Carloforte — Isola di San Pietro
Porto di Carloforte · San Pietro Island
39°09.5'N 08°19.0'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m covers typical swing in 3–7m. Maestrale from NW can create a short, steep chop in the outer anchorage — if sustained above F5, either enter the marina or move to Cala Fico for shelter from the NW.
About This Anchorage
Carloforte is one of the most characterful ports in Sardinia — a Ligurian colony founded in 1738 by settlers from Tabarka (Tunisia). The town retains its Genovese-dialect culture (Tabarchino), colorful painted buildings, and world-famous tuna (tonno rosso) fishing tradition (though the mattanza traditional trap fishing has largely ceased). The island of San Pietro has no AMP designation but the adjacent Isola di Sant'Antioco and the Pelagie passage contain important Posidonia meadows. Carloforte's marina and town pier are well equipped. This is an excellent base for exploring the SW coast of Sardinia. The local tuna restaurants (La Tonnara, Da Nicolo) are outstanding.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Marina berths available at commercial rate (~€40–€80/night for 12m yacht in summer).
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit required for San Pietro island or Carloforte harbour. Standard Italian maritime rules.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Keep clear of ferry route between Carloforte and Portovesme. Speed limit 5 kn in harbour approaches.
Hazards
- !Maestrale: The classic Sardinian NW wind funnels strongly through the gap between San Pietro and the Sardinian mainland; the main anchorage is exposed NW
- !Ferry traffic: The Carloforte–Portovesme ferry runs frequently; maintain clear berth of the approach channel
- !Rocca del Bagno (S of Carloforte): Rocky shoal marked on charts — give the S tip of the island a good clearance when rounding
- !Libeccio (SW wind): Creates uncomfortable swell in the main bay; Cala Fico is better in Libeccio but exposed to Libeccio on approach
Skipper's Tips
- →The Girotonno tuna festival (late June/early July) draws large crowds — arrive well before the festival dates to secure anchorage/berth
- →Carloforte is the best provisioning stop on the SW Sardinian coast — excellent supermarkets and a daily fish market
- →The SW coast of San Pietro (Cala Fico, Cala Vinagra) offers scenic day anchoring in settled conditions — take the dinghy to explore the sea caves
- →From Carloforte, the classic route south is via the Antioco Channel to the SW Sardinian coast and eventually Cagliari — allow a full day per leg
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Carloforte — try the tonno rosso (bluefin tuna) in all its local preparations. Good local wine (Carignano del Sulcis).
Nearest provisions: Carloforte town centre (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
Open year-round as a port. Best sailing May–October. The Girotonno festival (June/July) and local summer events fill the marina — book well ahead. Winter: feasible but Maestrale can blow for days; good provisioning stop for weather-waiting.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In Sardinia, the Maestrale can build from calm to Force 8 while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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