Carloforte
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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 Carloforte
Carloforte, on the island of San Pietro, has several established hotels that make the most of the town’s harbourfront setting and maritime atmosphere. Many of the best options are located close to the seafront, providing convenient access to both the historic centre and the ferries that connect the island with the Sardinian mainland.
Hotel Hieracon is a long-standing property in a converted historic building by the harbour, offering elegant interiors, comfortable rooms and positive reviews for its central location (€€). Also close to the waterfront, Lu’ Hotel Riviera provides modern facilities, sea-view rooms and is often noted for the helpfulness of staff (€€). A short distance inland, Nichotel combines contemporary design with a central position, with feedback highlighting its comfort, style and welcoming atmosphere (€€).
Hotel Hieracon is a long-standing property in a converted historic building by the harbour, offering elegant interiors, comfortable rooms and positive reviews for its central location (€€). Also close to the waterfront, Lu’ Hotel Riviera provides modern facilities, sea-view rooms and is often noted for the helpfulness of staff (€€). A short distance inland, Nichotel combines contemporary design with a central position, with feedback highlighting its comfort, style and welcoming atmosphere (€€).
Where is
Where is Carloforte?
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The port town of Carloforte is situated on San Pietro Island which lies within the Province of South Sardinia.
The town has a population of around 6,100 residents and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Spiaggia La Caletta, Sant'Antioco and Spiaggia La Salina. |
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Comune di Carloforte
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Province: South Sardinia
Region: Sardinia Population: 5,899 (in 2024 - source) Size: 50 km² Close by: Spiaggia La Caletta, Sant'Antioco, Spiaggia La Salina Access: ferry from Portovesme or Calasetta Fly to: Cagliari Elmas Airport - 2 hours 5 minutes by car and ferry |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Anima Ligure (Ligurian Spirit)
Listing headline: Anima Ligure (Ligurian Spirit)
What People Ask About Carloforte
Is Carloforte worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Carloforte?
How do I get to Carloforte?
What can you do in Carloforte?
When is the best time to visit Carloforte?
Related links
Discover
Discover Carloforte
Carloforte is a coastal town on the island of San Pietro in the Province of South Sardinia, set within the Sulcis archipelago and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town faces a sheltered harbour framed by pastel-coloured houses, narrow lanes, and seafaring architecture that reflects its strong maritime identity. Rocky cliffs, coves, and stretches of Mediterranean vegetation shape the rest of the island’s coastline, giving Carloforte an atmosphere that feels distinct from mainland Sardinia.
Its cultural heritage is Ligurian in origin, the result of 18th-century settlers from Tabarka, and this influence is still evident in the local dialect, cuisine, and annual traditions. Fishing, especially tuna, has long played an important role, and the tonnara and harbour remain central features of community life. Positioned between the ferry routes linking San Pietro with Calasetta and Portoscuso, Carloforte serves as the focal point of the island, combining seafaring history, unique cultural roots, and a close connection to the surrounding seascape.
Its cultural heritage is Ligurian in origin, the result of 18th-century settlers from Tabarka, and this influence is still evident in the local dialect, cuisine, and annual traditions. Fishing, especially tuna, has long played an important role, and the tonnara and harbour remain central features of community life. Positioned between the ferry routes linking San Pietro with Calasetta and Portoscuso, Carloforte serves as the focal point of the island, combining seafaring history, unique cultural roots, and a close connection to the surrounding seascape.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Carloforte
- Carloforte historic centre is characterised by pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled alleys and a distinct Ligurian influence. The town was founded by Genoese settlers in the 18th century, and its architecture, dialect and cuisine reflect these roots. The seafront promenade is lined with cafés, shops and fishing boats.
- Chiesa dei Novelli Innocenti is one of the town’s oldest churches, commemorating the children killed during a 16th-century Saracen raid. The church is simple in design, with historical importance that locals continue to honour. It is located in a quiet square not far from the port.
- Salt pans and birdwatching areas lie just outside the town and are home to flamingos, herons and other migratory species. The salt flats are accessible via walking and cycling paths, with some sections offering raised viewpoints. Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for bird activity.
- Boat trips around San Pietro Island depart regularly from the harbour and explore sea caves, rugged cliffs and isolated coves. Some tours stop for swimming or snorkelling in clear waters. The coastline is known for its rock formations and marine life, particularly near Capo Sandalo.
- Beaches such as La Caletta and Girin are easily reached by bike or short drive. These beaches have fine sand, shallow water and surrounding pine areas. Facilities are limited, offering a quieter experience than many mainland beaches. Ideal for families, with safe entry points and calm seas.
Tours and Activities
Carloforte Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Carloforte 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 Carloforte
By Rail: Carloforte does not have its own train station. The nearest railway access is in Carbonia, approximately 30 kilometres from the ferry port at Portovesme. Trenitalia operates regional services from Carbonia to Cagliari, with journey times of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Carbonia, local buses or taxis connect to Portovesme for the ferry to Carloforte.
By Road: Carloforte is located on San Pietro Island, off the south-western coast of Sardinia. The island is accessible by ferry from Portovesme and Calasetta, both of which are reachable by car. From Cagliari, the drive to Portovesme is around 90 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Parking is available at the ferry ports on the mainland.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Portovesme: The main ferry route to Carloforte operates from Portovesme, with frequent daily crossings. The journey takes around 30 minutes and is operated by Delcomar, accommodating both vehicles and foot passengers.
Calasetta: An alternative ferry route departs from Calasetta on the nearby island of Sant’Antioco. This crossing also takes about 30 minutes and is served by Delcomar with several sailings each day.
By Road: Carloforte is located on San Pietro Island, off the south-western coast of Sardinia. The island is accessible by ferry from Portovesme and Calasetta, both of which are reachable by car. From Cagliari, the drive to Portovesme is around 90 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Parking is available at the ferry ports on the mainland.
Nearest International Airports:
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: Located about 90 kilometres east of the Portovesme ferry terminal, the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. This airport offers regular domestic and international flights.
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Situated approximately 260 kilometres north of the ferry terminal, the drive takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Seasonal routes serve various European cities.
Ferry Connections:
Portovesme: The main ferry route to Carloforte operates from Portovesme, with frequent daily crossings. The journey takes around 30 minutes and is operated by Delcomar, accommodating both vehicles and foot passengers.
Calasetta: An alternative ferry route departs from Calasetta on the nearby island of Sant’Antioco. This crossing also takes about 30 minutes and is served by Delcomar with several sailings each day.
Private Transfers
Carloforte Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to reach or depart from Carloforte, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service to the ferry ports connecting the island to mainland Sardinia. It’s a convenient option for travellers visiting San Pietro Island, avoiding the need to coordinate public transport or car hire.
Transfers can be arranged from Cagliari Elmas Airport, which operates regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also link Carloforte (via the ferry ports at Portovesme or Calasetta) with destinations such as Carbonia, Sant’Antioco, and Iglesias, allowing you to travel comfortably and with ease across south-western 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 operates regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also link Carloforte (via the ferry ports at Portovesme or Calasetta) with destinations such as Carbonia, Sant’Antioco, and Iglesias, allowing you to travel comfortably and with ease across south-western 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.
