Asinara by sailing ship, a day of coves, with lunch served on deck.

By boat, Asinara is seen where it is best seen: from the sea. The vintage sailing ship of Gite Asinara leaves Stintino in the morning, goes round the island by the north or the south depending on the wind, stops at the two historic villages and lets you swim in very clear coves. At midday they serve lunch on deck, at anchor.

The route in good weather

The boat sails at 9:30 from Piazzale Guardia Costiera, in Stintino harbour; arrive twenty minutes early. In normal wind, itinerary 1 goes up the east coast:

1. Cala d'Oliva: you go ashore to see the village of the old penal colony and the Diramazione Centrale, the prison, from outside. It has two beaches.
2. Cala del Bianco: a swim and lunch on board.
3. Cala Reale: the old lazaretto, a Roman-era wreck and the white donkeys. If you wish, you can go into the park's Sea Centre (€4, free up to age 12).
4. Li Graniti or Punta degli Inglesi, depending on the wind, for the last swim.

You return to Stintino at about 17:30 or 18:00.

If the grecale blows

With a strong north-easterly, the skipper switches to itinerary 2, along the south and west coast: a landing at Fornelli and a walk beside the old maximum-security prison, a swim at the Secca di Fornelli, lunch at Cala Graniti, the natural pools of Fornelli and a last swim at La Pelosa, from the boat. Stops and times depend on the sea and the skipper.

Lunch and price

Lunch includes a first course with prawn sauce, wine, water, coffee, Sardinian liqueurs and fruit. There is a gluten-free option if you ask. The price also includes the municipal landing tax of €5.

It costs €95 per adult in June and September, €105 in July and €110 in August. For ages 3 to 12, €65, €75 and €80. Up to age 2, free. Snorkelling gear can be hired on board for €4. The boat carries 30 to 35 people and sails with a minimum of 10. Cancelling is free up to 72 hours before.

Who it is for

For families and for anyone who does not want to drive or walk in the sun. If you get seasick, the day is long: choose the 4x4 tour, which uses the boat only to cross. Animals are not allowed.