Porto Conte Sailing and Mooring Guide

Porto Conte is a large, almost landlocked bay about 6M west of Alghero. It’s a spectacular place framed by impressive limestone cliffs and wooded hinterland, surrounded by clear blue water.

In calm weather, you can anchor anywhere but note that strong gusts often come off the high ground on the west side of the bay and cause a swell. During such weather, the best anchorage is at Cala Torre del Conte.

Approach

The steep sheer cliffs of Capo Caccia, with a lighthouse atop, are easily seen. From any corner of this bay, you will admire the landscapes. To all sailors, this is considered the largest natural port in the Mediterranean. Since ancient times, it has been a destination and natural protection for ships, vessels, and craft.

The lighthouse on the top of Capo Caccia, located about 150 meters above sea level, with its potent four light rays, is visible from over twenty miles in good weather conditions. Therefore, it is a good help and an essential reference for all boats passing through the area. There are plenty of activities: diving sites, hiking trails, bike tours, caves, and beaches. Of course, Neptune’s Cave is a must-visit.

On the bay’s east side, a large protected anchorage area is located north of the Cala Torre del Conte marina.

Anchorage

Cala Torre del Conte

Coordinates: 40° 35.82′ N, 8° 12.80′ E

You can anchor in 5-7m on sand or mud. This anchorage provides shelter from NE to SW and south swells.

Mooring

Porto Conte Marina – Centro Nautico

Coordinates: 40° 35.65′ N, 8° 12.82′ E

Max Draft: 3m

Max Length: 20m

There is a nightclub near Porto Conte during the summer.

Porto Conte Ovest (West)

Coordinates: 40° 36.33′ N, 8° 11.28′ E

There are about 14 buoys available. Call: +39 376 039 6415.

Other Anchorages

Cala del Bollo

Coordinates: 40° 34.92′ N, 8° 10.00′ E

Anchor in 4-10m on sand. There is a swell, but a nice restaurant is ashore. You can also anchor at the southern end of the cove under Punta del Bollo.

Cala Tramariglio

Coordinates: 40° 35.53′ N, 8° 10.33′ E

You can pick up a mooring or go stern to the end of the pontoon. The bottom is sand and seaweed.

Spiaggia di Mugoni

Coordinates: 40° 36.70′ N, 8° 12.10′ E

The bottom is sand and seaweed. It can be noisy at night. There is a small, nice museum on Saint Exupéry in the tower of Porto Conte.

Note: Strong gusts often come off the high land on the west side of the bay. With strong southerlies, there is a swell into the bay. During such weather, the best anchorage is in Cala Torre del Conte.