There are many ways to experience and have a sustainable holiday. Visiting Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia is not the only way but shows sensitivity towards the environment and can make a vacation unforgettable.
Marine Protected Areas in Sardinia
What are the Marine Protected Areas
The Marine Protected Areas are marine zones – which sometimes include land portions – that have areas of particular importance 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 the safeguarding of natural environments.
The creation of marine protected areas and parks allows for the protection, management, and preservation of the heritage within them.
MPAs are therefore established to protect animal and plant species and ecosystems of particular importance or vulnerability. In these areas, biodiversity is preserved, and efforts are made to restore its 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 SCI (Sites of Community Importance)
about 40 SPA (Special Protection Areas)
many wetland Ramsar areas (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 hours may vary. It is advisable to check the official sites of the individual areas.
Access costs: Access to Marine Protected Areas is free, but some activities like guided tours or diving may have a cost ranging from 10 to 30 euros per person.
The Marine Protected Areas are true oases where nature reigns supreme, where you can admire unforgettable landscapes and discover the animals and plants that inhabit them.
The MPA Tavolara was established for research purposes, for the conservation of 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 enhancing the marine environment.
The area is divided into zones with different levels of protection, in some of these areas interesting sustainable tourism activities are allowed, 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 extends between the municipalities of Olbia, Loiri Porto San Paolo, San Teodoro. The MPA Tavolara is located in the northeast of Sardinia near the famous Costa Smeralda, north of Budoni and La Caletta.
The MPA Tavolara is bounded to the north by the promontory of Capo Ceraso – the splendid promontory south of Olbia – and is bordered to the south by Cala Finocchio. The stretch of sea managed by the managing authority includes the islands of Tavolara, Molara and Molarotto.
A succession of small coves, beaches, inlets and promontories, a marine area protected by incredible natural value.
What to see in the Marine Protected Area Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo
What activities are allowed in the Marine Protected Areas?
In the Marine Protected Areas, such as the MPA 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 reach the Marine Protected Areas?
The MPA Tavolara is easily accessible 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 MPA Tavolara, which extends over an area of about 15,000 km², are of enormous value and interest. Among the terrestrial plant species, certainly, there is the spiny cornflower – Centaurea horrida – endemic to the north of Sardinia and a species at risk that is protected on the island of Tavolara.
Among the important marine plant species is the presence of meadows of Posidonia oceanica and very charming is Acetabularia acetabulum – sea umbrella – the unicellular alga visible to the naked eye.
Among the animals present are brown groupers, tunas, barracudas, amberjacks, and dentexes that draw particular interest during scuba diving, along with dense schools of common fish of considerable size such as gilt-head bream, damselfish, and saddled bichir.
Many diving 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 said with certainty that all dives in this MPA are extraordinary. Frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, fin whales and in spring there are many reports of magnificent specimens of whale shark. Gulls, cormorants, crested grebes, stilts, and peregrine falcons dominate the area from the sky.
Among the ongoing conservation activities are the Life Puffinus project for the protection of the Lesser Cormorant and the Life Delfi project aimed at reducing 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, overlooking the Bocche di Bonifacio, a particularly famous and enchanting 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 harbor, a magnificent natural fjord:
- west area: Capo Testa up to the promontory of Monte Cintu, the largest part;
- east area: Punta Falcone up to the Scoglio della Colombaia Valle dell’Erica.
The portions of land of Capo Testa and Punta Falcone are characterized by a jagged and articulated coastal landscape with rocky promontories that define charming bays, small rocks, islands, and inlets. The area features granite rocks of rare beauty, famously the Valle della Luna di Capo Testa that offers 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, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of the Mediterranean.
What to See in the Marine Protected Area Capo Testa Punta Falcone
The terrestrial flora in the area is characterized by fascinating endemics, including 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 wide 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 beaches by preventing coastal erosion and providing shelter for numerous small creatures.
The birdlife is equally rich, with species such as the great shearwater, the lesser 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 baleen whales, dolphins, and pilot whales, as well as large cartilaginous fish like the basking shark, the porbeagle 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 southwestern coast of Capo Testa. An unmissable experience!
