Half‑Day to Torre delle Stelle: A private gozzo along Cagliari’s southern coast

Torre delle Stelle sits along the southeastern coastline of Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy - and a half-day aboard a private gozzo from Marina di Bonaria is one of the clearest ways to meet this shoreline. Departing on the Mimì 9.50, the trip threads past the Sella del Diavolo promontory, slips into small coves and sea caves like Cala Fighera, and reaches the emerald swims of Mari Pintau before easing into the calm water off Torre delle Stelle.

The line between cliff and sea here is rugged: compact limestone and volcanic outcrops carve small inlets, while beaches collect polished pebbles and sand. Underwater, meadows of Posidonia oceanica shelter juvenile fish and, on lucky days, glimpses of Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle). The tour emphasizes slow, small-group exploration - stops for snorkeling over shallow reef, a short swim from the stern, and an aperitivo on board featuring typical Sardinian bites and chilled drinks. Traveling on a reserved gozzo gives the kind of privacy and flexibility larger boats can’t match; the captain sets the rhythm based on sea conditions and your group’s wishes.

This outing is practical and pleasurable. The itinerary starts at Marina di Bonaria, rounds the Sella del Diavolo, visits Cala Fighera’s natural cavity, crosses to Mari Pintau’s crystalline waters for swimming, then spends relaxed time near Torre delle Stelle before returning. Because the skipper chooses exact anchor spots for safety and conservation, you’ll often find pockets of near-solitude at little-access coves that reward a short snorkel or a lazy drift.

What makes this boat tour stand out is its local scale: a traditional gozzo, an intimate crew, and an onboard aperitivo of regional products that turn a simple cruise into a small celebration of Sardinian coastal life. It’s equally well-suited to swimmers who want to snorkel around hidden ledges and to travelers seeking an open-air, low-effort way to read the coastline from the sea.

Safety and stewardship are woven into the experience: itineraries change with weather and the captain’s judgment, and guests are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid anchoring over seagrass. Practical tips: basic swimming ability, light footwear to step on pebbly beaches, and a camera for low-angle cliff shots. For anyone stopping in Cagliari, a half-day from Marina di Bonaria aboard Mimì 9.50 is an immediate, marine-first introduction to Sardinia’s southern shore.

Onboard, the skipper often points out coastal markers - the jagged ripple of ancient sedimentary layers, small colonies of coastal thyme and mastic that perfume the breeze, and the faint remnants of old shepherd tracks visible from the water. The aperitivo showcases pane carasau, pecorino, and local cured meats; pacing the trip around swims keeps the day unhurried, making it ideal for families, small groups seeking a gentle day.