It's the most important food and wine event held in Carloforte, a unique celebration of international fame. The main protagonist is the bluefin tuna caught locally with the traditional technique of the "Mattanza" (an ancient method of capturing shoals of tuna in large nets) and presented to the public through a tasting itinerary prepared by both local and international chefs from around the world.
The Girotonno takes place every year in June. It is an unmissable appointme Continua...
Posidonia (seagrass) beds, reefs, gorges, caves and sandy bottoms, the island of San Pietro, offers an extraordinary variety for those who love diving, snorkeling and underwater photography. But the most exhilarating period in which to have these diving experiences is from spring to autumn, when the tuna come to reproduce in the clear, warm waters around the island. They come here following invisible paths in the sea, driven by the currents. From mid-May to mid-June, the period of the tu Continua...
Inside the Lipu oasis area of Carloforte, this trail reaches the small fiord of Cala Vinagra on the northern coast. The first part of the long descent to the sea is fairly easy, but then the slope slowly increases and the trail becomes rougher. In the final part of the path, near a rocky cliff, you can admire a wonderful landscape, with the fjord and the small white island that is home to the nest of a pair of rare Queen's hawks.
– 14-15-16 Agosto: scalo a Ragusa magnifica ci Continua...
Now in its 25th edition, the Route du Jasmin is a fascinating sailing grand tour in the Mediterranean, each year bringing together more than 80 vessels. For this 2016 edition the sailing crews will compete in the 5 sections route designed by the organization:. Toulon - Asinara, Asinara - Carloforte, Carloforte - Malfatano, Malfatano - Pantelleria, Pantelleria - Ragusa.
The Route du Jasmin Program for 2016 is:
- 31 July. Meeting of all the boats in Toulon and welcome dinner
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A boat trip around the island of San Pietro is one of a kind experience. It is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, and offers a sea with a myriad of colors, from light blue to turquoise to the deepest blue.
With a boat, you can circumnavigate and explore the island coast. Its morphology will show visitors beautiful rocky caves, coves and cliffs. You can admire Punta delle Oche, Mezzaluna, Le Colonne, Capo Sandalo, Calalunga and Cala Vinagra.
&nbs Continua...
Stand Up Paddle or SUP, a sport with Polynesian origins that arrived on the coasts of the island of San Pietro directly from Hawaii. It is practiced standing, with a surfboard and oars. Also called the sport of kings because it is good for the body but especially the mind, because of its relaxing and entertaining skills.
In the early sixties, the beach boys of Waikiki surfed tying a photo camera to an oar. Thanks to this particular sport you can admire the sea floor Continua...
For over 15 years, Carloforte provides the setting for this delicious event dedicated the valorization of the most important main dish of its culinary tradition: the cascà.
The cascà or cashcà is a derivation of the Tunisian couscous, and it has become associated with population of Carloforte. In Carloforte it is called cashcà, also pronounced (italianized) "cascà", as in the correct pronunciation, in the dialect of Carloforte the "h" in Continua...
Carloforte Isola del Gusto is an event born from the history of cultural and archaeological testimonies. These cultural influences have characterized the island of San Pietro for centuries and still manifest themselves in the traditional dishes. Hence the idea to promote and enhance both the archaeological and cultural contributions to the “archeocuisine”, the food culture that represents over a thousand years of history that have been conserved in recipes still in use on the Continua...
Journey and discover the history of Carloforte, its language, its traditions, and people. The first part, lasting an hour, is an urban trekking route. Equipped with maps, the participating families are split into two teams of explorers and assigned the roles of captain, boatswain, scribe and sailor. The teams set off to discover the town and the personages who have characterized the history and the ancient professions of Carloforte. The second part, lasting thirty to forty minutes, takes Continua...
