A Complete Guide To Carloforte And Isola Di San Pietro, Sardinia

Located in the beautiful Isola di San Pietro, in the Sulcis Archipelago in southern Sardinia, Carloforte is one of the most beautiful, unique places to visit in Sardinia, and a true Sardinia hidden gem. Made nationally famous by a TV Series (L’Isola di Pietro) a few years ago, San Pietro Island is the kind of place that has retained all of its local character.

Blessed with beautiful sandy beaches, small rocky coves, transparent waters of a million shades of blue, a barren landscape with scenic rock formations, hiking trails, and the lovely Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro should definitely be on your radar for your next trip to Sardinia, especially if you are looking for a place that is still relatively unknown to international tourism.

If you are wondering about what to do in Carloforte, you are in the right place.

I have been to San Pietro Sardinia several times, including once very recently (I literally spent the last weekend there with my sister) so I am happy to share everything you need to know about the Island of San Pietro, including the best Carloforte beaches, the best things to do in Carloforte, how to get to Carloforte and some other useful tips to plan your visit.

History of Carloforte And Isola Di San Pietro

The history of San Pietro Sardinia is a very interesting one. Archeological remains prove that people have lived in San Pietro Island in the Phoenician times (8th century BC). Remains of a Carthaginian settlement – with a temple and a necropolis – have also been found. 

Carloforte, howerver, was founded in 1738 by around 30 families from Tabarka – the Tabarchini, coral fishermen originally from Pegli, near Genoa (Liguria). They had been living in Tabarka (a small island off the coast of Tunisia) since the 16th century, and prospered throughout the Ottoman rule.

However, following a drop in the production of coral, as well as pirate incursions and increase in the number of inhabitants that made the living conditions more difficult, in 1737 the Tabarchini asked King Charles Emmanuel III’s permission to settle elsewhere.

The King, who wanted to colonize the various uninhabited areas of Sardinia (such as the islands off Sardinia’s southwestern coast), quickly granted the permission to settle on what was then known as Isola degli Sparvieri. The Tabarchini then settled on San Pietro Island and in the nearby Calasetta, in Sant’Antioco Island.

The name Carloforte is a clear reference to the Piedmontese king – meaning “Charles the Strong” but also “Charles’ Fort.” 

Locally known as U Pàize (literally “the village”), Carloforte has preserved its uniqueness throughout the centuries, keeping the language and culture of its founders. Carloforte has a total population of around 5,900 people, and it is also the only town on Isola di San Pietro – or San Pietro Island, in English – which measures just 51 square km (19.7 square miles).

Nowadays, Carloforte Sardinia still has strong connections with Pegli and Genoa, in Liguria. Many locals still speak Tabarkine. The language resembles the dialect spoken in Genoa and is complete different from Sardinian. On our last visit we came across several people who speak Tabarkine, and even the accent is very different from that of the rest of Sardinia.

Carloforte is a truly beautiful town, quite similar to those you may have seen in Liguria (for example in the Cinque Terre). Think colorful buildings, narrow streets, fortifications and vast plazas.

Finally, continue reading to discover more about Isola di San Pietro, the best things to do in Carloforte, and Carloforte beaches.

The Best Carloforte Beaches

Isola di San Pietro is at its best in the late spring and summer months, when vegetation is in full bloom and you can enjoy the many beautiful Carloforte beaches. You will find sandy beaches as well as small rocky coves on the island, each with clear waters and offering unique experiences. 

Maps of the island pointing out the best Carloforte beaches are available at the best hotels in town. Some maps will clearly indicate whether they are a good spot to spend time on windy days. They also point out the best sunset spots. In general, avoid any beach that faces west on mistral days.

Continue reading for my favorite Carloforte beaches.

Il Giunco

2.9 km (1.8 miles) from Carloforte, this is the longest beach in Isola di San Pietro – it’s basically on the other side of the salt pans, so it’s also the closest beach to town.

The beach takes its name from the many rush (giunco, in Italian) plants found there. It has shallow waters protected from the currents and fine white sand mixed with small pebbled. It’s perfect for families with children, who can safely play there. 

