There are many ways to experience and enjoy a sustainable vacation. Visiting Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia is not the only way, but it shows sensitivity towards the environment and can make a vacation unforgettable.
Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia
What are Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas are marine zones – which sometimes include land portions – that have particularly important features from a naturalistic, environmental, biological, and geological point of view.
Visiting MPAs, national parks, marine parks, and sites of community importance could contribute, along with other responsible behaviors, to supporting the conservation of natural environments.
The creation of marine protected areas and parks allows for the conservation, management, and preservation of the heritage within them.
MPAs are therefore established to protect animal and plant species and ecosystems that are particularly important or vulnerable. In these areas, biodiversity is preserved, and efforts are made to restore their integrity as much as possible.
In the Sardinia Region there are:
- 6 MPAs
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo
- Marine Protected Area Capo Testa Punta Falcone
- Marine Protected Area Isola dell'Asinara
- Marine Protected Area Capo Caccia - Isola Piana
- Marine Protected Area Penisola del Sinis - Isola di Mal di Ventre
- Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara
- 3 National Parks
- National Park of Isola dell’Asinara
- National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena
- National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu
- 4 Regional Parks
- Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte
- Regional Natural Park of Molentargius
- Regional Natural Park of Gutturu Mannu
- Regional Natural Park of Tepilora
There are also many: natural monuments
about 90 SCIs (Sites of Community Importance)
about 40 SPAs (Special Protection Areas)
many wetlands Ramsar zones (Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention)
The purpose of these institutions is to protect biodiversity and the regional natural heritage.
Opening hours: Marine Protected Areas are generally open all year round, but access times may vary. It is advisable to check the official websites of the individual areas.
Access costs: Access to Marine Protected Areas is free, but some activities such as guided tours or diving may have a variable cost between 10 and 30 euros per person.
Marine Protected Areas are true oases where nature reigns supreme, where it is possible to admire unforgettable landscapes and discover the animals and plants that inhabit them
The AMP Tavolara was established for research purposes, to conserve plant and animal species and to protect the landscape and geomorphological heritage of the area.
The managing authority also promotes environmental education projects aimed at raising awareness and valuing the marine environment.
The area is divided into zones with different levels of protection, and in some of these zones, interesting sustainable tourism activities are allowed, including boat trips to Tavolara, scuba diving, and snorkeling and trekking.
Where is the Marine Protected Area Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo located
The Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo stretches between the municipalities of Olbia, Loiri Porto San Paolo, San Teodoro. The AMP Tavolara is situated in the northeastern area of Sardinia near the famous Costa Smeralda, north of Budoni and La Caletta.
The AMP Tavolara is bounded to the north by the Capo Ceraso promontory – the splendid promontory south of Olbia – and closes to the south with Cala Finocchio. The stretch of sea managed by the authority includes the islands of Tavolara, Molara, and Molarotto.
A series of small coves, beaches, inlets, and promontories, a marine area protected for its incredible natural significance.
What to see in the Marine Protected Area Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo
What activities are allowed in Marine Protected Areas?
In Marine Protected Areas, such as the AMP Tavolara, sustainable tourism activities are allowed, including boat trips, scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking. However, some areas may have specific restrictions to ensure the conservation of the ecosystem.
How to get to Marine Protected Areas?
The AMP Tavolara is easily reachable by car or public transport. From Olbia, you can take the SS125 towards San Teodoro and follow the signs for Porto San Paolo. Additionally, there are ferry services connecting the islands of Tavolara and Molara.
The flora and fauna present in the AMP Tavolara, which covers an area of about 15,000 km², are of enormous value and interest. Among the terrestrial plant species to be counted is the Spiny Bellflower – Centaurea horrida – endemic to northern Sardinia, it is an endangered species that is protected on the island of Tavolara.
Among marine plant species, the presence of meadows of Posidonia oceanica is important, and the Acetabularia acetabulum – sea cap – the unicellular alga visible to the naked eye is quite charming.
Among the animals present are brunettes, tunas, barracudas, amberjacks, and dentex which are of particular interest during scuba diving, along with large schools of common fish such as saddle bream, damselfish, and bream.
Many dive sites have been established by the managing authority, one of the most famous in the area is La Secca del Papa, but in general, it can be confidently said that all dives in this MPA are extraordinary. Frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, fin whales and in spring, numerous reports of magnificent specimens of whale sharks. Funny terns, cormorants, crested grebes, stilts, and peregrine falcons dominate the area from the sky.
