Capo Coda Cavallo: Coves, Islands and Marine Protected Area
Accommodation in Capo Coda Cavallo
Capo Coda Cavallo combines a distinctive granite coastline with small coves, island views and a marine protected area. The headland extends into a stretch of sea sheltered by the imposing mass of Tavolara. Together with Tavolara, Molara and the picturesque island of Proratora form a protected area there. For trip planning, landscapes, nature observation and maritime experiences come together within a compact thematic area.
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Photo: Benoît Prieur via Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Coves and Mediterranean coastal landscape
Several coves and beaches with different features lie along the coast. Cala Suaraccia, also known as Le Farfalle, is a small 70-metre-long cove on the Capo Coda Cavallo headland. Dense Mediterranean maquis surrounds the cove; junipers and mastic shrubs characterize this vegetation. Cala Brandinchi in the village of Capo Coda Cavallo is distinguished by very light sand, turquoise water and an extensive pine grove. Those comparing the two coastal areas will focus on specific features: the 70-metre-long cove with its maquis on the one hand, and light sand, turquoise water and pines on the other.
Punta Est: shallow water and seabeds
Punta Est is protected from most winds by its distinctive coastal shape. As a result, the sea there is often calm and almost lagoon-like. The water is very shallow near the shore, and Punta Est also offers beach services. From the beach, the seabeds can be explored with a mask and snorkel or diving equipment.
Marine protected area and paths through the maquis
The Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area supports various nature-based tourism activities, from diving to dolphin watching. At the same time, it aims to develop diving tourism in cooperation with dive centres. The island of Proratora, off the outermost tip of the cape, can be reached via a path surrounded by green vegetation. Lastra Ruja can also be reached via a footpath through the Mediterranean maquis. These paths complement the coastal and water-based experiences with travel on foot.
History at the viewpoint and in Cala Brandinchi
The Capo Coda Cavallo viewpoint preserves the well-preserved remains of a military outpost from the Second World War. Cala Brandinchi has a different historical connection: the place is associated with Giuseppe Garibaldi. Garibaldi embarked from this locality on 17 October 1867 after fleeing quarantine-bound Caprera, in order to take part in the liberation of Rome from papal rule.
Getting there and orientation
The Capo Coda Cavallo headland can be reached from San Teodoro via Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda. This route establishes a clear access connection to the coastal destination and makes it easier to understand the location of these coves, beaches, paths and islands.
More destinations
For further trip planning, you can also explore Budoni, Isola Rossa, Marinella, Abbiadori, Limpiddu, Palau, Luras and La Maddalena.
For the higher-level travel overview: Olbia-Tempio.
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