There is a beach club where you can rent umbrellas and other beach equipment.Il Giunco is accessible to disabled visitors, and part of the beach is also dog-friendly (you will see it marked as “spiaggia per animali d’affezione” so watch out for the sign when you are driving). 

Girin

This is a sandy beach where you can find shelter from the mistral wind. You will find clear, shallow waters waters and Mediterranean vegetation – macchia and pine trees – around it. 

Perfect for families with children, the beach is located at about 3.8 km (2.3 miles) from Carloforte. You can get there following SP7. Keep in mind that there is nothing in the way of services so you will have to bring whatever you need for the day, and there’s not lifeguard on duty.

On the other hand, there’s a large (free) parking lot at a very short walking distance from the beach, which you can access via a short paved trail and a few steps (this means the beach is not accessible to disabled travelers).

Punta Nera

Immediately after Girin and overlooking Sant’Antioco Island, Punta Nera is one of the best Carloforte beaches for families with children. It’s a nice, sandy beach divided in two by a water-breaker meant to protect it from the waves on windy days.

The beach is exactly 5 km (3.1 miles) from Carloforte. Here you will find a kiosk serving quick meals and drinks, and a beach club where you can rent umbrellas and sun beds, but no lifeguard service.

There’s a parking lot where you can park for free which is just a short walk from the beach and a wooden trail leading to the beach, which is thus accessible to disabled visitors.

Guidi

Guidi is another white sand beach with tuff rocks and perfectly transparent waters. The shallow waters have a sandy seabed that gives way to posidonia – which, contrary to common belief, is a sign of how pristine the water is.

The beach is located about 6 km (3.7 miles) from Carloforte. You need to park your car at the parking lot of the restaurant on the other side of the street (for a fee) and then walk to the beach from there.

Guidi has a kiosk where you can get food and drinks, as well as a beach club where you can rent all sorts of beach equipment (ie umbrellas). Lifeguards are on duty only during the peak months of July and August.

La Bobba

This is my favorite of all Carloforte beaches. It is surmounted by rocky cliffs on both its sides, and sand dunes at its back, both covered by Mediterranean vegetation. You can follow a trail along the cliffs which you can get nice views that span all the way to Guidi.

Ask any local and they’ll tell you that this is the best beach in San Pietro Island when the mistral wind blows, as thanks to the rock formations and sand dunes it is nicely sheltered. That’s where we went last time we visited as the mistral was blowing very strong, and we didn’t have any issue while at the beach (though the water was freezing!).

The beach has a kiosk where you can get food and drinks, and you’ll find bathrooms too. The owners also manage a beach club where you can rent all sorts of equipment (sun beds are actually very cheap for the full day!), and there is a lifeguard on duty.

You have to pay a small fee for the parking lot. It is accessible to disabled visitors as there is a wooden trail that goes all the way to the beach.

Caletta di Geniò

This tiny cove of no more than 50 meters is located on the south of the island, 7 km (4.3 miles) from Carloforte. It has a mixture of fine, white sand and clear granite rock formations, and shallow waters which however give way to deeper ones perfect for diving and fishing – so perhaps it is not ideal for families with children.

If you are into swimming, you can easily reach the small islet located in front of it.

There is nothing in the way of services at the beach so you will have to bring whatever you need for your day. There’s a parking lot not far from the beach.

La Caletta

Many would say that La Caletta is the best beach in Isola di San Pietro. It’s located on the southwestern coast of the island, just 8.4 km (5.2 miles) from Carloforte. It’s one of the longest Carloforte beaches, beautiful and sandy with rock formations on both sides and shallow and very transparent waters.

Because of this, it is one of the most popular beaches for families with children. Located on the beach you will find a kiosk that serves light meals prepared to order and a beach club where you can rent umbrellas and sun-beds for the day.

There’s a small parking lot close to the beach. You can access the beach via a very short trail that starts in the parking lot. La Caletta is also accessible to disabled visitors thanks to a wooden trail.

Don’t go to La Caletta when the mistral wind is blowing, unless you wish to surf. The currents can be very strong here, so it’s not ideal to go on those days.

