Area naturale marina protetta Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo, Marine protected area in northeastern Sardinia, Italy.
The Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo marine protected area lies along the northeastern coast of Sardinia, between the island of Tavolara and the sandy shores near San Teodoro. It covers open sea, rocky islets, coastal lagoons, and sandy seabeds at varying depths.
The area was designated a protected zone in 1997 to safeguard its coastal and marine ecosystems. Before that, the waters had long been used by local fishing communities based in the nearby towns.
Fishing families have shaped maritime life in this region for centuries through their daily practices and connection to the sea. Their boats and work rhythms remain visible features of the coastal communities today.
Some zones within the reserve are open for snorkeling and diving, while others require a permit to enter. In summer the beaches and boat access points tend to fill up early in the day, so arriving in the morning is a good idea.
The island of Tavolara, which defines much of the reserve's character, has a nearly vertical limestone cliff rising about 1,800 feet (560 meters) from the sea. The island's plateau is home to wild goats with golden teeth, a trait linked to a rare plant they feed on at the top.
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