The pirate Barbarossa and the Castellaccio dell'Asinara
The legendary pirate Barbarossa, a feared corsair of the Mediterranean, is also tied to the history of Asinara. It is said that in the 16th century, his raids reached the island, leaving a mark on local memory. As a testament to that turbulent era stands the Castellaccio of Asinara, an ancient medieval fortification perched in a panoramic position, once used as a refuge and strategic lookout over the sea.
Today, the site is a fascinating historical landmark offering a stunning view over the entire archipelago.
La Flora dell'Asinara:
Un Mosaico di Macchia Mediterranea
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
Le Specie Endemiche: Tesori Botanici Unici
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
Il Fiordaliso Spinoso: Un Fossile Vivente
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
Euforbia e Ginepro Fenicio: Le Specie che Colorano il Paesaggio
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
La Fauna dell'Asinara:
Oltre 270 Specie di Vertebrati
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
Uccelli: Un Crocevia Migratorio Monitorato da Oltre 20 Anni
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
Mammiferi: Mufloni, Cinghiali e l'Asinello Bianco
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
When it comes to pirates at Asinara it must be emphasized that we do not have any historical certainties about it; therefore, it is always better to start the story about the pirate Red Beard with "it is said that" or "the legend tells that". Certainly there was the presence of pirates, as in the whole Mediterranean, and it is likely that they have been on the island of Asinara for quite some time and then were chased away.
Archaeological studies are so far behind that it has not yet been clarified whether the Castellaccio was built by the pirate Red Beard, as it has not yet been determined when the building was built. There are different schools of thought in this regard, at least three strands to follow, but unfortunately, until adequate archaeological excavations are made in those areas, neither the dates nor the presence of certain characters who contributed to making the history of the Asinara island. However, it is necessary to underline the importance of the studies carried out on the island by the University of Sassari, which will shortly publish studies on these issues.
Who knows why the fate of this island has been so bloody at times, complete with pirates who stayed there to plunder passing ships or to make occasional raids in Porto Torres, the only inhabited center on kilometers of virgin coast. The pirate was called Red Beard and the remains of a castle remain, indeed a Castellaccio, which still has to be studied and excavated by scholars and archaeologists. There are no certainties about this character, it is said that he was an important exponent of an important Turkmen family with instance in Algiers and from there he left for the whole Mediterranean to make raids. The water channel between the Asinara and the Piana island is an obligatory passage for those who want to cross the Gulf of Asinara and the stronghold occupied by pirates was the ideal place for those who wanted to control the naval flow of that area.
It is said that land raids were also made to kidnap people, enslave them and redistribute them in the Mediterranean. Sometimes when certain ships passed by, the pirates were able to confuse their navigation and run the boats aground near the coast, which were then more easily plundered of goods and men.
The strategic position of the island of Asinara was too important to leave it in the hands of criminals, so, with a probable intervention by the institutions of the time, the pirates were chased away and of them only a legend remains to be told both to the little ones and to the older ones.
If you liked this article and you feel like going on an excursion to the Asinara National Park, contact us: we organize guided tours and excursions to Asinara with the lowest prices in Stintino for this summer 2025
How much it costs to visit Asinara?
With us the landing fee at the Asinara National Park is included in the price and if you choose the half-day excursion you will have a free tasting of Sardinian products.
VISITA GUIDATA ALL'ASINARA IN CATAMARANO
Giornata Intera
09:30 - 17:30
Dal 1 Maggio al 30 Giugno
Catamarano in esclusiva 1200€
a persona 100€ € (90 € ridotto)
Luglio
Catamarano in esclusiva: 1500€
a persona 125 € (115€ ridotto)
Agosto
Catamarano in esclusiva: 1620€
a persona 135 € (125€ ridotto)
Dal 1 settembre al 30 ottobre
Catamarano in esclusiva: 1200€
a persona 100€ € (90 € ridotto)
GITA ALL'ASINARA
DI MEZZA
GIORNATA
Mezza Giornata
09:30 - 13:30
14:00 - 18:00
Dal 1 Maggio al 30 Giugno
Gommone in esclusiva 780€
a persona 65€ (60 € ridotto)
Luglio-Agosto
Gommone in esclusiva: 900€
a persona 75 € (70€ ridotto)
Dal 1 settembre al 30 ottobre
Gommone in esclusiva 780€
a persona 65€ (60 € ridotto)
Domande Frequenti
Cos'è l'asinello bianco dell'Asinara e dove si può osservare?
L'asino bianco (Equus asinus var. albina) è una varietà albina caratterizzata da mantello bianco, pelle rosata e iride rosa-celeste, alta circa 1 metro al garrese. La popolazione attuale conta circa 120 individui distribuiti sull'isola, con piccoli nuclei aggiuntivi anche in altre aree della Sardegna.
Quali sono le specie vegetali endemiche più importanti dell'Asinara?
Le due specie più rilevanti, protette dalla Direttiva Habitat europea, sono Centaurea horrida (fiordaliso spinoso), esclusiva della Sardegna, e Anchusa crispa ssp. crispa, endemismo sardo-corso presente solo a Cala Spalmatore.
Quante specie di uccelli si possono osservare all'Asinara?
Sono state censite circa 242 specie di uccelli, di cui 73 nidificanti sull'isola. Ottanta specie rivestono un interesse conservazionistico a livello europeo, inclusi falco grillaio e gabbiano corso, classificati di interesse globale.
Dove si trova il fiordaliso spinoso (Centaurea horrida)?
La zona migliore per osservarlo è lungo le coste alte e scoscese vicino a Punta Sa Nave, dove forma pulvini grigio-cenere spesso in associazione con l'astragalo di Terracciano.
Perché ci sono mufloni e cinghiali sull'Asinara?
Entrambe le specie sono state introdotte: il muflone negli anni Cinquanta dalla colonia di Capo Figari, il cinghiale negli anni Sessanta a partire da una coppia proveniente da Cossoine. L'assenza di predatori naturali ha favorito la crescita di entrambe le popolazioni.
Esiste un bosco sull'Asinara?
Sì, il nucleo boschivo più significativo si trova a Elighe Mannu, dove sopravvive una lecceta importante. Sono presenti anche esemplari isolati di Quercus congesta e della rara quercia da sughero (Quercus suber).
Quali invertebrati di interesse scientifico vivono sull'Asinara?
Sono state censite oltre 500 specie di insetti, tra cui endemismi esclusivi dell'isola come Typhloreicheia arganoi, Pseudomeira sinuariae e Trachyphloeus belloi, oggetto di studio da parte dell'Istituto di Entomologia dell'Università di Sassari.
