San Pietro Island

Description

San Pietro Island is an island approximately 7 kilometres off the South western Coast of Sardinia, Italy, facing the Sulcis peninsula. With 51 square kilometres it is the sixth largest island of Italy by area. The approximately 6,000 inhabitants are mostly concentrated in the fishing town of Carloforte, the only comune in the island. It is included in the province of Carbonia-Iglesias. It is named after Saint Peter. The island is connected by regular ferry service to Portovesme and Calasetta. The island is of volcanic origin. The 18 kilometres (11 miles) of its coasts are mostly rocky; the western and northern part includes some natural grottoes, unprotected landings, with a few small beaches, in general here the coast is usually very steep, rocky. The eastern coast, on which the port of Carloforte lies, is more protected low and sandy. Off the north-western coast are two small islands, the Isola dei Ratti and Isola Piana. The latter includes the remains of one of the largest tonnara in Italy, now turned into a tourist resort.