Sulcis Archipelago – Sardinia: mining islands, clear waters and silence suspended between rock and open sea. The Sulcis Archipelago overlooks the Sea of Sardinia, in front of the south-western coast of the island. San Pietro, Sant'Antioco and a constellation of smaller islands such as Piana, Vacca, Toro and Serpentara are part of it. It is an area where high cliffs and red cliffs, historic tuna fisheries, disused mines and a marine biodiversity that is still intact coexist. 🌊 Open sea and steep coasts: The coasts of the archipelago alternate between pebbly coves, volcanic rocks and white beaches. In Carloforte, on the island of San Pietro, the sea is transparent and deep, with an ideal seabed for snorkeling and diving. The cliffs of Capo Sandalo are a unique vantage point, while Coaquaddus and Maladroxia, in Sant'Antioco, offer fine sand and shallow waters. 👉 Tip: Set sail from Calasetta for a boat trip between the smaller islands: you will have the feeling of sailing in an archipelago forgotten by time. 🏝️ History, mines and culture of the sea: These islands tell an ancient story: Punics, Romans, Ligurians. San Pietro is home to the Tabarchina community of Carloforte, with its own language and cuisine. In Sant'Antioco you walk among Christian catacombs, Punic tophets and Nuragic remains. The mining legacy can be seen in the brownfield sites and ghost villages that dot the hinterland. 👉 Tip: Visit the Museum of the Sea and Shipwrights in Carloforte: a fascinating story of the island's seafaring tradition. 🐟 Bluefin tuna and sea flavors: Bluefin tuna is the heart of the archipelago's gastronomy. Every year, Carloforte hosts the Girotonno, an event that combines cuisine, culture and traditional fishing. But the flavors do not stop there: couscous alla carlofortina, fregula with seafood, bottarga, fish soups, homemade bread and brackish white wines, such as Vermentino del Sulcis and Carignano del Sulcis DOC. 👉 Tip: Try a tuna dinner in all its forms: raw, in oil, grilled. And accompany it with a fresh Carignano, served at sunset. 🚶 Coastal paths and hidden viewpoints: The archipelago's hiking trails follow coastlines, tuff ridges, and ancient mining mule tracks. The Mining Route of Santa Barbara also touches the island areas, offering scenic and spiritual stops. Each path overlooks an ever-changing sea: rough, reflective, silent. 👉 Tip: Take a light trek from Capo Sperone to the Torre Cannai: in spring, the landscape is an expanse of colors and scents. 🎉 Parties, music and Tabarchina identity: In Carloforte and Calasetta, Ligurian dialects are still spoken and festivals with Mediterranean roots are celebrated: San Pietro, the Couscous Festival, the Girotonno, processions by the sea and evening shows. Each celebration is a way to share a unique story, made up of migration, fishing and cultural resistance. 👉 Tip: Experience the Girotonno in June: between stands, international chefs and music, it is one of the most heartfelt events in Sulcis. The Sulcis Archipelago is made up of wind, salt and voices that come from afar. It does not conquer you with excess: it stays with you with its dry truth.