Cascata a mare di Capu Nieddu, Coastal waterfall in Cuglieri, Italy

Cascata a mare di Capu Nieddu is a waterfall on Sardinia's western coast where fresh water falls directly from limestone cliffs into the Mediterranean. The cascade flows through a narrow opening in the rock face and disappears into the sea below.

The waterfall drops about 40 metres into the sea beside the Spanish-period coastal tower of Capo Nieddu, in the municipality of Cuglieri, province of Oristano. The stream only runs during the rainy season, from November to May, so the fall is dry for the rest of the year.

The waterfall takes its name from Capo Nieddu, the headland whose dark rock gives it the Sardinian name 'black head'. Beside the falls stands a coastal tower built in the Spanish period, when Sardinia's shores were guarded against raids from the sea. The cascade itself exists only in the rainy months, from November to May.

The path to the waterfall is steep and rocky, so wear shoes with good grip, especially after rain when stones become slippery. Bring water and sun protection, and visit during warmer months when weather is more stable.

The cascade only exists during the rainy season, from November to May; in the dry months the rock face above the sea is bare. It drops about 40 metres close to the Spanish-period coastal tower of Capo Nieddu, in the municipality of Cuglieri, province of Oristano.