Asinara Island
A national-park island in the north-west: white donkeys, a former high-security prison and untouched coasts.
At a glance
- Öffnungszeiten
- siehe unten
Location
Asinara lies off north-west Sardinia and today forms Asinara National Park, one of Italy's twenty-four national parks; administratively it belongs to Porto Torres. For over a century the island served as a quarantine station, penal colony and finally a high-security prison — which is precisely why its nature remained almost untouched. It is famous for its small population of white albino donkeys, unique in the world, alongside mouflon, free-roaming horses and rich birdlife. A marine protected area surrounds the island, with clear water and dense Posidonia meadows. Visits are by ferry from Porto Torres or Stintino; jeep tours, bikes and guided walks are available, with very few places to stay overnight.
Highlights
- The white albino donkeys of Asinara
- Former prison at Cala d'Oliva
- Marine protected area around the island
Tips
- Book ferries and tours well ahead in summer.
- Private vehicles are not allowed — only licensed operators.
Practical information
Rules & notes
Private vehicles are not allowed on the island.
Parking
- Paid Yes
- Available Yes
Cars must be parked before boarding as private vehicles are not allowed on the island. The New Port of Stintino has a large paid parking lot. In Porto Torres, there is a free parking lot at the boarding point for Asinara.
Visit duration
Halbtagesausflüge dauern durchschnittlich 3 Stunden. Ganztagesausflüge von 9:30 bis 17:30 Uhr.
Admission
Guided tours
No information available.
Accessibility
No information available.
Visitor notes
As private vehicles are prohibited on the island, plan where to park your car in advance. Many excursions depart at 9:30 AM and return at 5:30 PM.
Nature Features
- Protected area Yes
Auf der Insel Asinara ist das Mitbringen eigener Autos verboten, mit Ausnahme von autorisierten Fahrzeugen des Nationalparks. Die Insel ist Teil des Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara und des Meeresschutzgebiets 'Isola dell'Asinara'.
Opening hours
Typical round trip times are 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Half-day excursions average 3 hours.