Cala Fico

On the northwestern coast of San Pietro Island, north of Capo Sandalo where the lighthouse is located, Cala Fico is a tiny cove with large pebbles in what looks like a fjord, surmounted by steep cliffs and with incredibly transparent waters.

A perfect spot for diving, snorkeling and underwater fishing, the surroundings are a protected oasis since 1991, for being a refuge for Eleonora’s falcons. The beach is managed by the LIPU – Italian League for the Protection of Birds.

There is a parking lot and a small kiosk on top of the hill, where you’ll find a trail that takes you to the beach. Keep in mind it’s not a good spot on strong mistral day.

Conca

Not exactly a beach, but definitely worth mentioning, La Conca is located in the Mezzaluna Gulf, about 7.3 km (4.5 miles) from Carloforte. It is famous for its cliffs from where many love jumping directly into the clear waters. There are several underwater caves – for those who like diving. 

There is a parking lot but no other services, so bring whatever you need for the day. Also keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty. Overall, this is not a good option for families.

Cantagalline

One of the smallest Carloforte beaches, it’s protected by a beautiful forest and only known to locals. It’s located 3 km (1.8 miles) north of town. You can park the car near the Museo del Mare. It has nothing in terms of services, but it’s also one of the most local beaches in the area.

Best Things To Do In Carloforte And Isola Di San Pietro

Enjoy a walk in Carloforte historic center

For as small as it is, Carloforte is a lovely place to explore – and one of the prettiest towns in Sardinia. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities – or you can simply take in the quaint atmosphere.

A simple stroll around town will take you to the most important landmarks, but it’s just as pleasant to walk around aimlessly to snap photos of the narrow alleys with colorful buildings, hanging laundry, pet a friendly cat sitting by the door, and meet the friendly locals who will surely enjoy a little chat with you.

Check out S’Archiottu

Located in Via Solferino, this small arch was built at the end of the 18th century as the door to the garden of the Rapallo family – back then one of the wealthiest in town. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Carloforte.

You can also see in the photos above that it changed looks between my two latest trips there!

Admire the City Walls and Lion’s Gate

The city walls of Carloforte were lifted after the last invasion by Tunisian Corsairs who, in 1798, captured and enslaved around 1,000 locals. They were built between 1806 and 1813, and back then surrounded the entire town.

Nowadays, you can only spot them in the western part of town. You can still see the three main forts – Santa Cristina, Santa Teresa and Beatrice, and the Lion’s Gate, whose name is due to a lion head carved in the rock.

Check out Giuseppe Cavallera Cineteatro

Located on the waterfront of Carloforte, this large building in liberty style is also known as “Casa del Proletario” or “U Palassiu” (in Tabarchine language). It was built between 1920 and 1922. Back then, locals used is as a meeting area for the trade union. Meetings were led by Giuseppe Cavallera. 

Later on, when trade unions stopped meeting, the building became a cinema and a theater which, in its time, hosted some of Italy’s most famous singers. Today, it hosts local events and celebrations.

Visit the Church of San Carlo

The main church of Carloforte (pictured above) was built in 1775 on the model of the parish church of Pegli, near Genoa, where the first inhabitants of the island came from. The church has a single nave with three chapels set on one of its sides.

Close to the altar there’s a statue of Saint Anne that arrived to the island with the first settlers in 1738. The bell tower was added in 1797.

Visit Carloforte’s other churches

Another church you may want to spot in Carloforte is the Church of Our Lady of the Slave, located in Via XX Settembre. Despite being right in the historic center of town, it doesn’t really get many visitors so it’s always a quiet spot.

A bit outside of town you will find the Novelli Innocenti Church (Church of Dan Pietro). It was built between 1227 and 1241 upon wishes of Pope Gregorio IX to pay respect to the young crusaders who died on a shipwreck just outside San Pietro island.

The church dates from before the arrival of the Tabarchini in the 18th century. This proves that there were people living and working before Tabarchini got there. It was completely restored in 1984. During the renovation works, traces of the foundations of a pagan temple were discovered. 