Discover with Natalia, a Carlofortinian tourist guide, the most picturesque corners of the old town of Carloforte, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. As you walk among carruggi (alleys), stairways and the characteristicly colored street plates, you will discover the history and the traditions of the town. One stage of the tour will take you to the church of the Madonna dello Schiavo and San Carlo Borromeo, to the "U caruggiudumungiardìn", the remains of the first Continua...
The route, inside the Lipu oasis, leads to the beautiful bay of Cala Fico, on the northwest coast of the island and descends to the sea between the old mining facilities and rare geological formations. The trail climbs the Cala Fico passing through marvelous rocks called ciazzette, shaped by the wind and rain, that change their appearance from time to time offering breathtaking panoramas. The cliffs, overlooking the sea, are dotted with rare and highly scented vegetation and a peculiar r Continua...
The island of San Pietro, with its 18 miles of shoreline, a little more than 33 kilometers, it is an alternation of exciting and diverse landscapes.
Along the eastern coast visitors can admire the typical beaches of S. Pietro - located like gemstones in secluded coves, the beaches of Giunco , Girin, Punta Nera, Guidi, and Bobba will make you fall in love with this island.
After the beach, the cliffs of Lucaise change scenery showing the wild side of the island. Continuing on, you Continua...
Ever since 1738, when the Tabarchini arrived on the island of San Pietro and founded Carloforte, they were the only ones fishing the bluefin tuna.
Tuna fishing is an ancient practice. The first tuna fishing techniques were created by the Phoenicians, first along the Spanish coast and then in Sardinia, along the route that the tuna usually follow in the spring season, when moving from the Atlantic Ocean in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea to reproduce.
In this section betwe Continua...
Every year for centuries, on June 29th, the people of Carloforte celebrate their patron saint San Pietro. This is a very picturesque religious holiday with historical roots in ancient times when, according to legend, San Pietro escaped from a violent storm at sea and landed on this island which was then given his name.
Among the particularly evocative events related to this three day celebration, is a procession through the streets of the old town: this procession makes its way thro Continua...
"Love is ... to get married on the island of San Pietro".
Over the past decade, many couples have chosen to celebrate their wedding on the island of San Pietro, in one of the picturesque streets of the old town or on one of the many beautiful beaches in Carloforte. They came from many parts of Italy: Milan, Palermo, Turin, Naples, Trieste and Venice, and also from abroad: England, Ireland, France, Hungary and even Australia.
Among those who have chosen this location for thei Continua...
The Oasis IN LIPU of Carloforte covers an area of 236 hectares in the western part of the island and about 7 km of coastline.
The cliffs overlooking the sea in this area are very high, forming a plateau 130 meters high with deep coves like Cala Vinagra and Cala Fico. This unique and fascinating wild environment is the breeding ground of a very rare species: the Falco della Regina (Queen's Hawk), an extraordinary bird of prey that only reproduces on the sheer cliffs of Mediterr Continua...Carloforte is located on the island of San Pietro, in the southwest part of Sardinia in the former province of Sulcis. The island is about six miles from the Sardinian coast and, together with the neighboring island of Sant'Antioco, forms the archipelago of Sulcis.
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The new Multimedia Museum is a cultural center dedicated to study of the history of the Island of San Pietro.
Created with the collaboration of the Galata "Mu.Ma", Museo del Mare e delle Migrazioni of Genoa (Galata Maritime Museum), it is a high-tech museum that uses touch screens and 3D simulations to offer the public an overview of the history of the island of San Pietro, from its geological birth to the founding of the first settlements in 1738.
Developed on three floors of th Continua...
Dark cliffs overlooking the sea, surrounded by water in infinite gradations of blue. Punta delle Colonne is a popular scenic spot to visit, where the dramatic stone columns face off against the sea, the two stacks of trachytic rock standing tall in front of the coastline, like two old soldiers guarding the entrance to the San Pietro canal.
Recently the pillar closest to land was injured by rough sea conditions, suffering some structural damage.
Le Colonne became a Natural M Continua...
