Stage 13 – from Capo Sandalo Lighthouse to Carloforte

TECHNICAL DATA STAGE 13:

• Stage 13 length: 29.9 km

• Elevation gain: +524 m and –597 m

• Maximum gradient: +16.1%

• Minimum gradient: -16.5%

Highest point: (near Loc. Guardia dei Mori) elevation: 185 m (above sea level).

STAGE 13 DESCRIPTION:

After enjoying the view of the open sea, which can be appreciated from the end point of this route, you retrace your steps back to Loc. Gioia, where you rejoin the main stage.

This route generally does not feature significant gradients, except for the section about 1 km from the Cala Fico parking area up to the junction for Capo Becco, where the average gradient is 2.8%.

Back on the main route at Loc. Gioia, continue on towards Carloforte, reaching the southernmost area of the Saline after passing the two archaeological sites: the Pyramid (of Nuragic origin) and Nuraghe Laveria, where the central tower of the nuraghe is partially integrated with the ruined structures of the old laveria.

Near the Saline, turning left offers a shortcut straight back to Carloforte via the Salina route, while turning right leads you southwest to cross the SP 03 and reach La Caletta beach.

From there, the trail continues along roads leading to various beaches, coves, and cliffs, passing the panoramic viewpoint of Cala Mezzaluna, the cliff at Punta delle Colonne, La Bobba beach, Guidi beach, Punta Nera beach, Girin beach, and returning to the Saline area by Giunco beach.

After passing the cemetery and following the paved road that skirts the northwestern part of the Saline, you reach the entrance to the path inside the Saline’s outer embankment; from here, you go directly to the southern part of the Port, near the town center.

From here you can turn left and head towards the Torre di San Vittorio, which houses a small yet evocative archaeological museum of the island.

After visiting the museum (be sure to check opening hours and, if necessary, make a reservation), return to the port and to the ferry departure dock.

For those wishing to visit Carloforte, it is worth noting that it is a Ligurian language island: San Pietro Island was colonized—after centuries of abandonment—in 1738 by Genoese from Tabarka, an island now connected to the Tunisian coast.

The town center is characterized by the typical “carrugi” (narrow Genoese alleys), much appreciated by tourists who, in these winding streets, can find numerous eateries offering fish dishes, especially tuna.

At the port, you can admire the unique structure of the Teatro Cavallera, while in the center you can visit the ethnographic museum at Casa del Duca, where a large part of the exhibition is dedicated to the tradition of tuna fishing (for which these waters are particularly renowned).

On the highest part of the town, the ancient city walls and the Porta del Leone are still clearly visible. Once you have finished your sightseeing tour of Carloforte—which is best enjoyed on foot—you board the ferry to return to Portoscuso.