Calasetta
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Latest page update: 30 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Calasetta
Calasetta, on the northern tip of Sant’Antioco Island, offers a small number of established hotels that make use of the town’s seafront location and easy access to nearby beaches. Visitors tend to choose between central properties close to the harbour and those positioned for beach holidays.
Hotel Le Sabbie is a well-rated option near Sottotorre Beach, with modern rooms, a garden area and good reviews for comfort and cleanliness (€€). Close to the centre, Hotel Cala di Seta provides straightforward accommodation within walking distance of the marina, often praised for its convenient location and welcoming service (€€). For a slightly larger property, Hotel Stella Del Sud is set along the coast a few kilometres from the town, featuring a swimming pool, direct beach access and feedback highlighting its setting and facilities (€€).
Hotel Le Sabbie is a well-rated option near Sottotorre Beach, with modern rooms, a garden area and good reviews for comfort and cleanliness (€€). Close to the centre, Hotel Cala di Seta provides straightforward accommodation within walking distance of the marina, often praised for its convenient location and welcoming service (€€). For a slightly larger property, Hotel Stella Del Sud is set along the coast a few kilometres from the town, featuring a swimming pool, direct beach access and feedback highlighting its setting and facilities (€€).
Where is
Where is Calasetta?
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The port town of Calasetta is situated at the northern tip of the island of Sant'Antioco in the Province of South Sardinia.
Officially belonging to the Comune of Sant'Antioco, one of the town's most important facilities is its ferry port from which you can sail across to Carloforte on the neighbouring San Pietro Island. Calasetta can also boast a number of beaches nearby. |
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Comune di Calasetta
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Province: South Sardinia
Region: Sardinia Population: 2,808 (in 2024 - source) Size: 31 km² Close by: Spiaggia di Coaquaddus, Spiaggia Grande, Turri Fly to: Cagliari Elmas Airport - 1 hour 20 minutes by car (92 km) |
What People Ask About Calasetta
Is Calasetta worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Calasetta
Calasetta is a coastal town in the Province of South Sardinia, set on the northern tip of Sant’Antioco overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built on low volcanic terrain, it has a whitewashed historic centre arranged in a grid pattern, with wide streets, sea views, and a harbour that forms the heart of local life. The coastline is shaped by sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and clear shallow waters, giving Calasetta a bright maritime atmosphere within the wider Sulcis archipelago.
The town has Ligurian cultural roots, reflected in its dialect, traditions, and cuisine, the result of settlements by families from Tabarka in the 18th century. Landmarks such as the watchtower on the headland recall its defensive past, while nearby beaches like Sottotorre and Spiaggia Grande highlight its connection to the sea. Positioned between Sant’Antioco town and the ferry routes to Carloforte on San Pietro Island, Calasetta serves as a cultural and geographic link within the islands of southwestern Sardinia.
The town has Ligurian cultural roots, reflected in its dialect, traditions, and cuisine, the result of settlements by families from Tabarka in the 18th century. Landmarks such as the watchtower on the headland recall its defensive past, while nearby beaches like Sottotorre and Spiaggia Grande highlight its connection to the sea. Positioned between Sant’Antioco town and the ferry routes to Carloforte on San Pietro Island, Calasetta serves as a cultural and geographic link within the islands of southwestern Sardinia.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Calasetta
- Torre di Calasetta is an 18th-century coastal watchtower built to defend against pirate raids. Located near the port, it offers views of the sea and the low whitewashed buildings of the town. Inside, there are small exhibitions on local history and maritime defence.
- Church of San Maurizio stands in the centre of Calasetta and reflects the town’s Ligurian roots, with a simple white façade and elegant interior. It hosts religious festivals throughout the year and plays a central role in community events. The square around the church is lined with cafés and small shops.
- Contemporary Art Museum (MACC) is housed in a former school building and features modern artworks by Sardinian and international artists. Temporary exhibitions explore themes linked to identity, landscape and Mediterranean culture. The museum also hosts cultural events and workshops.
- Ferries and boat trips to Carloforte operate frequently from the harbour, offering access to the nearby island of San Pietro. The crossing takes around 30 minutes, with options to bring vehicles or explore on foot. Views from the ferry include the coastline and offshore islets.
- Nearby beaches such as Sottotorre and Spiaggia Grande are within walking distance of the centre. Sottotorre has fine sand and shallow waters beneath the cliffs near the tower, while Spiaggia Grande is longer and more open. Both beaches are suitable for swimming and sunbathing, with some summer facilities.
Tours and Activities
Calasetta Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Calasetta Photo Gallery
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
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 Calasetta
By Rail: Calasetta does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Carbonia, around 30 kilometres away, served by Trenitalia regional trains. Services connect Carbonia with Cagliari, with journey times of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Buses or taxis are available from Carbonia to Calasetta, providing access to the coast and ferry port.
By Road: Calasetta is located on Sant’Antioco Island, connected to the Sardinian mainland by a causeway. It lies around 95 kilometres south-west of Cagliari, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route follows the SS130 and SS126 roads. Parking is available in the town centre and near the ferry terminal.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Carloforte: Calasetta operates regular ferry services to Carloforte on nearby San Pietro Island. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and is run by Delcomar. Ferries accommodate both cars and foot passengers, with multiple departures daily.
By Road: Calasetta is located on Sant’Antioco Island, connected to the Sardinian mainland by a causeway. It lies around 95 kilometres south-west of Cagliari, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route follows the SS130 and SS126 roads. Parking is available in the town centre and near the ferry terminal.
Nearest International Airports:
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: The closest airport, located approximately 90 kilometres from Calasetta. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Regular flights serve domestic destinations and several international routes.
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Situated about 265 kilometres north, with a drive of around 3 hours and 45 minutes. Offers seasonal and year-round flights across Europe.
Ferry Connections:
Carloforte: Calasetta operates regular ferry services to Carloforte on nearby San Pietro Island. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and is run by Delcomar. Ferries accommodate both cars and foot passengers, with multiple departures daily.
Private Transfers
Calasetta Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and straightforward way to travel to or from Calasetta, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s a convenient option for visitors heading to this coastal town on Sant’Antioco Island, avoiding the need to hire a car or manage luggage on public transport.
Transfers can be arranged from Cagliari Elmas Airport, which serves regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Calasetta with nearby destinations such as Sant’Antioco, Carbonia, and Iglesias, ensuring an easy and flexible journey through the south-west of Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Cagliari Elmas Airport, which serves regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Calasetta with nearby destinations such as Sant’Antioco, Carbonia, and Iglesias, ensuring an easy and flexible journey through the south-west of Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