Tabarkinois spoken by more than 85% of the inhabitants of Carloforte, but it is not recognized as a "language" by the Italian law that protects minority languages. Luckily, Tabarkino does not need protection. Ancient and unusual, impossible to hear spoken anywhere else in the world apart from the neighboring town of Calasetta, Tabarkino is a language similar to that in use among the Pegliesi settlers of the sixteenth century, ancestors of people from Carloforte, with some Arabi Continua...
The tabarchina cuisine is definitely a tasty one, but also interesting for the originality of its dishes, cooked in time-honored ways. Tuna has always been both the pride and livelihood of the Tabarchina culture, and the famous cuisine of Carloforte reflects the islanders’ origins and the social and economic development that has occurred over time.
On Carloforte, food is good. More than an assertion, it is almost an axiom. Visitors who have tasted it know, an Continua...
The Eleonora’s Falcon is one of the rarest European birds of prey, and was included in the "Red List" of animals in danger of extinction (in the world there are only about 7500 couples). More than any other species, it is perhaps the one that stands out the most in the birdlife of the Sardinian island. The Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco Eleonorae) takes its scientific and Italian name from the Giudicessa Eleonora d'Arborea (Queen Eleonor of Arborea) who, with the enac Continua...
The Astragalus maritimus Moris is a tall herbaceous plant belonging to the Leguminosae family. It lives exclusively on the island of San Pietro which is why we have chosen it as the symbol for our logo. The plant was discovered for the first time on the island by the scholar Giuseppe Giacinto Moris in 1827. This rare and unique endemic species was originally described incorrectly by Moris because the sample plants were collected in January when they were not flowering. Only i Continua...
The island of San Pietro is the only place in the world where this small and rare beetle can be found. Unlike other cicindele, the Cicindela campestris saphyrina has a bright livery of a distinctive electric blue color, tending toward violet, and speckled with just a few yellowish white dots. This Cicindela is considered by all entomologists and enthusiasts to be the most beautiful of the 17 species of Cicindela in Italy. Like all cicindele, the saphyrina has a large head with big, bulging eye Continua...
Inside the sheltered bay of Cala Spalmatore, with its reddish rocks and striking green vegetation, is one of the largest and most spectacularly beautiful beaches on the island of San Pietro: La Caletta (The Cove).
Characterized by fine white sand and sheltered by a low cliff, with attractive boulders and reefs that go right into the water from the beach.
The crystal clear water is shallow and of an extraordinary light green and blue color, and the beach floor is sandy, making it particula Continua...
There is an arch in the middle of Solferino Street facing Piazza Repubblica, known to all the islanders as the “archióttu”.
When and why this name was given, no one knows for sure. But many people say that this arch was constructed sometime near the end of the eighteenth century and that it was the door to the garden of the Rapallo family, at that time one of the wealthiest families of Carloforte.
This place is perhaps one of the most photographed corners of Carloforte. Continua...
The largest number of tuna fished in a single fishing session (the traditional name is “mattanza”) was 2047. It took place in May 31, 1909, and is still referred to as "du Lallan", the nickname of Angelo Pomata who was the Rais of Isola Piana, who commanded and directed the record breaking Mattanza.
Although it may seem incredible, due to the potential danger, major accidents have never occurred during the numerous mattanze, mainly due to dexterity of Continua...
There is something different about Carloforte, something that even first-time visitors feel when they embark on the ferry that will carry them to the island, that tells them they are entering a very special “world”. Those who already know something about the history and anthropological facts that characterize the town and the community will also feel this sense of anticipation, that they are going somewhere very special.
The first thing that immediately catches the attention Continua...
Driving around the island visitors can see the different aspects of the rocks that arise from a number of various geological events that, during the millenniums, have defined the original profiles of the coast. Therefore, fans of geology will appreciate the features of the rocks and the history of the origin of the island of through this detailed technical report.
