clear.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There\u2019s no sand to stir up, no plankton, no cloudiness. The water is so clear that you can see every tiny detail of the granite on the seabed. The pinkish veins, the small shells wedged in the cracks, even the tiny crabs hiding in the crevices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Privacy.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Because it\u2019s hard to get there, because there are no signs, and because tour groups don\u2019t go there, you\u2019ll find very few people at the Natural Pools. Often, there\u2019s no one at all. If you\u2019re lucky, you\u2019ll be on your own. You\u2019ll have a whole corner of paradise all to yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The sensory experience.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It\u2019s hard to put into words. You sit in a pink granite tub, the lukewarm water reaching up to your chest; in front of you, the blue sea stretches out to the horizon; behind you, the Mediterranean scrub smells of myrtle and mastic. There is no one else. Just you, the granite, and the water. It is one of the most meditative experiences you can have in the Maddalena Archipelago.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Something you wouldn't expect:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Some of the pools are connected by small natural channels. If you lie down in the water, you can crawl from one pool to the next without getting out of the water. It\u2019s like swimming through a water maze.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quali-sono-le-altre-piscine-naturali-dellarcipelago-della-maddalena-e-perche-santo-stefano-e-la-migliore\"><span class=\"\">What are the other natural swimming pools in the Maddalena Archipelago? (And why is Santo Stefano the best?)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Natural pools are not unique to Santo Stefano. There are other similar formations throughout the archipelago. However, the one at Santo Stefano is considered the most beautiful and the most accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">On the Island of Spargi:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There are small natural pools near Cala Corsara, but they are smaller and are often submerged at high tide. What\u2019s more, Spargi is very popular, so it\u2019s hard to find them empty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">On the island of Santa Maria:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Near Cala Santa Maria, there are a few natural pools carved into the rock. However, the water is colder (as it gets less sun) and the seabed is more slippery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">On La Maddalena (the main island):<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0At Punta Tegge, there are some very famous natural pools, but they were \u201cdiscovered\u201d by tourists years ago. Today, in the high season, they are absolutely packed. And in some places, they have been damaged by visitors walking on them in studded shoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Why is Santo Stefano the best?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Because it is the most secluded. The difficult access and lack of signposts mean that only the most determined visitors make it there. Furthermore, the granite at Santo Stefano is particularly smooth and sculpted, with almost abstract shapes. And the presence of fresh water makes for a unique experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"le-regole-per-visitare-le-piscine-naturali-senza-distruggerle\"><span class=\"\">Rules for visiting natural pools (without damaging them)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Natural pools are extremely fragile. More so than a beach, more so than a cove. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/palau-bear-rock\/\">The granite rock<\/a>, smoothed by the water, is susceptible to wear and tear. A slipping foot, a studded shoe, a beach umbrella stuck in the sand, a forgotten bottle: any of these can ruin decades of natural formation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Here are the rules you must follow.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Do not wear studded shoes or shoes with hard soles.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Climb the rocks barefoot or in soft-soled rock-climbing shoes (the neoprene ones). Hard soles scratch the granite and leave permanent marks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Please do not bring parasols, chairs or large towels.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There\u2019s no space. There\u2019s no sand. The pools are surrounded by bare rock. You can lay out a towel, but only on a flat rock. Nothing else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Do not use chemical sun creams before entering.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Suncream pollutes the water. Swimming pools are small and enclosed: a single drop of suncream spreads quickly. Use biodegradable suncream or, better still, go in without any protection and reapply it afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Don\u2019t urinate in swimming pools.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It seems like a trivial rule, but many people do it. The water doesn\u2019t circulate as it does in the open sea. It becomes stagnant. A single wee can pollute it for hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Please do not bring glass bottles.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If they break, the shards will remain in the pools forever. Use aluminium or plastic water bottles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Please do not move the pebbles or shells.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0They are part of the ecosystem. Even a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/the-pink-beach-budelli-island\/\">a small shell that has been moved changes<\/a> the flow of water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Do not enter if the pool is already in use.