Nature
San Pietro Island
Carloforte
A volcanic island in the Sulcis with trachyte cliffs and a major Eleonora's falcon colony.
Location
Carloforte
Coordinates: 39.14560, 8.27250
San Pietro Island, off the south-west coast, is built of volcanic trachyte and rhyolite. Its western side drops in high, broken cliffs, and one of the Mediterranean's largest colonies of Eleonora's falcon breeds around Capo Sandalo. Inland, maquis, salt pans and remnants of holm oak alternate. The island's only town, Carloforte, was founded in the 18th century by Ligurian families and still keeps its own language.
Highlights
- Trachyte cliffs on the west coast
- Eleonora's falcon colony near Capo Sandalo
- Salt pans and maquis inland
Tips
- Watch breeding sites only from a distance, from the viewpoints.
- Book the ferry to Carloforte in advance in summer.
Best time
Late July to September for the falcons; spring for flowers and migrants.
Getting there
Ferry from Portovesme or Calasetta to Carloforte; Capo Sandalo by road.