The island of San Pietro was formed between 18 and 13 million years ago by intense volcanic activity, both effusive and explosi Continua...
A very simple delicious dish, this traditional Carloforte recipe is based on onions.
The preparation is very simple. Prepare white onions for cooking by removing the papery outer layer and washing them. Cut them in half vertically, but leave the root portion intact. Boil them gently in water for about five minutes. Drain and carefully separate the outer layers from the center, reserving the outer layers for stuffing later.
Boil unpeeled potatoes until tender and dra Continua...
This is a traditional dish that uses the belu, or tuna stomach, which is one of the most delicious and refined parts of the fish.
You can purchase it fresh or dried. If using the dried version, it must be soaked in water the night before, then rinsed and boiled for about an hour, and drained.
Once cooked, it is cut into strips and browned in a large skillet with coarsely chopped onions, tomato slices and a splash of dry white wine. Add cubes of potato and cook on low heat for an Continua...
The Cascà is another traditional dish of Carloforte which has its origins in the Tabarka cuisine. It is a variant of the famous couscous, a traditional North African dish.
The dish is based on a semolina grain preparation, steamed and seasoned with vegetables and chickpeas. Its preparation is simple if you use ready-to-cook semolina and a couscous steamer. While the semolina is being prepared, saute’ a variety of vegetables cut into small pieces: cauliflower, onions, carrots, eg Continua...
A beautiful soft white sand beach, located on the south western coast, near the area of Le Colonne and a few minutes from Carloforte.
La Bobba is sheltered from the northern winds, and it's the ideal beach in case of mistral wind. Framed by dark cliffs and Mediterranean scrub it has turquoise waters and shallow water, suitable for children.
It can be reached by following the coast road to the Caletta, taking a dirt road to the parking area.
The beach is equipped with secure parking, Continua...
Cantagalline is a tiny beach, discreet, hidden by trees at the foot of a hill, and unknown to most people. In fact, it is usually frequented by people from Carloforte and those who live nearby.
Is located north of the village, about 5 km from the center, taking the SP to La Punta, turning towards Taccarossa.
You can park close to the nearby Museo del Mare, a few steps from the beach .
There are no facilities, no lifeguard rescue, and no dining options.
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Punta Nera is just past the curve leading to Girin beach. It’s an ideal beach for families with children, because it can be reached by car, although one must then park on a dirt road at the entrance of the road.
The beach is a wide strip of fine and warm sand. It’s very large and divided into two parts by an artificial stone dam that protects the beach from the mistral winds and waves. Sheltered from the wind, surrounded by private houses gardens and local vegetation, Continua...
The Giunco as the locals call it, is the longest beach on the island. It is located less than 2 km from the town, just past Corso Battellieri.
It owes its name from the large amount of rattan plants that border the beach which has the benefit of having very shallow waters that continues for a long distance from the beach. With warm waters and a sheltered position, this is a great area for children to play peacefully.
It is the only beach on the island that has an area reserved Continua...
The Girin beach recalls the white sandy beaches and the finest tropical atolls of the Pacific. Sheltered from the strong mistral wind, it features crystal clear waters of an intense turquoise color and a shallow sandy bottom. Thick Mediterranean scrub and pine trees surround the beach and perfume the air. It’s frequented mostly by families with children, who enjoy spending the day in this incredible piece of heaven.
It is located along the east coast, nearly 3 km from Continua...
A charming location, consisting of towering cliffs overlooking deep sea, composed of thousands of shades of green and blue, the Gulf of Mezzaluna offers a unique pebble beach, accessible only by sea.
On the eastern side, the Bue Marino cliff presents itself with numerous underwater caves, all at sea level including a large open cave with an arch shape.
The reef is reachable starting from the port of Carloforte, following the Provincial Road 103 heading south following the signs for the Gol Continua...
Cala Vinagra is a fjord-like creek, offering a small beach sheltered by the cliff, composed of a gravel seabed, pebbles, rocks and coarse sand.