3. Marine Protected Area Island of Asinara
Very famous and interesting is the Marine Protected Area Island of Asinara, which, together with the Asinara National Park and the Special Conservation Area Island of Asinara, constitutes an excellence and is a true gem in the sea of northern Sardinia.
The AMP was established in 2002; the area has particular importance from a historical, landscape, and biological perspective.
The geomorphology is also peculiar; the western part of the Island Asinara presents rocky bottoms with slopes and cliffs plunging into the sea, while the eastern part mainly features sandy bottoms that gently slope.
These characteristics allow for the life of a great variety of organisms that in this multitude of environments have been able to find a suitable niche to their needs.
Where is the Marine Protected Area Island of Asinara Located
The Marine Protected Area Island of Asinara is entirely located within the territory of the municipality of Porto Torres in the province of Sassari and extends throughout the Island Asinara up to about 1 to 2 km offshore.
The AMP is easily reachable from both Porto Torres and Stintino, from where boat excursions to Asinara depart daily, alongside trips and ferries to Asinara that dock at Fornelli and Cala Reale.
What to See in the Marine Protected Area Island of Asinara
The seabeds surrounding Asinara Island teem with various species of high conservation interest. Among these, certainly noteworthy are the Patella, Posidonia oceanica, and Pinna nobilis.
A paradise for diving and snorkeling
Asinara is truly a paradise for underwater diving enthusiasts; all the inhabitants of this enchanted underwater world amaze with their size and quantity, making even the schools of common fish particularly evocative.
Among the avifauna, one can admire beautiful examples of storm petrel, Mediterranean gull, common tern, great sheerwater, and little sheerwater. The terrestrial part of the island is inhabited by small donkeys that can be encountered 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 vacation in Asinara is a true journey into nature and history, a complete and interesting dive into an environment where time seems to have stood still.
4. Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
An area that includes the bay of Porto Conte and the stretch from Punta Giglio to the Capo Caccia promontory, characterized by seabeds and truly valuable views with caves, cliffs, and steep rocks. The predominantly limestone nature of the area has given rise to incredible caves such as:
- Neptune's Grotto (above water)
- Nereus Grotto (underwater)
Where is the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area located?
The AMP Capo Caccia and Isola Piana is entirely located within the territory of Alghero, easily reachable from the city by a boat trip departing from Alghero heading north.
Passing through the small town of Fertilia one reaches Porto Conte and Capo Caccia.
The Marine Protected Area extends for about 15,000 hectares, providing a rich and varied habitat for marine wildlife.
FAQ: Is it possible to visit the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area?
Yes, the area is open to the public and offers several activities such as boat excursions, snorkeling, and scuba diving, making it an ideal destination for nature and sea lovers.
Initially, its extent intended to include only the areas of Capo Caccia and Isola Piana, but thanks to the presence of species of extremely high conservation interest, the protected area has been expanded.
Today the protected territory extends from Punta delle Gessiere to the Capo Caccia promontory, encompassing Isola Piana and Isola Foradada, the Bay of Porto Conte and Punta del Giglio up to Capo Galera.
What to See in the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
The area certainly has enormous scenic potential and geomorphological peculiarities and presents particular excellences in terms of biodiversity due to the extremely high number of habitats it harbors, including over 30 species of fish and 12 species of marine mammals.
Certainly in the Coral Riviera, one of the main attractions is the red coral – Corallium rubrum, visible even at shallow depths. The area is also densely populated by dolphins, turtles, rays, groupers, morays, barracudas, dentex, amberjacks, lobsters, gorgonians, and sea daisies. The avifauna boasts the presence of the great shearwater, the storm petrel, and the peregrine falcon.
Among the most famous dives are the Cave of Ghosts, the Cave of the Deer, the Nereus, the Portico, along with a multitude of dives featuring landscapes and natural sceneries that are incredible. A place worth visiting both below and above the water, with dives that can reach depths of up to 40 meters.
5. Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island Marine Protected Area
A unique place with imposing cliffs and enchanting 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 Putzu Idu along the stretch of coast that reaches up to Cabras. In the protected area are included Mal di Ventre Island and the famous Catalano Rock, true breeding oases for marine birds.
