The Only Road on Asinara Island: Scenic Drive from Fornelli to Cala d’Oliva
The scenic Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road is the only paved road on the Italian island of Asinara, in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the best coastal drives in the world.
Where is the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road?
The road is located in the Province of Sassari, at the north-western tip of Sardinia, within the Asinara National Park. The island was only opened to tourism in 1999.
How long is the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road?
The road, the only one on the island, is 21.1 km (13.11 miles) long. It is concrete, which well integrates into the landscape, and links Fornelli in the south (where a maximum-security prison was formerly located) and Cala d'Oliva in the north. It’s a town which features low, white houses in the old quarter, while larger edifices in the upper quarter used to house the families of prison workers.
Is the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road worth the drive?
Following this road it is possible to observe the most important habitats of the island, the many distinctive characteristics of the landscape, its surprising biodiversity, the vegetation, as well as its terrain and historical features and its most characteristic species. Along the road you will also get to the main towns: Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva. It provides stunning coastal views.
When is the best time to drive the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road?
The best seasons to visit the area are spring and autumn. The drive offers fine, white sand, breathtaking panoramas, waters that range from hues of azure to turquoise, and one of the most beautiful seascapes of the entire Mediterranean.
Can I drive my vehicle on Asinara Island?
On Asinara Island, private cars are not allowed; only residents, staff, researchers, and park authorities can use them. Visitors must rely on authorized transport, such as guided tour vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, or small electric carts provided by the park or local operators. Parking is available only in designated areas near key sites like Cala d’Oliva and Cala Reale, and stopping outside these zones is prohibited to protect the island’s vegetation and wildlife. The rules are strictly enforced by the national park authority, and violations can result in fines or being asked to leave the island.
Pic: Mattia Pastrello