Marine area of ​​Capo Carbonara (Villasimius)

The Protected Marine Area of ​​Capo Carbonara is located in the south-east of Sardinia and can be considered divided into two large bays by the Capo Carbonara-Isola dei Cavoli complex.
The coast includes granite coastal areas of various shapes, sandy and pebble beaches, but also wetlands such as the beautiful Notteri pond.
The difference in the environments along the coast line is essentially determined by two factors: the wave motion and the wind which exert an erosive and smoothing action.

But also the numerous seasonal streams (the Rii) transport the sediments, feeding the coasts with precious “sands” and generating a kaleidoscope of small and large beaches nestled between the rocky promontories that are the continuation of the rocky ridges towards the sea.  belonging to the granite mountains of the Seven Brothers.
To protect the sandy coast, nature has inserted the Posidonia oceanica plant which naturally when it leaves the seabed is deposited in the beach forming mounds called “banquettes”, which are able to mitigate the force of the wave motion and therefore erosion.  of the beach.

Posidonia protects the beaches from erosion by protecting them while keeping the main economic value of Villasimius intact, but also the symbol of the naturalistic excellence of the Marine Protected Area.

Absolutely not to be missed for a visit the beach of Porto Giunco, Porto Sa Ruxi, Campulongu, the beautiful cove of Punta Molentis, but also the most popular beach of Simius.

News on the A.M.P.  Capo Carbonara

The Marine Protected Area of ​​Capo Carbonara was established on September 15, 1998 by a decree of the Ministry of the Environment and subsequently entrusted to the management of the municipality of Villasimius.

The protected area extends to the sea for about 86 square kilometers and is divided into areas of different protection for the flora, fauna and coastal habitats governed for their use by a special regulation for users.

Professional and sport fishing, navigation, guided tours, access and walkways on the beaches and the coast are regulated.

Obviously the results obtained, the management body which boasts a director in collaboration with the common local authority have managed to enhance the area both from an environmental and aesthetic point of view.

The especially marine biodiversity present in the Marine Area is also protected in the various scientific surveys carried out;  numerous safeguard projects are also carried out in collaboration with the local Ceas, with other Marine Areas, with the University and with the Ministry.

Environmental Education is aimed at both the local population and tourists with the express purpose of learning how to support the environment, there are numerous awareness campaigns on the main issues of respect for ecosystems and knowledge of EU directives for the dune strips of the beaches  , the protection of the coastline and the animal and plant organisms present in this area.

At the same time it is possible to take guided tours with environmental guides, diving, snorkeling, rent a dinghy, visit the coast and the numerous beaches with public transport and at the same time enjoy the view and the welcome of the town of Villasimius with the  its evening walk full of small events and manifestations.

For those who dive, the possibility of visiting the wrecks is very wide.  Due to the strong storms and the various shoals present in the A.M.P.  , several wrecks from different eras lie on the seabed.

Among these: the Roman galley in the Berni shoal, the Spanish sailing ship at Punta Molentis, the wreck of the pipes at Isola dei Cavoli, the Egle cargo ship at the shoal of Santa Caterina, the Elba Ferry at Capo Carbonara.

Marine flora and fauna.

In the site there are practically all the species of the Mediterranean, it is enough to do even just a little snorkeling to see the triggerfish or the glances approaching without fear.  In fact, fish have been accustomed to the presence of man for years of peaceful coexistence (underwater fishing is prohibited).

There are several dive sites to observe groupers (Serpentara), wrasses, corvines, but also gorgonians, sponges of various colors and frequently starfish.

The flora in the area is well represented above all by the oceanic posidonia which creates large meadows in the sandy bottoms.