Overview
The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area is located in Villasimius, once known as Carbonara after the coal mines of this area. It’s an unspoilt stretch of sea that includes the coastline between Capo Boi and Punta Porceddus, the islands of Cavoli, Serpentara and Variglioni, and several shoals populated by astonishing marine flora and fauna.
Grab some flippers and a mask, perhaps even a tank and wetsuit for divers, to enjoy the sea life while snorkelling or diving. The water is so clear on windless days that it feels like diving into a large aquarium.
The seabed is alive with posidonia meadows swaying in the current, yellow sea daisies and red sea fans where groupers, giltheads, snappers and amberjacks, octopuses, shrimps, moray eels and the small Sardinian lobsters live. From time to time, you can also see schools of Mediterranean barracuda or friendly dolphins.
The scenery is breathtaking as you swim between granite rocks that form depressions, pinnacles and clefts. Meanwhile, walking along the coast you will find fine sandy coves hidden between rocky promontories and ancient watchtowers placed to guard the sea during times of barbarian invasions.
