Carloforte’s island setting and unique heritage sets it apart from most of the other towns on the Sardinian coast. It was originally settled by fishermen from the mainland region of Liguria and residents still have a dialect from that area which sets them apart from other Sardinians.
Carloforte is another one of Sardinia’s tourist destinations which is classed as ‘one of the most beautiful villages in Italy’ – but it is less-known to international travellers.
Where is Carloforte?
Carloforte is located on Isola di San Pietro (San Pietro Island), about 7 km off the southwestern coast of Sardinia.
The town is situated on the eastern side of the island, facing the larger island of Sant’Antioco and mainland Sardinia.
How to get to Carloforte
Nearest airport to Carloforte
The nearest airport to Carloforte is Cagliari Elmas Airport, located about 70 km (45 miles) east of Portovesme, where you can catch a ferry to Carloforte.
Distances:
Portovesme to Cagliari Elmas Airport: 70 km (45 miles)
Portovesme to Alghero Airport: 274 km (170 miles)
Portovesme to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: 294 km (183 miles)
Ferry travel
To reach Carloforte, you’ll need to take a ferry from either:
- Portovesme (the industrial district of Portoscuso on mainland Sardinia): 40-minute crossing
- Calasetta (Sant’Antioco Island): 30-minute crossing
Several ferry companies operate frequent services to Carloforte, with increased schedules during summer.
Driving to Carloforte
If driving from Cagliari, take the SS130 highway towards Iglesias, then follow signs for Portovesme to catch the ferry. The drive takes about an hour.
Coming from the north, it is quickest to use the main roads through the centre of Sardinia, such as the E25 route between Porto Torres and Cagliari.
History of Carloforte
Carloforte’s history is intrinsically linked to the Genoese coral fishermen who founded the town in 1738. Originally from Pegli, near Genoa, these settlers had been living on the Tunisian island of Tabarka for two centuries before relocating to Sardinia.
King Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy granted them permission to colonise the uninhabited Isola di San Pietro. The town’s name, meaning “Charles’ Fort”, honours the Piedmontese monarch.
Carloforte has maintained strong ties to its Ligurian roots. The local dialect, Tabarchino, closely resembles the Genoese language and is still widely spoken today.
The town’s strategic location made it vulnerable to pirate attacks. Tunisian corsairs raided Carloforte in 1798, capturing nearly 1,000 inhabitants. This event led to the construction of defensive walls and watchtowers, some of which can still be seen today.
Fishing is still an important source of income, but tourism has also grown as part of the economy, although mainly from Italian visitors.
What’s Carloforte known for?
- Unique Ligurian heritage and dialect
- Traditional tuna fishing and processing
- Annual Girotonno tuna festival
- Picturesque beaches and coastline
- Historic town centre with colourful buildings
Top things to do in Carloforte
1. Explore the historic centre
Wander through Carloforte’s charming old town, with its narrow alleys, pastel-coloured houses, and lively piazzas. Don’t miss the Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo, the town’s main church.
2. Visit the beaches
Relax on one of Carloforte’s beautiful beaches. La Bobba and Girin offer sandy shores, while La Conca provides dramatic cliffs for the more adventurous.
3. Try the local cuisine
Sample Carloforte’s renowned tuna dishes and Ligurian-inspired specialities like pesto and focaccia at local restaurants. Local cuisine is also influenced by the relationship with Africa, shown by the popularity of couscous in Carloforte cooking.
4. Hike to Capo Sandalo Lighthouse
Take a scenic walk to the westernmost point of the island, where you’ll find the picturesque 19th-century lighthouse and stunning sea views.
5. Attend the Girotonno Festival
If visiting in late May/early June, experience the lively Girotonno festival celebrating the local tuna fishing tradition with food, music, and cultural events.
Carloforte Beaches
Isola di San Pietro boasts numerous beautiful beaches and coves. Some popular options include:
- La Bobba: A sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for families.
- Girin: A picturesque cove with shallow waters, ideal for snorkelling.
- La Conca: Known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
- Punta delle Colonne: Famous for its two rock stacks rising from the sea.
- Guidi: A small, secluded beach with fine sand and turquoise waters.
Carloforte Information
Carloforte Turismo: www.carloforteturismo.it
Sardinia Tourism – Carloforte: www.sardegnaturismo.it
