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A wild island in north-western Sardinia
A wild island, closed to the public for over a century, where nature has reclaimed its place.
Asinara is now one of Sardinia’s most fascinating places: a land suspended between memory and landscape, where the silence tells tales of isolation, transformation and rebirth.
Just a few kilometres from Stintino, in the north-west of the island, this strip of land stretches between rugged coastlines, hidden coves and views that change with every step. Here, tourism is regulated and mindful, and for this very reason the experience is more authentic, far from the more crowded routes.
Visiting Asinara isn’t just about going to the beach; it’s about stepping into a unique place where nature reigns supreme and the past is still visible in the abandoned buildings, quiet paths and ancient structures.
Today it is a National Park and Marine Protected Area, a place where time seems to have stood still and where environmental protection is a top priority.
To truly appreciate the charm of Asinara, you need to start with what sets it apart from every other island in Sardinia
The history of Asinara: from inhabited island to prison
It was already known to the Romans, who called it Herculis insula and, in later centuries, Sinuaria, due to the sinuous nature of its coastline, and then Asinara, a name that has endured to this day. The island served as a landmark for all sailors travelling from Spain to Rome or emerging from the stormy Strait of Bonifacio.
Until the end of the 19th century, the island was inhabited by communities of fishermen and farmers. In 1885, however, the Italian government decreed that it should be converted into a penal colony and a quarantine station, forcing the inhabitants to move away and leading to the establishment of the village of Stintino.
Throughout the 20th century, Asinara has played various roles:
- a prisoner-of-war camp during the First World War,
- agricultural penal colony,
- carcere di massima sicurezza fino al 1997.
This long period of isolation has allowed nature to remain remarkably well-preserved.
Asinara National Park: unspoilt nature
In 1976, the government designated the island as a protected landscape area; subsequently, in 1995, a major reforestation programme was launched, and in 1997 the Asinara National Park was established, followed in 2002 by the creation of the Marine Protected Area.
The Asinara National Park protects a unique ecosystem in the Mediterranean, covering an area of approximately 51 km² and over 100 km of coastline.
This space brings together a variety of different areas:
- Mediterranean scrub,
- coste rocciose e calette,
- wetlands and ponds.
Among the iconic animals, the famous white donkey stands out, alongside mouflons, wild horses and numerous species of birds and marine life.
What to see on Asinara: experiences and activities
Visiting Asinara means enjoying an immersive and sustainable experience. The activities are designed to respect the environment and promote the local area.
Key experiences include:
- hiking and nature trails,
- cycling or off-road excursions,
- snorkelling and diving,
- guided tours of historic buildings.
Among the most iconic sights to see are Cala Sabina, Cala d’Oliva and the former prison buildings.
How to visit Asinara Island
On the island of Asinara, and therefore within the National Park, you are not permitted to disembark freely, nor are you allowed to bring any motor vehicles; instead, you must travel there and move around the island using the services provided by the various operators authorised by the Park, both for transport and for excursions within the island.
You can get there from:
- Stintino, with passenger boats or various transport services from the port of Tanca Manna (marina) – including mooring facilities – to one of the three landing points: Fornelli, Cala Reale, Cala d’Oliva;
- Porto Torres, by public transport (the Sara D ferry) to the small harbour of Cala Reale.
Visiting arrangements include:
- authorised ferries,
- organised excursions,
- guided tours.
⚠️ Important: access to some areas is restricted, and there are specific rules governing movement, swimming and activities.
👉 NEW FOR 2026
With the new 2026 regulations, approved by the Park, new rules for access and activities have been introduced.
Greater sustainability, less impact
- a gradual reduction in the use of traditional motor vehicles
- greater use of electric vehicles and low-impact solutions
👉 On many excursions, traditional jeeps are being replaced by more sustainable options.
Access is becoming increasingly regulated
- mandatory authorisations for operators,
- new digital procedures for tourism-related activities,
- end of automatic authorisations carried over from previous years.
👉 This means:
✔️ less improvisation,
✔️ more control,
✔️ greater protection of the environment.
When to visit Asinara
The best time to visit is from April to October.
Autumn → fewer crowds and perfect light.
Spring → lush nature and an ideal climate.
Summer → stunning seaside views and a range of facilities.
For some years now, it has been forbidden to bring dogs, cats and other pets onto the island.
Accommodation and dining on the island of Asinara
On the island, you’ll find places to stay and to eat; in fact, there are:
Fornelli:
- a kiosk.
Cala d’Oliva:
- a hostel with around 70 beds,
- a inn with 6 rooms and an adjoining seafood restaurant,
- a restaurant/bar.
Healthcare on the island of Asinara
The island has a seasonal medical centre, which operates during the summer at Cala Reale and Cala d’Oliva, serving both workers and tourists.
Thanks to a three-year agreement (2026–2028), a first aid service is guaranteed, with clinics in both Cala Reale and Cala Oliva, managed by the Italian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta (Cisom).
In conclusion…
Asinara is not merely a destination, but a place to be explored at a leisurely pace, guided by the silence, the light and a natural world that still reigns supreme here.
Visiting this island means taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern tourism and rediscovering a different way of travelling – one that is more mindful and authentic.
👉 If you’re planning a trip to north-west Sardinia, you can round off your experience with:
- the discovery of Stintino and its seaside village;
- a day at La Pelosa Beach, one of the island’s most iconic beaches;
- a tour of the wonders of north-west Sardinia.
🔗 You can find all the in-depth guides on the Sardegna Country blog.
👉 For information about the Park and the operators currently authorised by it, please visit the website: parcoasinara.org.
Bibliography:
Sardinia, Green Guides of Italy, Touring Edition (2017)
www.isola-asinara.it
AI Disclosure (AI Act 2025 – Italian Law 132/2025):
the text content is AI-assisted, created by Antonio Casu with the support of ChatGPT (GPT-5.2), OpenAI, in accordance with the transparency principles set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.