Capo Coda Cavallo

The Capo Coda Cavallo anchorage is located near the promontory of the same name in the province of Olbia Tempio in northeastern Sardinia. The anchorage is located in the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallomarine protected natural area, which includes the Molara, Molarotto and Tavolara islands.

The protected area is divided into zones more or less forbidden to navigation; around the islands Tavolara and Molarotto, for example, bathing is prohibited, and diving excursions are only allowed with a guide.

In the anchorages of Capo Coda Cavallo it is possible to moor and drop anchor. The inlet is very wide and protected from the sirocco winds, which is precisely why it is so popular, the almost total protection from winds and currents.

The water is crystal clear and among the warmest in all of Sardinia, so crowding is inevitable. In front of the Anchorages is a long, very beautiful beach, but it is not the only one; the entire coast is dotted with coves and white sandy beaches.

The place is lovely, behind the long narrow beach is unspoiled nature and over the hill in front of the bay is a well-equipped resort.

Leaving the anchorage in a southerly direction, there is a strait between the headland and Molara Island, which is a bit difficult to cross in strong winds.

Skirting the promontory in a westerly direction about two hundred meters from a small island near the coast is a rock on the surface called Moor’s Head to which one must pay close attention.

On the opposite side, in the direction of Porto San Paolo, there are many coves sheltered from the wind with wonderful white sand beaches where you can moor and swim.

Attention must be paid to the seabed, as there are often semi-outcropping rocks; also look out for a shipwreck near the ports.

The anchorages of Capo Coda Cavallo are a destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, although in much of the area they are only allowed accompanied by licensed guides. Near Tavolara Island, navigation is almost entirely interdicted, partly due to military installations of the Spalmatore di Fuori.

Ashore landing is allowed only with the permission of the owners, and a major international film festival is held each year in the summer.

Molara Island is rocky and impassable, yet it is inhabited due to the presence of numerous water sources. This island, like Tavolara, is also privately owned. Molarotto Island is little more than a rock a few dozen square meters in size. Vegetation is sparse, but there are endemic animal species and it is so frequented by seabirds that it is often completely covered with them.

Proratora Island is an uninhabited rock 350 meters long and is about 200 meters from Capo Coda Cavallo.