The Platamona Pond is one of the most important wetlands in north-western Sardinia.
Nestled between the pine forest of the same name and gentle hill slopes to the west, it is certainly the ideal place for short walks surrounded by greenery in a very relaxing environment.
A pleasant pedestrian path has been created along the north side of the pond, which winds through the woods and along long wooden walkways surrounded by reeds; the route, a couple of kilometers long, does not have excessive slopes and is also suitable for disabled people.
There are many opportunities for the visitor, including a walk in the morning dedicated to bird-watching, a lunch in contact with nature in the picnic area, a short bike ride which can then continue along the Platamona cycle path.
In this article we will describe some corners that we have discovered from time to time… Our main advice is to linger long enough to get in tune with the slow rhythms of nature, to observe animals and landscape, to take photos to the views.
Welcome to the pines
The Platamona pond is a freshwater basin located about five hundred meters from the sea.
There is a large pine forest around it, which owes its origins to the 1950s… pines are not part of the original flora of Sardinia and were introduced into this area to encourage rapid reforestation. If on the one hand the creation of a vast “green lung” is a positive result, on the other hand it is an “artificial” reforestation to the detriment of much of the low native scrub, in particular the juniper grove, present on the dunes.
The ideal place to welcome us is certainly at the picnic area, north-east of the pond. Here the zig-zig path starts which, surrounded by pine trees, gradually descends towards the expanse of water. At the sides of the route we find various panels that describe this green area with texts and images… They talk about the surrounding environment, flora, fauna and also archaeology: in the area there have been some discoveries of a city from the late Roman era!
The pier and the moorhen
In a few minutes we reach the pier dedicated to the “Pollo Sultano”, in front of the pond. This is the first of three piers that allow you to admire the waters and the surrounding environment up close.
Maybe it’s because of the time (it’s not yet 9:00) or simply by luck, we happen to have a pleasant meeting. A splendid moorhen has perched on the wooden surface in front of us and is walking back and forth. Let’s seize the moment to photograph!
This is probably the best way to discover the Platamona pond, waiting for the right moment to come into contact with the animals that populate the area…
The views of the pond
From the pier area you can’t go wrong: whichever direction you take, you will come across a spectacular panorama!
And so, going up a small secondary path, we reach a sort of natural terrace among the pines from which you can admire a wide panorama of the placid expanse of water.
Returning and continuing along the main route, towards the west, we find a long walkway surrounded by reeds, which crosses a truly suggestive environment…
At the westernmost pier
You can continue with a pleasant walk surrounded by lush vegetation, towards the west.
Along the way you will come across 2 other piers.
We show you some photos taken at the westernmost one… In this case we are not so lucky in spotting birds, but we can still observe the most varied landscape. This last stretch of pond is in fact enclosed by the hills.
As we have seen, it is a truly interesting nature route in one of the few wetlands in the north-west of Sardinia.
