Overview
The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area is located in Villasimius, once known as Carbonara because of the coal processing in this area. An unspoilt stretch of sea that includes the coastline between Capo Boi and Punta Porceddus, the islands of Cavoli, Serpentara, Variglioni and several shoals populated by amazing marine flora and fauna.
All it takes is a pair of flippers and a mask or, for the more experienced, a tank and wetsuit to enjoy seawatching while snorkelling or scuba diving. On days without wind, the water is so clear that it feels like diving into a large aquarium.
The seabed is animated by posidonia meadows swaying in the current, yellow sea daisies and red gorgonias where groupers, sea bream, snappers and amberjacks, octopuses, shrimps, moray eels and the small Sardinian lobsters swim. From time to time, you may also see schools of Mediterranean barracuda or friendly dolphins.
The scenery is breathtaking as you swim between the granite rocks that form hollows, pinnacles and clefts. Walking along the coast you will instead find fine sandy coves hidden between rocky headlands and ancient watchtowers positioned to guard the sea in times of barbarian invasions.
