Area Marina Protetta Capo Carbonara

The Zones of the Marine Protected Area

General Rules:

In the whole Marine Protected Area it is not allowed to:
- hunt, seize, collect, damage animal and vegetable species and, in general, carry out any activity that may cause danger or disturbance to these species, including the introduction of other species;
- directly or indirectly alter the biochemical features of water, unload solid and liquid waste and, in general, introduce any substance that can change, also temporarily, the features of the marine environment;
- introduce weapons, explosives, or any means of destruction and seizure, as well as toxic and polluting substances;
- carry out activities that can cause damage, obstacle, or disturbance to study and scientific research programs carried out in the area.

Further information

The History of Capo Carbonara

The small Municipality of Carbonara, which became Villasimius only in 1862, had been named after the intense charcoal production characterizing the area in the past.
In the past centuries, its coasts had always been a strategic area to watch over the marine trade. This is demonstrated by the presence of several watchtowers built here since the Middle Ages - often on the ruins of an ancient "nuraghe" - and the fact that the coast was often attacked by the Barbary corsairs.

Further information

Natural Environment

The underwater setting is characterized by granite rocks forming pinnacles and bulwards, depressions, fissures and tafoni, often covered with the Yellow Cluster Anemones and with red gorgonians. Near the Variglioni of Isola dei Cavoli it is frequent to meet shoals of Mediterranean barracudas and follow them while they are looking for food, also thanks to the great transparency of water. Near Secca di Cala Caterina it is possible to dive and admire a wonderful underwater setting made of granite landslides inhabited by a quiet population of big-size groupers and gilt-headed breams.

• Fauna
• Flora