Carloforte

Carloforte is a charming village on San Pietro Island, in southwestern Sardinia, about 60 km from Carbonia. With around 6,000 inhabitants, the town is famous for its pastel-colored houses, cobbled streets, and lively atmosphere that blends maritime traditions with Ligurian culture, inherited from the Tabarchino settlers who arrived from Tabarca in the 17th century.

The historic center is a maze of alleys opening onto the harbor, the pulsating heart of town life, where fishermen dock their boats every day and restaurants serve local specialties based on tuna, shellfish, and other seafood. The colorful façades, flowered balconies, and inner courtyards tell the story of a community proud of its Mediterranean roots.

Carloforte boasts a strong gastronomic tradition, with a particular focus on tuna processing and the preparation of traditional sweets such as cucuruzza and Tabarchino cookies. The annual Tuna Festival attracts visitors from across the island and abroad, celebrating the deep bond between the community and the sea.

The surrounding beaches, such as La Bobba and Guidi, offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters, while scenic trails and nature paths allow visitors to explore cliffs plunging into the sea, hidden coves, and the Mediterranean scrub covering the inland hills. Carloforte is therefore a true paradise for sailing, snorkeling, and trekking enthusiasts.

Within this area of great natural and cultural value, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity plays a crucial role. In Carloforte, Erica Di Pasqua works as a custodian farmer of Facussa (Cucumis melo L.), a traditional local melon variety. Thanks to her dedication, this native crop continues to be preserved and promoted, helping to keep the island’s agricultural and cultural identity alive and passing on a unique and valuable rural heritage to future generations.