A quick 5.5km drive north of Carloforte brings you to La Punta, a desolate, windswept point with sea views over to the offshore Isola Piana. In May and June crowds gather to witness the mattanza, the seasonal tuna slaughter, in front of the Tonnara, the island's abandoned tuna-processing plant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museo Civico

2.71 MILES

Uphill from the seafront, this small museum is housed in an 18th-century fort, one of the first masonry buildings to be erected on the island. Of chief…

2. Cala Fico

4.79 MILES

On the island's northwest coast, the rocky inlet of Cala Fico is one of the island's hidden beauty spots and, along with Isola del Corno, home to a…

3. Capo Sandalo

5.37 MILES

The westernmost point of the island, Capo Sandalo is a superb vantage point, commanding breathtaking views down the cliff-bound coast. From the car park…

4. Funtanamare Beach

9.41 MILES

The nearest beach to Iglesias is at Funtanamare (also spelt Fontanamare), about 12km west of town. A long strip of golden sand backed by dunes and fertile…

5. Monte Sirai

9.71 MILES

Monte Sirai, 4km northwest of Carbonia, is crowned by the remnants of a 7th-century-BC fort. Built by the Phoenicians of Sulci (modern-day Sant'Antioco)…

6. Tophet

10.79 MILES

Dating to the 8th century BC, the tophet was an ancient sanctuary used by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians to cremate and bury their children and still…

7. Museo Archeologico Ferruccio Barreca

10.82 MILES

This great little museum is one of the best in southern Sardinia. It has a fascinating collection of local archaeological finds, as well as models of…

8. Belvedere

10.94 MILES

This panoramic terrace, accessible by a cliffside path from Nebida's southern entrance, commands fabulous views. Dominating the seascape is the 133m-high…