Spend time in the Museo Civico Casa del Duca

Carloforte Civic Museum has an interesting exhibit divided into four main sections.

The first one has an exhibit of documents that explain the planning of the city by engineer Augusto De La Vallée and that of the Carlo Emanuele III Fort. The second room has a model of the tuna factory of Portopaglia.

The other rooms include a collection of shells from the Western South Tyrrhenian Sea, and a collection of documents about the Galanzieri – local boatmen.

The opening hours of the museum vary depending on the season so you may wish to visit the official website of Carloforte Turismo for up-to-date information.

Visit the Multimedia Museum of the Sea

This interesting museum is entirely dedicated to the history of the Island of San Pietro. You will find it in the three floors of San Vittorio Tower. The tower was built in 1768 in honor of King Vittorio Amedeo III, and the museum first opened in April 2016. Each floor explores a different time period in the history of the island.

During the winter, the museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. During the summer months, it is open daily except on Mondays. Make sure to double check the opening hours and book your visit by emailing [email protected]; or calling +39 0781 8589260 or +39 0781 8589200.

Walk along Carloforte Salt Pans

Just outside of town, the Salt Pans are a great place to admire some of the most unique bird species of the Mediterranean, including pink flamingoes and corse seagulls.

The area was used for the production of salt since Punic times, but it was only in 1770 that extraction began on a larger scale. They went out of use in 1998.

Head to Piazza Pegli

Piazza Pegli is one of the nicest squares in Carloforte. Here the main sight is the Monumento ai Caduti. The square was built in the 1930s in honor of those who died in World War I. At the top of the monument there is a statue of the Winged Victory, which dates from 2009.

Visit the Tonnara di Carloforte

Carloforte is home to one of the last traditional tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean. The Tonnara is a set of nets placed in the sea when it’s time to catch tuna. It’s complicated system that creates a series of connected chambers. In the last one, the mattanza (killing) takes place.

You can certainly taste Carloforte delicious tuna in one of the many local restaurants (my recommended selection is below). But if you want to learn more about the rituals of the mattanza and what it means for the island, you should visit Carloforte’s Tonnara. It’s 5.4 km (3.3 miles) north of town.

You can only visit the Tonnara di Carloforte on guided tours. For bookings, send a WhatsApp message to Mrs. Lapizza at +39 338 806 8181.

Check out the views from Le Colonne

At a short distance from La Bobba Beach mentioned above, you will find Punta delle Colonne, one of the most popular landmarks and panoramic views on the island. Until not long ago, here you’d be able to see two massive trachytic rock columns emerging from the water. Now, due to water and wind erosion, one of the columns has collapsed and only one remains.

A Natural Monument of Isola di San Pietro since 1993, you can get there by car driving along road 103 from Carloforte – it’s just 6.9 km (4.2 miles). Otherwise, it’s a pleasant walk from La Bobba: just follow the well marked trail – it’s accessible to disabled visitors too.

Hike to Cala Vinagra

San Pietro Island isn’t exactly mountainous (the highest peak is just 211 meters – or 692 feet – above sea level), yet it is a great place for hiking and there are several trails you could follow.

The one to Cala Vinagra, in the LIPU Oasis near Cala Fico, on the northern coast, is the most challenging hike. The trail is fairly easy to begin with, and mostly downhill, but it quickly becomes harder as you get closer to the shore. The views once you get to the cliffs are magnificent. You will need hiking shoes.

Hike, then swim in the Piscine Naturali di Nasca

One of the most unique places to visit in San Pietro Island, the Piscine Naturali di Nasca is a series of natural pool carved in the volcanic rock by the wind and the sea and that gets regularly filled with sea water. Getting there isn’t exactly easy, but it is definitely worth the effort. 

To get there, you’ll have to drive all the way to the north of the island – it’s 8.8 km (5.4 miles) from Carloforte: you can follow these directions.

You will reach a final spot on the road where you can park your car and from there follow the signs leading to the pools. The trail is not marked, but it’s easy to find your way. It’s a steep downhill on the way to the Piscine Naturali di Nasca – and just as steep uphill. You will need hiking shoes or good walking shoes.