The waters are of an iridescent green color, which in some sections becomes turquoise.
This creek is full of charm, enhanced by the beautiful island of Cala Vinagra near the beach.
It can be reached starting from Carloforte taking the Provincial Road 104 to the junction for Cala Vinagra then proceeding on the dirt road.
There aren't beach s Continua...
Also called spiaggia di Lucaise (Lucaise beach), its located between the beaches of Bobba and Geniò. Characterized by rocks and gravel, it has transparent and shimmering waters of a turquoise color that will stand out in front of the small island of the Geniò and in front of le Colonne.
Uncrowded even in high season it's the ideal beach for those seeking privacy and relaxation.
It can be reached by taking the Provincial Road 103, starting from the center of Carloforte fol Continua...
Situated between La Punta and Tacche Bianche, immersed in tuff rocks, Cala Lunga beach looks like a cliff that descends in the sea.
From May to early July, it's possible to observe the nets offshore being used to catch the tuna.
Its deep waters are particularly suitable for diving enthusiasts.
It lies along the coastal road 101 which leads from the harbor of Carloforte to the northern end of the island. The entrance of a dirt road will signal the entrance to the beach.
Unsuitable f Continua...
Located north of the island of San Pietro, Punta delle Oche is a beautiful cliff, which descends to the sea with impressive gorges and caves.
The cave is accessible only by sea and only with small boats. It offers visitors a fascinating display of colors, with light on a clear and transparent sea.
A spectacular destination for those who love scuba diving and snorkeling, it offers a varied and colorful seascape.
The cliffs of Punta delle Oche is accessible by land, leaving Carloforte towa Continua...
The Conca is located in the Gulf of Mezzaluna. It shows a background of rocks and cliffs overlooking the sea and crystal clear waters.
An ideal destination for diving enthusiasts, thanks to the rocks overlooking the sea bordering a deep water natural pool.
Here there are numerous grottoes on the water, suitable for caving enthusiasts.
It can be reached from the harbor of Carloforte, along the provincial road 102, following the signs.
The parking area is an unguarded dirt road. Th Continua...
Geniò is a small cove characterized by rocks and coarse sand, in which stands the homonymous rock, near Le Colonne.
It is a beach suitable for children with shallow and safe waters. A bit beyond the shore the depths are stunning, suitable for underwater fishing and diving.
It can be reached from the port of Carloforte taking the SP 103 out of the harbor. The directions to reach it are visible along the roadway.
The beach doesn't have a controlled parking and there are no dinin Continua...
Guidi is a white sandy beach, with clear, turquoise waters, divided in half by tuff rocks. The seabed goes slowly increasing and, after a sandy area, it alternating with patches of posidonia (Neptune grass).
Situated a few kilometers from the center of Carloforte, it's reachable on the SP 7bis, proceeding for about 5 km.
You must park in the parking lot of the restaurant in front of the street accessing the beach, then walk down the trail.
On the beach there is a kiosk bar, open Continua...
The Saline of Carloforte is a Site of Community Importance (SCI). Here you will find some of the most significant rare waterfowl of Sardinia such as the pink flamingo, the Audouin's gull, the Italian Black-winged stilt, the little egret, the peregrine falcon, the Pied avocet, and the little tern.
Located not far from the center of Carloforte, it had been used for salt production probably since the Punic Ages, but only in 1770 was it turned into an artificial saline by decision of the Sav Continua...
Capo Sandalo, situated on the western tip of the island of San Pietro, is an extraordinary cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Here stands the lighthouse of the same name, built in 1864 with blocks of stone carved with a chisel and constructed in a cylindrical tower that supports an optical rotating lens with a focal length of 700 mm.
The lighthouse emits a group of four white flashes every 20 seconds; it has a light range of 34 miles and a geographical range of 24 miles.
Visible fr Continua...