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The pools are small. Two or three people is already quite a lot. If there\u2019s already someone there, wait or come back later. It\u2019s not a public lido.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Take it all away.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Even cigarette ends. Even cherry stones. Even sandwich wrappers. Zero waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">These rules are not optional. They are the only reason the Natural Pools still exist. If everyone followed them, they would remain forever. If anyone breaks them, they will disappear within a few years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quando-andare-alle-piscine-naturali-calendario-e-orari\"><span class=\"\">When should you visit the Natural Pools? (calendar and opening hours)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The best time of year is the same as for Cala Granara, with a few key differences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">May and June.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Pleasant temperatures. The water is still a bit chilly (18\u201320 degrees), but it warms up quickly in the pools. Few people around. The sea is often calm. Excellent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">July and August.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The water is very warm (24\u201328 degrees in the pools). But there are also more people. Despite the difficulty in getting there, those in the know still go. The advice is to go early in the morning (8:00\u201310:00) or late in the afternoon (16:00\u201318:00). The middle of the day is the busiest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">September and October.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The absolute best time of year. The water\u2019s still warm (up to 24 degrees in September). Fewer crowds. Calm seas (September is statistically the least windy month). The sun isn\u2019t too strong. Perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Best time of day:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The Natural Pools face east-northeast. They are in the sun from morning until mid-afternoon. The best time for the light is in the morning (9.00\u201311.00), when the sun shines directly on the water and the rocks. In the late afternoon, the sun is behind the island and the pools are in the shade. Still beautiful, but less photogenic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Do not go out in strong winds. The natural pools are sheltered, but the wind whips up waves outside them. Landing becomes dangerous. If the forecast predicts winds of more than 15 knots, postpone the trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cosa-portare-per-una-giornata-alle-piscine-naturali-lista-essenziale\"><span class=\"\">What to bring for a day at the Natural Pools (essential checklist)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The list is shorter than that for Cala Granara, but it has a few specific features.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Water.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Plenty. At least two litres per person. There are no drinking fountains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Packed lunch.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Light. No food that leaves crumbs or grease. Simple sandwiches, dried fruit, fresh fruit (with no stones or peel left lying about).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Rock-climbing shoes with soft soles (neoprene).<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Essential. Granite is sharp. You\u2019ll cut yourself if you\u2019re barefoot. Trainers will scratch the rock. Neoprene rock-climbing shoes are the perfect solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Diving mask and fins.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Fins are used for swimming from one pool to another without touching the bottom. But be careful: when using fins, take extra care not to damage the pool walls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Small towel.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The one you use to dry yourself. Don\u2019t lay it on the rock unless it\u2019s a flat, smooth surface.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Biodegradable sun cream.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Not that kind of chemical. Look for \u201creef safe\u201d or \u201cbiodegradable\u201d on the label. It costs a bit more, but it doesn\u2019t pollute the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Waterproof rucksack.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you\u2019re arriving by kayak or dinghy, make sure to keep your phone, keys and documents safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A bin bag.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Take it all away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What you should definitely not bring:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0beach umbrellas (there\u2019s nowhere to put them), chairs (same reason), glass bottles, loudspeakers (silence is sacred), small children who can\u2019t swim (the water is deep and there are no places to hold on to).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"le-piscine-naturali-sono-adatte-a-tutti-onestamente-no\"><span class=\"\">Are natural swimming pools suitable for everyone? (To be honest, no)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">I have to be honest. Natural swimming pools aren\u2019t for everyone. If you\u2019re looking for a comfortable beach with facilities, sun loungers and parasols, go somewhere else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">They are not suitable for:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0young children (the water is deep, the rocks are slippery, and there is no lifeguard), people with reduced mobility (to get in, you have to get off a dinghy and climb up smooth rocks), inexperienced swimmers (there are no shallow areas), those seeking comfort (no bar, no facilities, no shade), those afraid of water (the pools are small but deep).