Among the ongoing conservation activities is the Life Puffinus project for the protection of the Lesser Shearwater and the Life Delfi project created to reduce dolphin mortality. Other projects of particular interest include the monitoring of sea urchins and the monitoring of meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass of fundamental importance for the protection of ecosystems.
The AMP Capo Testa – Punta Falcone is located in the municipality of Santa Teresa Gallura in the northern part of Sardinia and overlooks the Bocche di Bonifacio, a particularly famous and fascinating stretch of sea that separates Sardinia from Corsica. The area is currently divided into two parts by the entrance of the Santa Teresa Gallura Lungoni port, a magnificent natural fjord:
- west zone: Capo Testa up to the Monte Cintu promontory, the most extensive part;
- east zone: Punta Falcone up to the Scoglio della Colombaia Valle dell’Erica.
The areas of Capo Testa and Punta Falcone are characterized by a rugged and intricate coastal landscape with rocky promontories that define charming bays, islets, and coves. The area features granite rocks of rare beauty, the Lunar Valley of Capo Testa is famously known for its breathtaking viewpoints. According to a study conducted by the University of Cagliari in 2022, the AMP of Capo Testa – Punta Falcone is home to over 200 species of fish and 50 species of corals, significantly contributing to Mediterranean biodiversity.
What to See in the Capo Testa Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area
The terrestrial flora in the area is characterized by fascinating endemics, including the Silene rosulata – Silene rosulata subsp. sanctae-theresiae at Capo Testa, a white flower that forms suggestive carpets. Don't miss the chance to admire it!
The underwater flora is a true spectacle: a great variety of colorful algae and the important plant Posidonia oceanica, which creates unique submerged forests. These ecosystems not only beautify the seabed but also play a crucial role in maintaining the beaches by preventing coastal erosion and providing shelter for numerous small creatures.
The avifauna is equally rich, with species such as the great shearwater, the manx shearwater, the royal gull, the corsican gull, the cormorant, and the peregrine falcon, all observable in this area.
The underwater fauna is impressive: here you can encounter large marine mammals such as fin whales, dolphins, and pilot whales, as well as large cartilaginous fish like the basking shark, the thresher shark, and rays. Don't forget to look for red coral, black coral, false black coral, and gorgonians!
Diving Locations
For diving enthusiasts, the most famous spots include the Secca del Corallo Nero, Portosino, and the Secca del Diavolo, located just 2 miles off the southwest coast of Capo Testa. An experience not to be missed!
3. Marine Protected Area Isola dell'Asinara
Very famous and interesting is the Marine Protected Area Isola dell’Asinara, which, together with the Asinara National Park and the Special Area of Conservation Isola dell’Asinara, constitutes a center of excellence and is a true gem in the sea of northern Sardinia.
The AMP was established in 2002, and the area has particular importance from a historical, landscape, and biological perspective.
The geomorphology is also peculiar, the western part of the Asinara Island presents rocky seabeds with slopes and cliffs that plunge into the sea, while the eastern part predominantly features sandy bottoms that gently slope.
These characteristics allow for the life of a great variety of organisms that can find a niche suited to their needs in this multitude of environments.
Where to Find the Isola dell'Asinara Marine Protected Area
The Isola dell’Asinara Marine Protected Area is entirely located in the territory of the municipality of Porto Torres in the province of Sassari and extends around the Asinara Island up to about 1 or 2 km offshore.
The AMP is easily reachable from both Porto Torres and Stintino, from where daily boat excursions to Asinara, trips, and ferries to Asinara dock at Fornelli and Cala Reale.
What to See in the Isola dell'Asinara Marine Protected Area
The seabeds surrounding Asinara Island teem with various species of significant conservation interest. Among these species are certainly included the Patella, Posidonia oceanica and Pinna nobilis.
Paradise for diving and snorkeling
Asinara is a true paradise for underwater diving enthusiasts, the inhabitants of the submerged world of this enchanted place astound for their size and quantity, making even the schools of common fish particularly striking.
Among the avifauna, you can admire stunning specimens of storm petrel, Mediterranean gull, common tern, great shearwater, and little shearwater. The terrestrial portion of the island is inhabited by small donkeys that you encounter while walking along the island's paths.
A visit to the prisons is a must to see and experience new sensations through the reconstructions and the museum.
A holiday on Asinara is a true journey through nature and history, a complete and interesting dive into an environment where time seems to have stopped.
4. Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
An area that includes the bay of Porto Conte and the stretch from Punta Giglio to Capo Caccia characterized by really precious seabeds and landscapes with caves, cliffs, and rocky shores. The predominantly limestone nature of the area has created incredible caves such as:
- Neptune's Grotto (airborne)
- Nereo's Grotto (underwater)
Where is Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
The AMP Capo Caccia and Isola Piana is located entirely within the territory of Alghero, easily reachable from the city by a boat trip from Alghero heading north.
Beyond the small town of Fertilia, Porto Conte and Capo Caccia are reached.
The Marine Protected Area extends over approximately 15,000 hectares, offering a rich and varied habitat for marine fauna.
FAQ: Is it possible to visit the Capo Caccia Marine Protected Area - Isola Piana?
Yes, the area is open to the public and offers various activities such as boat tours, snorkeling, and diving, making it an ideal destination for nature and sea lovers.
Its initial extent was intended to include only the areas of Capo Caccia and Isola Piana, but thanks to the presence of species of very high conservation interest, the protected area has been extended.
Today, the protected area extends from Punta delle Gessiere to the promontory of Capo Caccia, including Isola Piana and Isola Foradada, the Bay of Porto Conte, and Punta del Giglio down to Capo Galera.
What to See in Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
The area certainly has enormous landscape potential and geomorphological characteristics and presents particular excellences in terms of biodiversity thanks to the extremely high number of habitats it holds within, including over 30 species of fish and 12 species of marine mammals.
Certainly, along the Coral Coast, one of the main attractions is red coral - Corallium rubrum, visible even at shallow depths. The area is also densely populated by dolphins, turtles, skates, groupers, moray eels, barracudas, saddled bichirs, lobsters, gorgonians, and sea daisies. The avifauna boasts the presence of great shearwaters, storm petrels, and peregrine falcons.
Among the most famous dives are Grotto of Ghosts, Grotto of Deer, Nereo, the Portico along with a multitude of dives with incredible natural panoramas and scenes. A place worth visiting both below and above the water, with dives that can reach depths of up to 40 meters.
5. Sinis Peninsula Marine Protected Area - Mal di Ventre Island
A place unique in its kind with imposing cliffs and enchanted beaches with multicolored pebbles. The Sinis peninsula and Cabras represent a true peculiarity of the western part of Sardinia. The AMP extends south of Capo Mannu and of Putzu Idu in the coastal stretch that reaches Cabras. The protected area includes Mal di Ventre Island and the famous Scoglio del Catalano, true oases for the reproduction of marine birds.
Where is the Sinis Peninsula Marine Protected Area - Mal di Ventre Island
The AMP Sinis Peninsula and Mal di Ventre Island is located in the territory of the municipality of Cabras – Oristano – in the western part of Sardinia. The AMP includes a stretch of sea that reaches the island of Mal di Ventre and the Scoglio del Catalano. The coastal stretch begins in the north with the cliffs of Su Tingiosu, goes past Capo San Marco to reach the Marina di Torregrande.
The AMP is easily reachable from Oristano by following the directions to Torregrande near the Cabras lagoon, towards San Giovanni di Sinis
and the Archaeological Area of Tharros, near San Salvatore Sinis location of various western films shot in Sardinia.
What to See in Sinis Peninsula Marine Protected Area - Mal di Ventre Island
The seabeds of the AMP Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island are particularly populated and lush, the ideal place for an unforgettable vacation in nature. Well-known in the area are the naturalistic, landscape, and archaeological itineraries also due to the presence of many coastal towers and the incredible archaeological site of Tharros that develops partly on land and partly in the sea.
This area is famous for diving as the seabeds feature various substrates that range from Posidonia oceanica forests to spectacular coralline summits. This variety of habitats allows for sightings of a huge range of both resident and migratory species, including the sunfish (Mola mola) and the seagull (Larus michahellis).
The islet of Mal di Ventre and the small and barren Scoglio del Catalano are a true sanctuary for marine birds that reproduce and live undisturbed. The AMP also manages a recovery center for turtles and marine mammals, with a 75% recovery rate for injured turtles.
6. Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area
Spikes, reefs, and caves, the lighthouse and the imposing granite rocks. The enveloping and intoxicating scent characteristic of the Mediterranean scrub and the typical plants of Sardinia. The AMP Capo Carbonara is an enchanted place just a few kilometers from Cagliari
in the southeast of Sardinia. An untouched marine natural area that stretches from Capo Boi to the area in front of the island of Serpentara.
Where is the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area located?
The AMP Capo Carbonara is located in the territory of Villasimius east of Cagliari in southern Sardinia and is easily accessible by following the signs to Villasimius.