Where is the Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island Marine Protected Area located?
The AMP Sinis Peninsula and Mal di Ventre Island is located within the territory of the municipality of Cabras – Oristano – in the western part of Sardinia. The AMP encompasses a stretch of sea reaching up to Mal di Ventre Island and Catalano Rock. The coastal stretch begins in the north with the cliffs of Su Tingiosu, passes through Capo San Marco, and arrives at Torregrande Marina.
The AMP is easily accessible from Oristano by following the directions to Torregrande near the Cabras lagoon, to San Giovanni di Sinis and the Archaeological Area of Tharros, near San Salvatore Sinis location of several western films shot in Sardinia.
What to See in the Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island Marine Protected Area
The seabeds of the AMP Sinis Peninsula – Mal di Ventre Island are particularly populated and lush, the ideal place for an unforgettable nature vacation. Famous in the area are the itineraries of naturalistic, scenic, and archaeological character 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.
The area is famous for scuba diving as the seabeds feature various substrates ranging from Posidonia oceanica woods to spectacular coralligenous cliffs. This variety of habitats allows for the sighting of a huge range of resident and migratory species, including the moonfish (Mola mola) and the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis).
The islet of Mal di Ventre and the small, barren Catalano rock are a true sanctuary for marine birds that breed and live undisturbed. The AMP is also responsible for managing a rehabilitation center for turtles and marine mammals, with a recovery rate of 75% for injured turtles.
6. Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area
Pinnacles, reefs, and caves, the lighthouse, and the imposing granite rocks. The enveloping and intoxicating scent characteristic of the Mediterranean scrub and typical plants of Sardinia. The AMP Capo Carbonara is a magical place just a few kilometers from Cagliari
in the southeast area of Sardinia. An unspoiled marine natural area that stretches from Capo Boi to the area opposite 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 directions to Villasimius.
The AMP Capo Carbonara includes the homonymous promontory, the island of Cavoli, the Santa Caterina reef located west of the bay of the same name, and the Pescatelli reef, in the area of sea in front of Port Saruxi.
The territory under protection also includes the areas 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 south of the Island of Cavoli.
What to See in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area
In the Marine Protected Area, all the main species that inhabit the Mediterranean are present, including some non-native species.
Rich sea full of fish
In particular, in the sea of Villasimius, you can admire splendid specimens of dusky grouper, dentex, amberjack, barracuda, sarago, castagnola, očiata, moray eel, gilthead, and black mullet, in large quantities and of considerable size. There are also many octopuses, brightly colored sponges, and small beds of Pinna nobilis, the largest bivalve mollusk in the Mediterranean, which can reach sizes of up to 1 meter and weigh over 10 kg.
Dolphins are often spotted, and a bit more rarely, large marine mammals like the sperm whale and the common whale.
Scuba diving is very entertaining because it offers varied scenarios with rocks covered in sponges, sea daisies, and gorgonians, all animated by large passing fish.
There are also many excursions and boat trips from Villasimius that can be done to admire the Capo Carbonara lighthouse and also for bird watching.
In the area, the avifauna is likewise incredibly lush; in addition to numerous seagulls, you can admire the peregrine falcon, the cormorant, the crested grebe, the tern, and the pink flamingo, the latter of which can be seen especially during 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 area of sea 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, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
Do the marine protected areas help reduce pollution?
Certainly, the MPAs contribute to reducing pollution and safeguarding the environment. The ecosystems within them are extremely productive, and the limitation of human activities in favor of sustainable activities helps to make a fundamental contribution to pollution reduction. Moreover, recent studies have shown that MPAs can increase biodiversity by 30% compared to non-protected areas.
What are 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 the habitats and populations – flora and fauna – that inhabit them. The Natura 2000 network established with the Community habitat directive constitutes an important hub for the establishment of these areas of high environmental value.
What are Ramsar areas?
They 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 immense 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
- 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 started and functioning well:
- Tavolara Marine Protected Area – Punta Coda Cavallo
- 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 in the process of being established and initiated. Additionally, these areas cover a total area of about 1,000 km², significantly contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity in Sardinia.