The trekking trail “S’Abba Durche” or “Fresh water” takes its name from the springs of fresh water (respectively only slightly salty water) of karstic origin which characterize the first part of the path at the outskirts of Cala Gonone.

The trail runs through an area that is situated in the north of Cala Gonone and never leaves the water-line for more than a few metres.

The route begins at the end of the northern, 400 metres long, asphalt promenade, which is easily accessible as it belongs to the yacht harbour. At the end of the road, at three metres from the sea, there is a brick-built building which contains the motors and drive pumps of the water-supply of the village. The wanderer is impressed by the view of disjointed and disintegrating strata of basalt. Its dark colour is intensified by the sea, which has formed a dark beach of the detritus (diameter of about 10 cm) fallen down from high at the foot of the steep face. For about 100 metres, the path is made of cement and disappears under boulders of basalts that can be easily surmounted. Again the trail is cemented for another 100 metres until we arrive at a deserted building of the waterworks.

The particularly interesting springs of freshwater - along the path towards the sea – are appreciated by the wanderer, particularly in summer. In winter, especially after heavy rainfalls, these springs emit several cubic metres of water per second, making the trail impassable.

A few metres behind the little house, there is an area with plenty of fossils, which has been discovered when the building was made.

It is a wonderful object for photos. Although the path leads at a distance of a few metres along the sealine, you should follow the trail northwardly in order to enjoy the scenic details both of the coastline and of the sea.

A sloping beach which is situated at a distance of 10 minutes from the beginning of the trail is of particular interest; at its foot, there is a group of tamarisks – a proof of the presence of a hidden spring of fresh water in this desert area.

Now you come to some small, easily recognizable karstic caves which are interesting because of the nesting places of wood pigeons, swallows and a couple of peregrine falcons. Beyond this area, the trail gets more and more difficult, as you have to climb again and again huge masses which have fallen down from the disintegrating steep face (of 200-250 metres height).

On a rocky promontory there is a birdwatching post for cormorants and Eleonora falcons. From here onwards, you can proceed only swimming.

The birds’ colonies are situated between two enormous caves of the Ice Age which can’t be reached on foot ( as the terrain is inaccessible). The colonies are not directly visible but you can easily observe the birds, flying above the water, an image that makes the beautiful path even more attractive.