Capo Coda Cavallo  

The anchorage of Capo Coda Cavallo raises near the namesake promontory in the province of Olbia Tempio, in north-eastern Sardinia. The anchorage is situated within the protected natural marine reserve of Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo which includes Molara, Molarotto and Tavolara islands.

The protected reserve is divided into different zones where boats are not always allowed to enter; around the Tavolara and Molarotto islands, for example, bathing and diving are exclusively permitted if accompanied by a guide.

In the anchorage of Capo Coda Cavallo, boats are allowed to moor and drop the anchorag. The cove is indeed very large and well-sheltered from sirocco winds, which makes it an interesting attraction for many tourists.

The sea is crystal-blue and among the warmest ones of Sardinia, which makes crowding inevitable. Opposite the anchorage raises a very beautiful beach. It is not the only one of the zone since the whole coastline offers a series of white-sand beaches and bays.

The place is enchanting. Behind the narrow and long beach, nature offers pristine scenarios while, on the hill opposite the bay, raises an equipped holiday village.

Going out of the anchorage towards South, between the promontory and Molara island, there is a strait where, in the event of strong wind, it is very difficult to sail.

About 200 metres west of a neighbouring islet, boaters are recommmended to use caution because of an insidious rock known as Testa di Moro.

In the opposite side, in the direction of Porto San Paolo, there are many other well-sheltered bays and wonderful white-sand beaches where to moor or have a bath.

Boaters are always adviced to pay attention to low sea bottoms, rocks and even a ship wreck located near the port.

The anchorage of Capo Coda Cavallo is a popular destination among diving enthusiasts although, in a large part of the area, diving activities are exclusively allowed if accompanied by a guide. Near Tavolara Island, sailing is not allowed also because of the presence of some military installations situated in Spalmatore di Fuori.

The anchorage hosts an important international film festival every year.

Molara Island is rocky and arduous; however, it is inhabitated thanks to the presence of numerous water sources. Like Tavolara, this island, too, is a private property. The islet of Molarotto is little more than a rock, about 10 square metres large. Almost bare, the islet is however inhabitated by different species of birds.

Finally, Proratora Island is an uninhabitaed 350-metre-long rock situated about 200 metres away from Capo Coda Cavallo.