Asinara Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the island in Sardinia
Table of Contents
Asinara
⭐ Ranked #72 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 7 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Asinara?
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A brief look at the statistics below shows you that Asinara has a population of one and that's just the start of the intrigue surrounding this fascinating island. Not only is it an island but it's also the Asinara National Park with a protected marine area. Not enough?
What if I throw in the fact that there used to be a maximum security prison here and that the island's one inhabitant is dwarfed by the much larger community of donkeys that dominate proceedings? |
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Isola dell'Asinara
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 1 Size: 52 km² Highlights: incredible scenery and wildlife Arrival port: Cala Reale Journey time from Sardinian mainland: 1 hour 15 minutes Distance from nearest Sardinian mainland port: 40 km Arrive by: ferry, water-taxi Arrive from: Porto Torres, Stintino Fly to: Alghero Fertilia Airport (46 km) Recommended accommodation: Park Hotel Asinara (Stintino) |
What People Ask About Asinara, Sardinia
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Discover
Discover Asinara
Crossing from Porto Torres
My own personal visit to the island was one of the best days I've had in the whole experience of putting the Italy Review websites together. I set out in the morning not really knowing what to expect (partly due to poor research and partly due to my usual preference of just winging it).
I remember getting in a panic trying to find the ticket office at Porto Torres, driving around for ages looking for the Delcomar kiosk, finding it closed and eventually realising that the ticket office is on the ferry itself. Yes that's right, you board the ferry and buy a ticket for the ferry when you're already on it.
The ferry journey lasts an hour and a quarter and aside from your fellow tourists, you are accompanied by all the people that work on the island. So you step off the ferry, walk past some donkeys munching the grass outside the visitor centre, make your way across to the bar to get a coffee and find the person you were sitting next to on the ferry on the way over, waiting to serve you.
I remember getting in a panic trying to find the ticket office at Porto Torres, driving around for ages looking for the Delcomar kiosk, finding it closed and eventually realising that the ticket office is on the ferry itself. Yes that's right, you board the ferry and buy a ticket for the ferry when you're already on it.
The ferry journey lasts an hour and a quarter and aside from your fellow tourists, you are accompanied by all the people that work on the island. So you step off the ferry, walk past some donkeys munching the grass outside the visitor centre, make your way across to the bar to get a coffee and find the person you were sitting next to on the ferry on the way over, waiting to serve you.
Electric buggy hire
This phenomenon is repeated when organising the rental of an electric buggy. By the way you can also choose to take a guided walking tour or a tour in a jeep but I decided to go it alone on this occasion.
My day riding the electric buggy was unbridled fun. Despite being a modern-looking vehicle, the hand-brake was more for show than anything and I learned to rest it against rocks when parking on a slope to take my photos.
You're not allowed to veer off the tracks but what you can see is spectacular scenery; the brightest blue sea interspersed with a barren landscape frequented by donkeys and the occasional horse or goat.
My day riding the electric buggy was unbridled fun. Despite being a modern-looking vehicle, the hand-brake was more for show than anything and I learned to rest it against rocks when parking on a slope to take my photos.
You're not allowed to veer off the tracks but what you can see is spectacular scenery; the brightest blue sea interspersed with a barren landscape frequented by donkeys and the occasional horse or goat.
Former prison
Apart from some of the beautiful bays, one of the most interesting parts of the island is the former prison. It's incredible to think that during World War One there were as many as 24,000 Austrian and Hungarian prisoners incarcerated on the island although the main prison building was the unwanted home to considerably fewer residents than that. Closed only in 1997, you can still see desks, telephones and noticeboards that were part of the fabric of every day life at the establishment.
Donkeys
Most of the donkeys on the island are a particular breed of white donkey known as the Asinara Donkey. The Italian word for donkey is "asino" so it's not much of a leap to assume the island's name derives from its star residents but this is in fact disputed; there are those that say it comes from the Latin word "sinuaria" which as we all know (or just looked up) means "sinus-shaped". Hmm, I'm sticking with the donkey theory.
Although I visited Asinara from Porto Torres, there are further connections available from the closer port of Stintino (May to September) on certain days of the week (full timetables coming soon). Whether making your crossing from Porto Torres or Stintino, it would be wise to allow some time to visit the nearby La Pelosa Beach, one of the finest in Italy in what is indeed an area of rare beauty.
Although I visited Asinara from Porto Torres, there are further connections available from the closer port of Stintino (May to September) on certain days of the week (full timetables coming soon). Whether making your crossing from Porto Torres or Stintino, it would be wise to allow some time to visit the nearby La Pelosa Beach, one of the finest in Italy in what is indeed an area of rare beauty.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Asinara
- Asinara National Park covers almost the entire island, offering protected landscapes of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and Mediterranean scrub. The park is home to rare wildlife, including the famous white donkeys, wild boars, and diverse bird species. Visitors can explore its natural beauty through hiking and guided tours.
