Carloforte, Fishing commune on San Pietro Island, Sardinia, Italy.
Carloforte is a fishing commune on the southern coast of San Pietro Island in the Province of South Sardinia, known for its Ligurian origins. The settlement follows a rocky coastline with sandy coves, while traditional fishing boats rest alongside ferry vessels in the harbor.
The commune was established in 1738 by 30 coral fishing families from Pegli near Genoa who had previously settled in Tabarka, Tunisia. These settlers brought their Ligurian language and fishing tradition to San Pietro Island.
Residents speak Tabarchino, a Ligurian dialect that appears on shop signs and in everyday conversation throughout the town. Local schools teach this language variant to younger generations, keeping the linguistic heritage alive in daily community life.
Ferries operated by Delcomar run year-round between the port and the Sardinian mainland at Portovesme, as well as to Sant'Antioco Island at Calasetta. Buses connect the ferry terminal with the town center, and many visitors explore the coast on foot or by bicycle.
The former tuna processing plant north of the settlement now houses a wind-surfing school while preserving its original industrial architecture. Large halls and steel frames now serve as workshops and storage spaces for boards and sails.
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