On the way to the Piscine di Nasca you will also find the remains of the Fortino di Guardia Mori. This dates from1850 and had defensive purposes. It’s currently abandoned.

Go on a boat trip around the island

One of the best ways to enjoy Isola di San Pietro is on boat tours. Several companies depart daily from the harbor. You need to book in advance in the peak season (especially in August). However, I recommend to book just a few days in advance when you have a better idea of the weather conditions.

Indeed, San Pietro is very exposed to the mistral wind, and on strong mistral days boat tours don’t depart.

You can opt for a sailboat, a vintage boat or for a zodiac, depending on how big the group you are traveling with is. Tours costs between €60 to €120 per person, depending on the kind of boat, the duration of the tour, and whether or not lunch is included.

I recommend this guided sailboat tour departing from Carloforte. It’s a full-day tour which includes lots of stops for snorkeling (you will be provided with equipment) as well as lunch. You will visit all the most iconic places on the island.

Another option is this shared half-day boat tour: you get around San Pietro Island on a small RIB with a skipper, exploring cliffs, coves, and clear water. The tour lasts 4 hours and includes swimming stops and coastal views.

Finally, there’s this private boat tour that gives you complete flexibility, with time to swim, explore secluded coves, and the chance to customize the route along the island’s rugged coastline. It lasts 8 hours.

Go diving

San Pietro is one of the best diving destinations in Sardinia, though keep in mind it is best for expert divers as the diving spots often have strong currents. The best diving centers are Isla Diving and Carloforte Diving. Make sure to inquire locally for diving expeditions departures and costs.

My post A Complete Guide To Diving In Sardinia shares more places where you can go diving during your trip.

Admire sunset from the lighthouse at Capo Sandalo 

Located in Isola di San Pietro there is Italy’s westernmost lighthouse (and one of the most scenic lighthouses in Sardinia), built in 1864.

You can’t actually visit the lighthouse as access is restricted, but you can go all the way to Capo sandalo for stunning views. This is a fantastic spot to catch sunset.

It takes about 20 minutes to drive to Capo Sandalo from Carloforte. Once there, there is a large parking lot from where the trails to the viewpoints start. 

Attend the Girotonno Festival

Carloforte canned tuna is mighty expensive compared to the typical stuff you can get off the shelf in traditional grocery stores. There’s a reason it costs so much: it is really top quality. Girotonno, Carloforte’s most famous festival, is a celebration of this high-quality tuna.

The festival takes place every year between the very end of May and the first two weeks of June and lasts 3 days. During the festival, you can to taste delicious tuna in all sorts of forms, and will enjoy music concerts and other activities. 

Another cool festival in Carloforte is the Tabarchino cous cous festival, which takes place every year (dates vary: this year it is taking place in October but if interested enquire in advance) and – as the name recalls – focuses on the local (delicious) version of cous cous.

Go to Carloforte Flea Market

Every Sunday morning Carloforte hosts a very small, yet very quaint and lovely flea market. It takes place in Piazza Repubblica, right in the historic center, so it’s impossible to miss. It’s a nice change of scenery if you want to catch a bit of local action and you may even find something interesting to bring home with you.

There is a book vendor, vintage toys, clothes and jewelry, porcelains (think nice coffee and tea cups sets), and even some art and souvenirs. I bought an interesting book for an excellent deal when I visited.

Take a day trip to Calasetta and Sant’Antioco

Calasetta is another Tabarkine enclave, but it couldn’t look more different from the colorful Carloforte: the entire town is white, with touches of colors in flowerpots, window shutters and doors. Located on Sant’Antioco island, it’s at a 30-minutes ferry ride from Carloforte. Ferries depart regularly throughout the day, so you can take advantage of that for an easy day trip.

Once in Calasetta you will find lovely beaches: Sotto Torre is right in town, and it’s gorgeous; but there’s also the beautiful Cala Lunga. You could also check out the MACC (Museum of Contemporary Art of Calasetta) or visit its fantastic winery for some wine tasting.