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">They are suitable for:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0adults who are strong swimmers, couples looking for romance and privacy, photographers (the morning light is incredible), lovers of nature and tranquillity, and those who have already visited the main beaches and are looking for something different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A tip:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you\u2019re not confident in your abilities, don\u2019t go. There\u2019s no one there to save you if you slip and hurt yourself. The Natural Pools are a place for experienced swimmers and those in good physical health. There\u2019s no shame in admitting it\u2019s not for you. There are hundreds of other beaches in the archipelago that will give you just as much enjoyment with fewer risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"curiosita-sulle-piscine-naturali-che-forse-non-sai\"><span class=\"\">Interesting facts about natural swimming pools that you (might) not know<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Before I go, here are a few interesting facts that will make your visit (if you ever do go) even more fascinating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The Pool of Love.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The largest of the three main swimming pools has been nicknamed the \u201cpool of love\u201d by local fishermen. Why? Because in the 1960s, during the Cold War, American soldiers stationed at the NATO base in Santo Stefano used to take their girlfriends (and their mistresses) there at the weekends. The pool was a secluded spot, away from the prying eyes of their superiors. It is said that more than one relationship began or ended there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The secret freshwater.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0One of the smaller pools, the one closest to the cliff to the east, has a freshwater spring at the bottom. If you dip your hand in and move it around, you can feel the water is cooler there. At certain times of the year, the layer of fresh water remains above the salt water, creating a thin, visible dividing line. This is an extremely rare phenomenon, seen only in the Strait of Bonifacio and in a few other parts of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Starfish.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you look closely at the bottom of some swimming pools, you\u2019ll see tiny starfish clinging to the granite. They\u2019re tiny, and orange or purple in colour. Don\u2019t try to pick them up. They die instantly if they\u2019re taken out of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The missing name.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0On some old 19th-century maps, these pools were known as \u201cSa Covecca de is Piscinas\u201d, which in Sardinian means \u201cthe pool\u2019s cove\u201d. Nobody calls them that anymore. The name has been lost. But the old fishermen still remember it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A film set that never was.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0In the 1970s, an Italian film director wanted to shoot a scene for a film at the Natural Pools. The scene involved a nude actress floating in the water. However, the National Park (which had not yet been officially established at the time, but was already under supervision) refused permission. The film was shot elsewhere. No one knows which film it was.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusione-le-piscine-naturali-un-gioiello-da-proteggere\"><span class=\"\">Conclusion: Natural Pools, a treasure to be protected<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Natural Pools of Santo Stefano are not a tourist destination. They don\u2019t feature on postcards. They aren\u2019t in travel brochures. They are a secret, hidden, fragile place that few people know about and very few visit. And perhaps that\u2019s for the best.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Because their beauty lies precisely in their inaccessibility. It lies in the effort you have to make to get there. It lies in the search, in the discovery, in the silence you find when you\u2019re finally there, with the warm water enveloping you and the blue sea stretching out before you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If you decide to seek them out, do so with respect. Take only what you need. Leave no trace of your visit. Don\u2019t tell everyone where they are. Protect them as you would a precious secret. Because natural pools are not a right. They are a privilege. And privileges must be earned through respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Next time you\u2019re in the Maddalena Archipelago, whether you\u2019re out in a dinghy or a kayak, take a closer look at the north-eastern coast of Santo Stefano. Look for the dark shadows on the rocks. Listen to the fishermen\u2019s advice. And if you find them, if you manage to enter those magical waters, you\u2019ll understand why those who discovered them never speak of them.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Le Piscine Naturali di Santo Stefano: il segreto meglio custodito dell&#8217;Arcipelago della Maddalena (e come trovarle) Lo sapevi che esiste un luogo nell&#8217;Arcipelago della Maddalena dove l&#8217;acqua \u00e8 cos\u00ec calma e trasparente da sembrare una piscina, circondata da rocce di granito rosa scolpite dall&#8217;acqua come sculture, e dove puoi galleggiare in totale relax senza un&#8217;onda [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13250,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13209\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}