San Pietro Island, Sardinia
The San Pietro Island is a tourist center in the province of Carbonia-Iglesias, in the commune of Carloforte. The population of the island is about 6,500 people, and its area is 51 km². It is located in the west of Sardinia and geographically it is considered to be the most western Mediterranean point of Italy.
Geography of the island
Due to the fact that San Pietro is an island of volcanic origin, its coast is quite rocky, and the terrain on the island is hilly. It is part of the Sulcis archipelago and is the second largest island. The highest point of the island – Guardia dei Mori, the height of it is 211 m above the sea level. In the western and northern part of the island there are grottos and harbors with beaches. There are no rivers on the island. The flora is quite typical for the Mediterranean:
- juniper;
- aleppo pine;
- arbutus;
- cistus;
- mastic tree;
- hollow oak.
At San Pietro grow cacti that, remind the tourist of the proximity of Africa, and among rare birds can be identified migratory royal falcon from Madagascar.
The main city of the island – Carloforte, is located on the east coast, here is the largest port on the island. Residents grow grapes, fig trees, and Indian figs.
History of the island of San Pietro
The history of the San Pietro Island begins in 1738, when thousands of residents of the city of Tabarka, which was located off the coast of Tunisia, fled from the endless attacks of pirates. The King of Sardinia, Carlo Emanuel the Third, offered them refuge on the island.
New residents built a city and named it Carloforte, in honor of King Charles. In a new place people began to extract corals, salt and tuna. Thanks to the construction of fortifications, to protect against the attack of pirates, the islanders prospered. After a while the church of St. Peter was erected.
In 1788, grateful residents on the waterfront of the city erected a monument to King Charles Emanuel the Third, as a token of gratitude for their salvation.
Population of Tabarku came from Genoa, who settled there in 1541.
Carloforte is built in the Ligurian style – its streets are narrow, and the houses are painted in pastel colors. Residents speak the Ligurian dialect, they also preserved their traditions.
Where to stay
The tourist infrastructure on the island is developed at a high level. Right on the waterfront is a boutique hotel "Riviera", here the tourist is offered accommodation in comfortable conditions. A number of additional services, including bicycle rental, are also available at the hotel.
Attractions of San Pietro
The nature, history and architecture of the island is an excellent attraction for the tourist. In order to explore the island from all sides, you can rent a motor boat. This walk will take about two hours.
The island has many attractions:
- Rocks of Mezzaluna.
- "Column" – sea peaks that rise above the water.
- The statue of the Black Madonna, made of wood – a symbol of the liberation of the inhabitants of the island from slavery. It is located in a church built in the 19th century.
- Lighthouse at the Cape Sandolo.
- Holidays and festivals on the island, which are celebrated in April and late summer with dancing and music.
- "Tonnars" are small factories that are engaged in catching and processing tuna.
The kitchen of the island deserves special attention. In the menu you can meet typical Italian dishes (cheeses, pasta, salami with bread, wine), and a variety of different dishes from tuna.
How to get there
In Carloforte there is a port, which is connected by regular ferry crossings with the cities of Porto Vesme (Sardinia) and Kalasetta (Sant-Antioco island). The most favorable time for traveling is April-October, but it is better to come in May or September, when the flow of tourists is less.