If you wish to explore a bit further, I recommend taking your car on the ferry as there’s quirte a bit to see in Sant’Antioco Island. For example, you can go check out the views of the Mangiabarche Lighthouse (literally “boat eater”), or go to the Arco dei Baci, a fabulous swimming and snorkeling spot.

You can also go to Sant’Antioco town. This used to be Phoenician-Punic colony, and later on a Roman City. It has a lovely waterfront, a well curated museum of archeology and a museum of ethnography – the Museo Archeologico Ferruccio Barreca.

My posts A Complete Guide To Calasetta and What To See And Do In Sant’Antioco share more ideas on attractions and things to do and will help you plan your visit.

Practical Information

How to get to Carloforte

Carloforte is located on Isola di San Pietro, in the Sulcis Archipelago. There are no flights to San Pietro Island, so you may be wondering how to get to Carloforte.

Don’t worry, it’s easy: you can get there there by ferry. The ferry to Carloforte is operated by Delcomar and departs from either Portovesme, on mainland Sardinia, or Calasetta, in Sant’Antioco Island. You can check the schedule on Delcomar official website.

When you take the ferry to Carloforte, there’s an additional fee for the car. You don’t have to book in advance as there are plenty of departures every day. Just go to your chosen harbor, buy the tickets (I recommend getting roundtrip as they always end up being cheaper) and – if you are traveling by car – get in the line to get on the ferry.

Advanced bookings may be necessary during peak season (August).

You can check the schedule and buy your ferry tickets online on Direct Ferries. This is my favorite booking site to search for ferries and get ferry tickets. Keep in mind there’s always lots of availability and lots of crossing, so I recommend booking pretty much the same week you intend to travel. Direct Ferries also offers a feature that allows you to sign up to receive an email once the routes are available for the period you are checking, even if the availability is not live yet.

If you get a roundtrip ticket, you can travel back to a different port other than the one you departed from. For example, if you reached Carloforte from Portovesme, you can travel to Calasetta on the way back. That’s exactly what I did on my most recent visit.

Depending on the departure point and the weather conditions, traveling time is between 30 and 45 minutes.

How to move around San Pietro Sardinia

You won’t need a car around Carloforte Sardinia: it’s a very walkable small town. On the other hand, the easiest way to move around Isola di San Pietro is by car – you can rent a car in Cagliari Airport or whichever other is your port of entry. 

I recommend Discover Cars as the best comparison site for car rental. I have used it widely in Italy and the rest of the world and have always found competitive rates and great cars.

If you are the sporty type, you may want to take your bike or rent one once in San Pietro Island – there are regular bikes and e-bikes available for rent. There isn’t much traffic around the island, which is a great place to bike around – but keep in mind that it’s very hilly. Add to that the summer heat, and you may easily be discouraged.

How long should you stay in Carloforte Sardinia?

I don’t recommend you visit Carloforte and the Island of San Pietro on a day trip from Cagliari. Between the drive to Calasetta or Portovesme (where ferries depart from) and the ferry ride, it’s a good 2 hours to get there and this would leave you very little time to explore and enjoy the marvelous Carloforte beaches.

I would say you need at least a weekend to fully appreciate San Pietro Island, but if you have more time you can explore at a slower pace and fully appreciate the relaxed vibe of this beautiful island.

Not sure how much to factor in for your trip to Sardinia? My post How Long Should You Stay In Sardinia? will help you decide.

Guided tours of Isola di San Pietro

There honestly aren’t many guided tours around San Pietro Island. Most people who visit explore independently – either by bike or car. Likewise, I don’t really recommend going on a day trip as there’s quite a bit to see and I fear a day trip would be rushed.

Anyhow, a little time is better than no time at all, so if you don’t have much time to visit Carloforte and Isola di San Pietro during your trip to Sardinia, you will be relieved to know that there’s this guided tour of San Pietro Island and the nearby Calasetta from Chia. You will explore the island by jeep, visit Carloforte town, and have all transportation costs included.

There are also regular boat tours around San Pietro Island departing from Carloforte harbor. You can enquire locally for the best options, or opt for this top-reviewed full-day sailboat tour of Isola di San Pietro that includes use of snorkeling equipment and lunch on board.

