Island of San Pietro – Sardinia: black rocks, mistral wind and a Ligurian soul in the heart of the Mediterranean.
The Island of San Pietro is located off the coast of Sulcis, in the southwest of Sardinia, and stands out for its volcanic landscape, crystal clear sea and unique cultural identity. The town, Carloforte, is the only one on the island and retains strong ties with Liguria, from which the Tabarchini settlers arrived in the eighteenth century. Here the seafaring tradition mixes with the Genoese dialect and a surprising cuisine. 🌊 Cliffs, coves and open sea:
The coast of the island alternates dark rocks of volcanic origin with small sandy coves. Among the most beautiful: La Caletta, Girin Beach, Guidi and Bobba. To the west, the stacks of Capo Sandalo and the cliffs of Punta delle Colonne plunge into a deep and wild sea, shaped by the mistral. Perfect for those looking for silence and the power of nature.
👉 Tip: Hop on a boat and circumnavigate the island: you will see corners unreachable from land and swim in transparent and solitary waters. 🏛️ Carloforte, the island within the island:
Carloforte is a village overlooking the sea, animated by cobbled streets, flowered balconies and an ever-lively seafront. The architecture, the colors and the Tabarchino dialect tell a story of exile, fishing and Ligurian pride. The rhythms are slow, the human relationships direct, and the village retains an authentic and lived-in beauty, which conquers anyone who arrives even for just a few hours.
👉 Tip: Stroll through the streets of Carloforte in the late afternoon, then stop in Piazza Repubblica for an aperitif among the locals. 🐟 Bluefin tuna and sea flavors:
San Pietro is famous for its bluefin tuna fishing, with an ancient tradition linked to the tuna fishery. The Girotonno, an international event, celebrates this culture with innovative dishes and historical recipes. On the table: cascà tabarchino (local couscous), carlofortina-style tuna, whitebait fritters and pani cun tamatiga. All accompanied by Vermentino or Carignano del Sulcis.
👉 Tip: If you are here in June, take part in the Girotonno: between cooking shows and tastings, it is an experience for all the senses. 🌿 Nature, salt pans and windy views:
The interior of the island is hilly, dotted with vineyards, prickly pears and Mediterranean scrub. The salt pans near the harbour are home to pink flamingos and herons, while the paths to Capo Sandalo or La Punta offer views of the open sea and the nearby island of Sant'Antioco. The wind here is part of the landscape, sculpting, smelling, accompanying every step.
👉 Tip: He climbed up to the Capo Sandalo lighthouse: the view of infinity is among the most evocative in all of Sardinia.
St. Peter's does not change pace for those who arrive: it remains true to itself, and precisely for this reason it leaves a deep mark.