The protected marine area of the Island of Asinara A sneak preview
Situated in the territory of the Porto Torres municipality (SS), the Asinara island is one of the most spectacular islands on the Mediterranean as it has kept its naturalistic charm unaltered over the years. Its long history as a penal colony, in fact, ensured that the number of visitors was kept to a minimum, therefore preserving its natural environment. It has been a national park since 1997 and one of the best destination for short cruises along its coast. The Romans named it Aenaria Insula (Island of Enea) and Herculis Insula (of Hercules) and today presents uncertain toponomous origins.

Asinara could, in fact, derive from the name of the Sardinian donkey (asinello), that is found here in its albino form with very light coloured eyes; another hypothesis, however, refers to the Latin "sinuaria" (sinewy), which would point to a coast modelled by gentle inlets. On its eastern side, Asinara is particularly rich in beaches and bays, like those of red granite, the Scombro and Sant'Andrea bays. Whereas on the western side the high coastline dominates the sea: the highest point being Punto Scorno, upon which a lighthouse is positioned. The panorama is decidedly variegated and the presence of a holm oak wood in the Vallambrosa enriches the characteristic Mediterranean brush vegetation, here also seen in rare forms as Evax rotundata (cudweed) and Nanathea perpusilla.

How to get there
The Asinara Island is reached from the Porto Nuovo in Stintino and from Porto Torres, where specific kiosks give information and sell tickets for the trips.

Useful information and facilities
Guided tours are available on the island, by authorised boats along the coastline and by off road vehicles on the island itself.

Contacts
Asinara National Park Authority (Porto Torres)
Tel. +39 079 503388
e-mail: parco@asinara.org

Porto Torres Port Authority
tel. +39 079 503388

Porto Nuovo di Stintino
tel. +39 079 523519; +39 079 523760