Villasimius — Porto Giunco / Capo Carbonara AMP
Porto Giunco · Cala Sinzias · AMP Capo Carbonara
39°05.0'N 09°30.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for Zone C sand anchoring in 3–6m. The AMP is actively patrolled — anchoring outside designated sand zones or on Posidonia results in immediate fine (€500+). If using Zone B buoys, reduce alarm to 40m (buoy swing).
About This Anchorage
The Capo Carbonara AMP (Area Marina Protetta) near Villasimius is one of Sardinia's most important marine reserves, protecting exceptional Posidonia meadows, rocky reef ecosystems, and flamingo habitat in the Stagno di Notteri lagoon. The park is divided into zones: Zone A (Serpentara island — no entry), Zone B (general reserve — mooring buoys, no free anchoring), Zone C (partial reserve — anchoring on sand only), Zone D (buffer). Porto Giunco's white sand beach in Zone C offers outstanding anchoring on clean sand in 3–8m. The water clarity is spectacular. Villasimius marina (2nm W) has full facilities. Contact the AMP office before arrival for current zone status and buoy availability.
Protected From
W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE · N
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in Zone C on sand only. Zone B: buoy fee.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No advance permit required for Zone C anchoring. Contact AMP Capo Carbonara for Zone B mooring buoy reservation. Zone A (Serpentara island) is no-entry. AMP office: Via Roma 60, Villasimius, tel +39 070 790234.
Restrictions: Zone A (Serpentara): no entry or navigation within 200m. Zone B: no free anchoring — use buoys only; speed limit 5 kn; diving requires authorization. Zone C: anchoring on sand ONLY — Posidonia anchoring prohibited and fined. No disturbance of flamingos in the lagoon. No BBQs on the beach.
Hazards
- !Serpentara island Zone A: The island lies 3nm SE of Capo Carbonara — the 200m exclusion zone is actively enforced; the area around it has complex currents
- !Scirocco (SE wind): Villasimius is on the SE tip of Sardinia — exposed to Scirocco which can bring heavy swell from the south and SE; in Scirocco, Porto Giunco anchorage becomes untenable
- !AMP zone confusion: The zone boundaries are marked by buoys but can be hard to distinguish in crowded summer conditions — download the AMP zone chart from ampcapocarbonara.it before arrival
- !Flamingo disturbance: The Stagno di Notteri is a Ramsar-protected wetland — landing near the lagoon perimeter or using dinghy engines near the flamingo flocks is prohibited
Skipper's Tips
- →Download the official AMP Capo Carbonara zone map from ampcapocarbonara.it — the zone boundaries are critical to navigate correctly
- →Porto Giunco's white sand beach is accessible by dinghy from the Zone C anchorage — one of Sardinia's finest beaches with no road access parking fees
- →Cala Sinzias (7nm NE along the coast) is an excellent alternative anchorage in Zone C with slightly more NE protection
- →The Villasimius tower (Torre di Capo Carbonara) is a useful landmark for approach orientation
Facilities
Villasimius town (2nm by road from marina) has excellent restaurants specializing in fresh fish. The Porto Giunco beach area has seasonal beach bars.
Nearest provisions: Villasimius town (2.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: very crowded, Zone C anchorage fills quickly, Scirocco risk increases. AMP buoys available June–September. Flamingos present year-round in the lagoon.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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