The natural pools of Tramonti di Sopra.

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30 July 2019

Active

The natural pools of Tramonti di Sopra.

Rumour has it that in Tramonti di Sopra, in the heart of the Friulian Dolomites, there are incredible natural pools, famous for their crystal waters and their unique surrounds.
The English may have named them "Emerald Pools", but up there in Val Tramontina they have always been known as "Pozze Smeraldine", along the Meduna River.

This is enough to intrigue me and decide to go visit them.
First I have to reach Pradiel in Tramonti di Sopra, just over an hour's drive from Pordenone. The route for the Pozze Smeraldine is well signposted, but access by car is limited; vehicles have to stop before the start of the dirt road as the last stretch can only be covered on foot, but it’s an easy path that takes about twenty minutes.

When I reach the sign for the Pools I choose to turn right for a more panoramic route. Going left I could ford the river, but I prefer to reach my destination by following the path, past the waterfall and to the bridge.
From here, the view is breathtaking. The emerald-coloured paradise is right below me, even more beautiful than I imagined: the water is really that shade of green, and the white rocks that surround them make those hues pop; there's no doubt of the reason for their famed beauty.

It is difficult to resist, especially since today it is very hot and I can't stop myself from jumping in.
I go down the path that leads to the pools and walk among the stones, looking for a comfortable place to leave my mat and a suitable rock to use as a diving board.
One...two ... and jump!
Brr.... The water is quite chilly!
But it's worth it!

The pools are wide and deep enough, and I indulge in a pleasant swim.
The bottom is crystal clear and the view out to the surrounding mountains makes this place even more spectacular.
In the background there are only cicadas and the rush of the green waters, a symbol of this pristine valley.

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Esmeralda Perosa

I'm a slow tourist, with a backpack and map at my fingertips. I love cinema and old movies. I collect photos and extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Friuli is a mix of plain, sea and mountain, where special places are just around the corner.