You can also join this guided boat tour around Isola di San Pietro departing from Sant’Antioco. It’s a dinghy tour perfect if you like the idea of snorkeling – you will be provided with snorkeling gear too. The tour lasts up to 8 hours so make sure to bring food and water (and sunblock) for the day, as well as a towel.

Finally, there’s this private boat tour of San Pietro Island that departs from Calasetta. It’s a great tour if you are traveling in a small group and want something that targets exactly your interests.

Where to stay in Carloforte Italy

You will find many great places to stay in Carloforte Italy. For prolonged period of times, you may want to rent a holiday home close to the beach. Otherwise, I recommend staying in Carloforte. These are the best places:

DIMORA FERRALASCO – This is where I stayed last time I visited San Pietro and loved it. It’s just outside the center of town (a mere 5 minutes walk), and you’ll have a parking spot on site. Rooms are cozy and comfortable. There’s a small pool, a beautiful garden, and a fantastic breakfast spread for you in the morning.

NICHOTEL – Tucked away in a small street right by the harbor, this hotel combines perfect location, great spacious rooms with a balcony and fantastic breakfast. It’s in the center, so you won’t have parking on site. But there’s a free parking lot a few minutes walk.

LU’ HOTEL RIVIERA – With a gorgeous terrace overlooking the harbor and comfortable, spacious rooms, this remains one of the best San Pietro Island hotels.

My post The Best Hotels In Carloforte shares more options on San Pietro Island hotels for any budget and travel needs.

Best restaurants in Carloforte Sardinia

There are many fantastic restaurants in Carloforte, and you won’t have troubles finding a good place to eat – whatever your budget is,

DA NICOLO – The Pomata family manages some of the best restaurants in Sardinia, and this is one of them. Great food, generous portions, and spot on service – it’s a bit expensive but worth it. I recommend trying the Linguine alla Nicolo – it’s their signature dish. You will also love the fish roe cheesecake – yes, it is a dessert and yes, it is delicious! Book in advance.

POMATA BISTROT – Chef Antonello Pomata manages this easygoing bistrot kind of restaurant along with the more refined Da Nicolo. It’s a very cozy place, with a great selection of appetizers, pasta and meat and seafood dishes, as well as excellent gourmet pizza. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists so book in advance.

DA ANDREA AL CAVALLERA – I go to this restaurant every time I visit Carloforte and every time I wish I could stay in town longer to try more dishes. I loved their fresh seafood spaghetti, and there’s a fantastic selection of wines too. Service is just perfect, but also very friendly. Book ahead as it’s packed during the weekend.

TONNO DI CORSA – Everyone in Carloforte swears by this restaurant, which as the name suggests specializes in tuna dishes. It has one of the best quality/quantity/price rations in town for sure. It’s an easygoing place, but it’s so popular that it gets very busy so book in advance.

LO SCUGNIZZO – The best pizzeria in town; it dishes out mouthwatering, fragrant Napoli-style pizza prepared with seasonal, fresh ingredients.

BARONE ROSSO – The most popular pub in Carloforte, it’s a great place to grab a beer in an easygoing atmosphere.

INCUDINE – This nice bar in Piazza Carlo Emanuele III is a nice spot to grab pre or after dinner drinks. It’s located right on the waterfront so it’s easy to spot and easy to meet friends there.

Conclusions On Isola Di San Pietro And Carloforte Sardinia

So, is San Pietro Island worth visiting? Should you visit Carloforte during your trip to Sardinia? I think so! As I have said at the very beginning of this post, I have just come back from another weekend on Isola di San Pietro, and I wish I could have stayed longer.

The atmosphere in Carloforte Sardinia is wonderfully welcoming. The town has retained all of its local character, while at the same time catering to tourists requests. People are kind and generous here, and there are many incredible things to do in Carloforte even when the weather isn’t cooperative (like it was this last time I visited).

If you really want to experience a lesser known part of Sardinia, you should definitely consider visiting!

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts about Sardinia:

• The Best Beaches In Sardinia
• The Best Things To Do In Sardinia
• Where To Stay In Sardinia
• What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia

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