Visit the tuna island Isola di San Pietro
The island of Isola di San Pietro in the southwest of Sardinia, part of the Sulcis archipelago in the province of Carbonia-Iglesias, is a real "must see". What makes a visit to this island during your vacation so special?
Back in time
Isola San Pietro was very popular over the years because of its favorable location. The island was owned first by the Phoenicians and then by the Romans. The Ligurian people settled here in the middle of the year 1700. They were originally coral fishermen who had been chased from the Tunisian island of Tabarka. The king of Sardinia, Carlo Emanuele III di Savoia, encouraged them to settle here in order to prevent piracy and to avoid slavery himself. No sooner said than done: the Ligurians took possession of the virtually uninhabited San Pietro. At that time the name of the capital of the island was also born: Carloforte, or "Fortress of Carlo", in honor of the Sardinian king. Today, the island's inhabitants still speak their own language, Tabarchino, a Ligurian dialect.
A nice trip on water
Ferries depart several times a day from the towns of Portovesme and Calasetta (on the Sant'Antioco peninsula). After a crossing of half an hour you arrive directly in the pleasant center of Carloforte. The crossing to the island of Isola San di Pietro is also easy to do with children!
Fishing boats and the colorful center of Carloforte
As soon as you approach the Genoese-style harbor with the many fishing boats of the island, the colorful buildings and waving palm trees meet you. The pleasant center of Carloforte has no less than 6000 inhabitants. In any case, visit the Piazza Carlo Emanuele, from where all the streets and stairs descend towards the sea. Isola di San Pietro is also known for its fantastic tuna dishes, which you can taste to your heart's content in one of the many restaurants.
Our tip: Join Da Nicolo or the Osteria della Tonnara and fully enjoy the delicious dishes that are prepared for you in a special way.
Our tip: Join Da Nicolo or the Osteria della Tonnara and fully enjoy the delicious dishes that are prepared for you in a special way.
Idyllic beaches and rugged coasts
Isola di San Pietro is a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts, due to its favorable location and the wind. Rugged cliffs interspersed with beautiful bays with sheltered beaches. The east coast is dotted with small sandy beaches, while on the northwest coast you can enjoy rugged cliffs. The sea water is crystal clear, just like in other parts of Sardinia. Sardinia4all is happy to give you some tips!
In the south, the beach of La Bobba is especially popular among young people because of its cliffs. In the months of July and August there is a guarded car park and the beach is supervised. Ideal are the snack bar / kiosk and the possibility to rent a canoe. Via a winding path you can also visit the natural monument Le Colonne; two natural pillars of volcanic rock that were declared a historic monument in 1993.
In the north, Spiaggia La Caletta is definitely worth a visit. This fine white sand beach is surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation. The beach slopes gently, making it particularly suitable for families with young children (when the mistral wind is not present). It is also a good spot for divers and surfers. The beach is equipped with parking, beach surveillance, bar, snack bar, deck chairs and umbrellas in July and August.
Cala Fico is a beautiful cove surrounded by unspoiled nature and rocky gorges. Bird lovers pay attention! Established in 1991, the conservation area is also the sanctuary of the Eleonora Falcon, named after Eleonora of Arborea.
In the south, the beach of La Bobba is especially popular among young people because of its cliffs. In the months of July and August there is a guarded car park and the beach is supervised. Ideal are the snack bar / kiosk and the possibility to rent a canoe. Via a winding path you can also visit the natural monument Le Colonne; two natural pillars of volcanic rock that were declared a historic monument in 1993.
In the north, Spiaggia La Caletta is definitely worth a visit. This fine white sand beach is surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation. The beach slopes gently, making it particularly suitable for families with young children (when the mistral wind is not present). It is also a good spot for divers and surfers. The beach is equipped with parking, beach surveillance, bar, snack bar, deck chairs and umbrellas in July and August.
Cala Fico is a beautiful cove surrounded by unspoiled nature and rocky gorges. Bird lovers pay attention! Established in 1991, the conservation area is also the sanctuary of the Eleonora Falcon, named after Eleonora of Arborea.
Girotonno, a tradition in Carloforte
Relive old traditions? This is possible in May during the Girotonno in Carloforte. During these four days you can enjoy art and culture, food, wine, music and entertainment. The event will also include a spectacular international gastronomic competition between chefs from Spain, Tunisia, Japan, Italy, France and the USA. These chefs compete with each other by presenting recipes, the basis of which is of course the bluefin tuna. A technical jury, made up of journalists, experts and a number of visitors, assess the dishes and determine the final winner.
Bluefin tuna has been caught in the Mediterranean for centuries. The fish migrate to the Mediterranean Sea in large groups from May to July every year to spawn in the warmer waters (from 22-23 degrees) and are then easy to catch. Tuna fishing is still done the traditional way from Carloforte by means of a special net system. The tuna is then hooked one by one and hoisted onto the boats to be slaughtered.
Bluefin tuna has been caught in the Mediterranean for centuries. The fish migrate to the Mediterranean Sea in large groups from May to July every year to spawn in the warmer waters (from 22-23 degrees) and are then easy to catch. Tuna fishing is still done the traditional way from Carloforte by means of a special net system. The tuna is then hooked one by one and hoisted onto the boats to be slaughtered.
Would you like help putting together a unique holiday in Sardinia? Tell me about your holiday wishes ; I'll be happy to give you personal advice.
Sanne
Sardinia4all
Sanne
Sardinia4all
