Asinara National Park

Asinara National Park protects the island of Asinara off the northwest coast of Sardinia in Italy; it was designated a national park in 1997 following the closure of long-standing prison facilities. The island is noted for its coastal landscapes and restricted, managed access.

The park offers beaches, coastal coves and largely undeveloped interior terrain with opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife observation, including the island’s population of pale-colored feral donkeys. Visitor services and landing points are concentrated at a few harbour settlements.

Asinara served for many decades as a quarantine and later a high-security prison site; after the prison closed in the late 1990s the island was placed under environmental protection and opened for regulated tourism and conservation work.

Asinara lies off the northwest tip of Sardinia near the town of Stintino and the harbour of Porto Torres; ferries connect the island to the Sardinian mainland and it forms part of Italy’s Sardinian regional administration.

• Park establishment: The island was converted to a protected area after closure of its state prison and the national park was established in 1997.
• Access: Visitor access is by ferry from the nearby Sardinian mainland towns such as Stintino; vehicle and area access are regulated by the park authority.

What to See #

• Cala Reale: Cala Reale functions as the island's main harbour and visitor reception area, and houses the principal park facilities and information services for visitors.
• Cala d'Oliva: Cala d'Oliva is a small settlement on the island that includes buildings associated with the area's former prison facilities and a small harbour used by local boats.
• Former penitentiary sites: Scattered former penal structures and military buildings are found across the island; many are visible to visitors but access can be restricted in some areas.