Mortorio Island
A wild and protected island, with turquoise waters that seem unreal. The boat ride offers breathtaking views of one of the most pristine places in north-east Sardinia.
Discover Mortorio Island
Mortorio Island is one of the most evocative and uncontaminated places of the entire Costa Smeralda. Located between Porto Rotondo, Portisco and Cala di Volpe, it is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and is a protected marine area, which means that disembarking on the beach is not permitted, but you can approach it by boat to admire all its beauty.
The island is characterized by smooth granite rocks, small reliefs covered with Mediterranean scrub and a sea that ranges from blue to the most intense turquoise. The famous Mortorio beach, seen from the boat, seems a living postcard, an almost surreal place for its purity and colors.
It is one of the most sought-after anchorages for those sailing by dinghy or boat along the coast: transparent waters, very light sandy seabeds and absolute peace. Even just passing by leaves an indelible memory, made of wild nature and total silence.
A true corner of paradise, to be respected and admired without disturbing.
What to expect in this paradise
A silent and timeless island, where nature reigns supreme. Approaching by boat means being enveloped by uncontaminated landscapes, transparent water and a feeling of authentic wonder. Ideal for a stop at anchor, a perfect photo or a moment of contemplation in total harmony with the sea.
Tour Mortorio Island by dinghy
Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mortorio Island located?
Mortorio Island is located in north-eastern Sardinia, off the Costa Smeralda, between the areas of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. It belongs to a group of smaller islands connected to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, together with Soffi and Le Camere, in one of the most scenic stretches of sea in Gallura.
Mortorio is a granite island, uninhabited and characterized by rugged coastlines, Mediterranean vegetation and exceptionally clear waters. Despite being very close to the mainland, it has preserved a wild and untouched appearance, making it one of the most iconic sights for those navigating between the Costa Smeralda and the archipelago.
How can you reach Mortorio Island?
From a geographical point of view, Mortorio is easy to locate by sea along the stretch between Porto Rotondo, Capriccioli and the Romazzino coastline. Its proximity to the mainland makes it a well-known reference point for navigation in this part of Sardinia.
However, from a visitor’s perspective, it is essential to understand that Mortorio is a strictly protected area. The island falls within a high-level environmental protection zone, where landing is not allowed and navigation or anchoring may be restricted or regulated depending on the specific protected areas and current regulations.
For this reason, Mortorio should not be considered a typical stop where visitors can go ashore. Instead, it is best experienced from the sea, respecting all environmental rules and checking the latest regulations before planning any route.
With Flag Sardinia, Mortorio can be included in a panoramic RIB boat itinerary along the Costa Smeralda and nearby islands, always respecting the protection rules of the marine area.
What is Mortorio Island famous for?
Mortorio Island is mainly known for its exceptional natural and landscape value. Its waters are considered among the clearest in this part of Sardinia, and the island is often associated with striking views of turquoise sea, light granite rocks and completely preserved nature.
Another distinctive aspect is its protection status: Mortorio is one of the most strictly protected areas among the islands facing the Costa Smeralda. This level of protection has helped preserve its authenticity and keeps it very different from more accessible and crowded destinations.
From a wildlife perspective, the island is also important for nesting species such as the Audouin’s gull and the peregrine falcon, highlighting its ecological relevance within the marine and island ecosystem.
What can you do around Mortorio Island?
In the case of Mortorio, the experience is not about a typical beach day, but rather about scenic navigation and observation. The true value of the area lies in admiring the island and its surrounding waters from a privileged perspective, appreciating the purity of the environment and the contrast between granite, vegetation and the different shades of the sea.
Those navigating in this area particularly enjoy the views of the island, its coves and the surrounding waters, often including Mortorio within broader itineraries that also cover Soffi, Le Camere and the Costa Smeralda coastline between Capriccioli, Romazzino and Porto Rotondo.
Because it is a protected area, the best way to experience Mortorio is through a respectful approach: observation, photography, scenic cruising and full compliance with environmental regulations.
When is the best time to see Mortorio Island?
The best time to admire Mortorio is from late spring to early autumn, when the sea conditions in Gallura are generally at their best and water visibility is particularly high.
June and September are especially recommended, as they offer a more relaxed navigation experience compared to the peak of August, while still providing excellent light conditions and pleasant temperatures for spending time at sea.
During the high summer season, the area remains extremely attractive, but due to increased boat traffic along the Costa Smeralda, it becomes even more important to navigate carefully, respect protected zones and plan routes in accordance with current regulations.
Why see Mortorio Island during a boat tour?
Seeing Mortorio during a boat tour is primarily a scenic experience. From the sea, the island reveals its full visual impact: rugged coastlines, light granite formations, Mediterranean vegetation and water that can display almost unreal shades of blue and turquoise.
A RIB boat also allows you to design a richer itinerary along this part of Gallura, combining Mortorio with other destinations along the Costa Smeralda and nearby islands, always respecting access and navigation restrictions within the protected marine area.
With Flag Sardinia, Mortorio becomes a highly scenic highlight within a fully customized day at sea, enhancing the beauty of the area without forcing access that would conflict with its protected status.