The Capo Carbonara AMP includes the homonymous promontory, the island of Cavoli, the Santa Caterina reef located to the west of the cove of the same name, and the Pescatelli reef, in the sea area in front of Porto Saruxi.
Also included within the protected area are the zones of the Berni reef located in front of Villasimius between the island of Cavoli and the island of Serpentara and the reefs of Mezzo and Libeccio to the south of the Island of Cavoli.
What to See in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area
The Marine Protected Area is home to all the main species that populate the Mediterranean, including some alien species.
Sea rich in fish
In particular, in the sea of Villasimius, it is possible to admire splendid specimens of brown grouper, snapper, amberjack, barracuda, bream, gilt-head bream, moray eel, sea bream, and croaker, in great numbers and remarkable sizes. There are also many octopuses, colorful sponges and small beds of Pinna nobilis, the largest bivalve mollusk of the Mediterranean, which can reach sizes up to 1 meter and weigh over 10 kg.
Dolphins are often sighted, and a bit more rarely large marine mammals such as the sperm whale and the common whale.
Scuba diving is a lot of fun because it offers varied scenery with boulders covered in sponges, sea daisies, and gorgonians, all animated by passing fish, even of considerable size.
There are also many excursions and boat trips from Villasimius that can be taken to admire the lighthouse of Capo Carbonara and also for bird watching.
In the area, the avifauna is incredibly rich, in addition to numerous seagulls, it is possible to spot the peregrine falcon, cormorant, crested grebe, tern, and pink flamingo, especially during the spring and autumn migrations.
Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia: frequently asked questions
What are Marine Protected Areas for?
A marine protected area is a designated sea area established to protect the flora and fauna that inhabit it. In Marine Protected Areas, habitats and ecosystems are preserved, protected, and studied. Sustainable activities and responsible tourism are promoted, thus contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
Do marine protected areas help reduce pollution?
Certainly, MPAs contribute to reducing pollution and safeguarding the environment. The ecosystems within them are extremely productive, and limiting human activities in favor of sustainable practices provides a fundamental contribution to pollution reduction. Additionally, recent studies have shown that MPAs can increase biodiversity by 30% compared to non-protected areas.
What are the SIC and ZPS?
SIC = Site of Community Interest, ZPS = Special Protection Area. These are areas where conservation measures are applied for the restoration and maintenance of habitats and populations - flora and fauna - that inhabit them. The Natura 2000 network established by the Community Habitat Directive constitutes an important junction for the establishment of these areas of high environmental value.
What are Ramsar areas?
These are Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention - signed in Iran. The Ramsar Convention on wetlands protects the habitats of aquatic and migratory birds because wetlands have great ecological, scientific, cultural, and economic value.
How many National Parks are there in Sardinia?
There are 3 National Parks in Sardinia:
- Asinara Island National Park
- La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
- Orosei Gulf and Gennargentu National Park
How many Marine Protected Areas are there in Sardinia?
There are 6 Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia, all active and well-functioning:
- Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area
- Capo Testa – Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area
- Asinara Island Marine Protected Area
- Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
- Sinis Peninsula – Mal di Ventre Island Marine Protected Area
- Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.
There are also other Marine Protected Areas that are being established and initiated. Furthermore, these areas cover a total surface area of about 1,000 km², significantly contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity in Sardinia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia?
- There are six Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia: Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo, Capo Testa - Punta Falcone, Asinara Island, Capo Caccia - Isola Piana, Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island, and Capo Carbonara. These areas are crucial for the conservation of marine biodiversity.
- How can I access the Marine Protected Areas?
- Access to the Marine Protected Areas is generally free, but activities such as excursions or diving may have a cost of 10-30 euros per person. It is important to check the opening hours and specific information on official sites.
- What can I do in the Marine Protected Areas?
- In the Marine Protected Areas, you can go snorkeling, diving, take boat trips, and hiking. Each area offers different activities depending on its specific management and zones of varying degrees of protection.
- What is the importance of Marine Protected Areas?
- Marine Protected Areas are essential for the protection of marine ecosystems and for the conservation of vulnerable species. They also promote environmental education and raise public awareness about environmental protection.
- When is the best time to visit the Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia?
- The Marine Protected Areas are open year-round, but the summer season is particularly appreciated for water activities. It is advisable to visit between May and September to enjoy the best climatic conditions.
- How can I help protect the Marine Protected Areas?
- You can help by respecting the rules of the marine areas, avoiding harmful behaviors such as littering, and participating in conservation volunteer activities. Choosing tours and activities managed sustainably is another way to support the protection of these environments.