Discover Asinara Island: wild nature and silence just minutes from Stintino
Stintino and surroundings - 23 June 2025
There’s a place in northern Sardinia where time seems to stand still.
It’s called Asinara Island – a hidden gem where nature still sets the pace, silence has its own sound, and beauty needs no filter. Once a high-security prison, Asinara is now a protected national park and a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about nature, history, and raw, unforgettable experiences.
Visiting Asinara Island is one of the top things to do during a holiday in Stintino, and getting there is easier than you might think.
How to reach Asinara island
Asinara Island is accessible only by sea.
Daily ferries and tourist boats depart from Stintino and Porto Torres, and the crossing takes just 20–30 minutes.
You can choose from several options:
- Passenger ferries with round-trip tickets
- Guided boat tours
- Private dinghies or catamarans, with or without a skipper
How to explore the island: excursions and activities
Once you land, there are several ways to explore Asinara:
- 4×4 jeep tours with official park guides
- Bike or e-bike rentals on marked trails
- Guided hikes through scenic landscapes, lighthouses, and historical ruins
- Snorkeling in protected coves
What to see on Asinara: a journey through nature and history
Stretching over 18 kilometers, Asinara Island offers a surprising variety of landscapes: dry hills, crystal-clear coves, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, and historic ruins.
Don’t miss:
- Cala Reale: once home to prison staff, now the main arrival point and visitor center
- Cala d’Oliva: a charming fishing village and site of the last penal colony
- Punta Scorno Lighthouse: with breathtaking views of the open sea
- Fornelli Prison: once held infamous inmates, now open for guided visits
- Wild white donkeys, an endemic species and iconic symbol of the island
- Snorkeling at Cala Sabina or Cala dei Detenuti, in pristine waters
How much time do you need to visit Asinara?
A full day is ideal to get a good feel for the island, but many visitors return to explore more at a slower pace.
Why is Asinara island famous?
In addition to its notorious past as a high-security prison that held mafia bosses and terrorists, Asinara is renowned for its unique biodiversity: foxes, wild horses, birds of prey, and especially the albino donkeys that roam freely across the island.
The striking contrast between history and untouched nature makes Asinara an evocative and unforgettable destination – perfect for travelers looking for more than just a typical day trip.
Where to stay to visit Asinara
The best way to enjoy the Asinara experience is by staying in Stintino, the closest departure point.
Among the many holiday homes in Stintino, one ideal option for those seeking peace and independence is Villa Flor – a charming house surrounded by greenery, just minutes from the port yet far from the crowds. Wake up in serenity and head to the island at your own pace.
A visit to Asinara is not just an excursion – it’s a journey.
A way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover a different side of Sardinia – shaped by wind, light, and memory.
Whether you choose to explore it by boat or on foot, with a guide or solo, a day on Asinara will stay with you long after you leave.
And when you’re back on the mainland, you’ll already be dreaming of your return.
Discover Villa Flor and plan your next holiday in Stintino – between sea, silence, and wild beauty.