Asinara Island

Website: https://www.parcoasinara.it

Asinara is an island off the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy, notable for its size and its conversion from a site of detention to a protected natural area. The island covers about 52 square kilometres and is located near the town of Stintino on Sardinia’s northwest coast.

The island offers coastal inlets, small beaches, and a largely undeveloped interior; access is by ferry and boat with walking and cycling the primary ways to explore. Marine areas around the island are protected, and visitors come for wildlife viewing, hiking, and snorkeling in clear waters.

Historically the island was used for quarantine, agricultural colonies, and from the 19th century through the late 20th century hosted various detention facilities including high-security prisons. After those facilities closed it was established as a national park and management shifted toward conservation and low-impact tourism.

Asinara sits off Sardinia’s northwest coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea, a short ferry ride from Stintino and other nearby coastal ports. The island’s shoreline is rocky with numerous small bays and beaches and the interior is characterized by Mediterranean scrub and paths connecting coastal settlements.

• Size and location: Covers an area of roughly 52 square kilometres and lies off the northwest tip of Sardinia near the town of Stintino.
• Conservation status: Designated as a national park and protected area after the closure of its prison facilities; the island is notable for populations of wild and partially feral animals including the characteristic white or albino donkeys.

What to See#

• Cala Reale (main port): Serves as the main access point and gateway for visitors arriving by ferry; contains the island’s main visitor facilities and a small settlement area.
• Cala d’Oliva: A former internal-administration settlement that housed prison staff and some inmates during the island’s period as a high-security facility; today it is a low-density settlement within the park.
• Marine reserve and coves: The surrounding sea area is a marine protected zone with diving and wildlife-watching opportunities; coastal inlets and coves are the focus for boat trips and shore visits.

Ferries to Asinara depart seasonally from Stintino (Porto Mannu) and, less frequently, from Porto Torres. From Stintino the crossing to Asinara’s main landing is short-often under 30 minutes. Once on the island, travel is on foot, bicycle, or authorized park vehicles; private cars are not normally permitted except for special permits.

• Book the one of the small commercial ferries from Porto Torres (about 40 minutes to Stintino) or from Argentiera in summer; spaces are limited on conservation days
• Rent a bike in Stintino or bring a climbing-capable vehicle-the island's roads are rough and speed limits are enforced inside the park
• Look for the island's white albino donkeys at dusk; they are a famous local oddity and avoid trying to feed them