- The former prison complex on Asinara is a historical site, once used as a high-security penitentiary. Visitors can see abandoned buildings and learn about the island’s more recent past through informative tours, which highlight its transformation into a national park.
- Cala Reale is the main landing point and administrative centre of the island, featuring a small harbour and visitor facilities. The area serves as a gateway for guided excursions and offers views over the surrounding sea and coastline.
- White Donkeys (Asinara Horses) are a unique feature of the island, rare albino donkeys that roam freely in the park. They are a symbol of Asinara and a highlight for visitors interested in wildlife and conservation.
- Guided boat tours and nature walks provide access to Asinara’s remote coves, cliffs, and natural habitats. Local guides share stories about the island’s geology, flora, fauna, and history. These tours often include opportunities to swim in secluded bays and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
Tours and Activities
Asinara Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Asinara Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Asinara
- Stintino (approx. 40 km south of Asinara Island): A small town known for its stunning beaches, particularly Spiaggia della Pelosa, Stintino offers clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can relax on the beach, explore the nearby Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara, or enjoy fresh seafood in the town’s local restaurants. It’s a perfect base for exploring the coast and surrounding nature reserves.
- Porto Torres (approx. 50 km south of Asinara Island): A historic town with a vibrant harbour, Porto Torres is known for its Roman ruins, including the Basilica di San Gavino. The town offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including beautiful beaches and proximity to Asinara National Park. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites or take a boat trip to Asinara Island.
- Alghero (approx. 95 km south of Asinara Island): A charming coastal town with Catalan influences, Alghero offers a blend of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore the old town with its narrow streets and Santa Maria Cathedral, stroll along the seafront, or relax at Le Bombarde Beach. Alghero is also a great base for visiting nearby Capo Caccia and the Neptune’s Grotto.
- Castelsardo (approx. 85 km southeast of Asinara Island): A medieval town perched on a hilltop, Castelsardo offers panoramic views of the Asinara Strait and is home to the impressive Castello dei Doria. The town’s charming streets and local crafts, particularly the basket weaving, make it a great spot for a cultural visit, while its beaches are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Bosa (approx. 100 km southeast of Asinara Island): A picturesque town located along the Temo River, Bosa is known for its colourful buildings and medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the Castello Malaspina, stroll along the riverfront, or visit the town’s artisanal shops. Bosa’s historic charm and beautiful surroundings make it a delightful destination for those looking for a blend of culture and natural beauty.
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Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia
1. Bosa 2. La Maddalena Archipelago 3. Alghero 4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini 5. Santa Teresa Gallura 6. Asinara 7. Gulf of Orosei 8. La Pelosa Beach 9. Gennargentu National Park 10. Tavolara 👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia |
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Asinara
By Rail: Asinara does not have a train station. The nearest railway access is in Porto Torres, which is served by Trenitalia regional trains. Services connect Porto Torres with Sassari in approximately 30 minutes, and with other major towns in Sardinia via Sassari. From Porto Torres station, the ferry terminal is located nearby and can be reached on foot or by local transport for onward travel to Asinara.
By Road: Asinara can be reached via boat from the ports of Porto Torres and Stintino, both located in northern Sardinia. Porto Torres is approximately 25 kilometres from Sassari and the drive takes about 30 minutes. Stintino is about 45 kilometres from Sassari and can be reached in around 45 minutes by car. Parking is available at both ports for visitors joining guided excursions or ferry crossings to the island.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Porto Torres: Ferry services to Asinara operate from Porto Torres, mainly during the summer months. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and is typically part of guided visits, as independent travel on the island is limited due to its protected status.
Stintino: Boats also depart from Stintino to Fornelli, at the southern tip of Asinara. These crossings take around 30 minutes and are commonly used for organised day trips or nature tours. Services are more frequent in summer and may include both group and private options.
By Road: Asinara can be reached via boat from the ports of Porto Torres and Stintino, both located in northern Sardinia. Porto Torres is approximately 25 kilometres from Sassari and the drive takes about 30 minutes. Stintino is about 45 kilometres from Sassari and can be reached in around 45 minutes by car. Parking is available at both ports for visitors joining guided excursions or ferry crossings to the island.
Nearest International Airports:
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Located approximately 45 kilometres from both Porto Torres and Stintino, the drive takes around 45 minutes. This is the closest airport to Asinara and offers domestic and seasonal international flights.
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Situated around 135 kilometres from Porto Torres, with a drive time of approximately 2 hours. It provides a wide range of flight connections, particularly during the summer season.
Ferry Connections:
Porto Torres: Ferry services to Asinara operate from Porto Torres, mainly during the summer months. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and is typically part of guided visits, as independent travel on the island is limited due to its protected status.
Stintino: Boats also depart from Stintino to Fornelli, at the southern tip of Asinara. These crossings take around 30 minutes and are commonly used for organised day trips or nature tours. Services are more frequent in summer and may include both group and private options.
