Island of White Donkeys and Glassy Seas: Exploring Asinara National Park
Sail, snorkel, and meet the island’s famous white donkeys on a protected slice of Sardinia’s wild northwest.
You step off the rib with salt in your hair and the island already has its face turned to you. From Stintino the water reads like a page—pale turquoise flats that deepen into the cobalt of the Mediterranean—and Asinara rises from that palette like a quiet, granite promise. The shoreline is serrated with coves and cliffs, the bays are shallow and luminous, and the only sound besides gulls and the occasional croak of a donkey is the wash of the sea against hull.
Trail Wisdom
Book an environmental-guided boat
Choose tours that include an Environmental Guide—these operators work within the park’s buoy system and explain rules, wildlife, and safe swim spots.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The park protects sensitive seagrass and marine invertebrates; use mineral sunscreen to reduce chemical impact in the water.
Pack a light wind layer
Mornings can be calm but afternoons on the open water get breezy—bring a windbreaker for the return leg.
Respect buoy zones
Swim and snorkel only at authorized buoyed stops—anchoring or entering restricted coves harms seagrass and is subject to fines.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Piscine di Fornelli — a sheltered natural pool with clear, shallow water ideal for relaxed snorkeling
- •Cala Sabina — a quieter cove reachable by minivan tours with dramatic cliff vistas
Wildlife
white donkeys, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Conservation Note
The park enforces designated buoy zones and limited landings to protect Posidonia meadows and Pinna nobilis; visitors should follow guide instructions and use reef-safe products.
Asinara served as an internment and high-security prison through much of the 20th century; restricted access preserved ecosystems that later became the national park.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: calm seas, wildflowers and birdwatching, mild boat days
Challenges: unpredictable wind early in season, cooler water temperatures
Late spring brings quiet waters, wildflower months on shore, and ideal conditions for landing and exploring before the summer crowd.
summer
Best for: warm sea swimming, full-day sailing, dolphin sightings
Challenges: peak crowds in July–August, strong midday sun
Summer is peak season for swimming and snorkeling, but book ahead and aim for earlier departures to avoid the busiest hours.
fall
Best for: clear water snorkeling, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures
Challenges: shorter daylight, occasional autumn storms
Early autumn keeps warm sea temps and quieter ports—perfect for photographers and relaxed exploration.
winter
Best for: storm-watching from the mainland, bird migration observation
Challenges: most boat operators suspend tours, cold, rough seas
Winter brings closures and rougher seas; the island is dramatically beautiful but largely inaccessible for day trips.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Snorkel mask and finsEssential
Personal gear fits better than rentals and lets you spend more time exploring Posidonia meadows.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects fragile marine habitats while keeping you comfortable on deck.
Light waterproof windbreakerEssential
A thin layer blocks sea spray and evening chill during the return crossing.
Waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
Keeps essentials dry while you swim and offers easy access for photos.
Common Questions
How do I get to Asinara National Park?
Most visitors take a day tour by boat from Stintino (Porto Mannu) or book a minivan transfer that includes a permitted landing; private boats must follow park rules and use authorized moorings.
Can I swim anywhere around the island?
No—swimming is allowed at authorized buoyed spots. Guides will lead you to permitted bays to protect seagrass and marine life.
Will I see the white donkeys?
Yes—white donkeys are commonly seen at Cala Reale and around inland tracks, but they are wild-roaming; do not feed or approach them closely.
Are tours suitable for children?
Many catamaran and sailing trips welcome families; choose smaller boats for calmer experiences and ensure children have flotation and supervision during swim stops.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Some operators provide basic snorkel sets, but bringing your own mask and fins ensures better fit and hygiene.
Are there restroom or food facilities on the island?
Facilities are limited—most lunches are served aboard; Cala Reale has basic services, but bring water and snacks if you plan extra time onshore.
What to Pack
snorkel mask and fins for clearer exploration; reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life; light windbreaker for sea breezes; water and snacks for limited onshore facilities
Did You Know
Asinara was used as a high-security prison until the late 1990s; much of the island’s relative ecological intactness is a result of restricted access during that era.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures to avoid afternoon winds; bring local cash for small purchases in Stintino; confirm buoy/swim stops with your operator; pack light and waterproof everything.
Local Flavor
Stintino’s portside tavernas serve freshly grilled fish, mussels, and local specialties like bottarga and fregola; pair your meal with a chilled Sardinian Vermentino for an authentic coastal finish.
Logistics Snapshot
Departures: Port Mannu (Stintino); Typical duration: 7–8 hours; Booking: recommended in advance (small boats fill fast); Rules: stay within buoyed swim zones and follow park guide instructions.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators authorized by the park; avoid single-use plastics, use reef-safe sunscreen, and never feed or approach wildlife—these small acts help protect Posidonia meadows and endangered species like Pinna nobilis and loggerhead turtles.