Mal di Ventre Island

Address: Isola Mal di Ventre, off the west coast of Sardinia (municipality of Cabras), Italy

Hours: Open year-round (no formal visitor hours)

Admission: Free to approach; boat charter costs vary from Oristano/Cabras (~€50-€150 round trip depending on season and group size)

Mal di Ventre is a small island off the west coast of Sardinia in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Italian region of Sardinia. It is a minor offshore island notable for its coastal location and relative remoteness from the Sardinian mainland.

The island is small and sparsely inhabited, and is visited for short boat trips from the Sardinian coast rather than extended stays. It is of interest for coastal scenery and marine environments rather than built attractions.

Geographically it lies off Sardinia’s western shoreline within the administrative region of Sardinia and is closest to the province of Oristano.

• Location and settlement: The island lies off Sardinia’s west coast near the province of Oristano and is small and sparsely inhabited.

Boats to Mal di Ventre depart from the Capo San Marco area near Oristano or from the marina at Cabras; private charters are the most common option. Expect a 30-60 minute sea crossing depending on departure point and sea conditions. Arrange landings with the skipper - some parts of the island are restricted at times for environmental protection.

• Hire a licensed boat from Capo San Marco (near Oristano) and ask skippers about landing permissions - the island is sometimes subject to private ownership rules.
• Visit at low tide if exploring the shallow reefs by snorkel; the clear water around the island is excellent for swimming.
• Respect protected areas and avoid disturbing seabird colonies - the island is a quiet breeding site for several species.