In the arm of the sea that separates the Gallura mainland from the limestone complexes of the northeast coast of Sardinia, rises a rounded island whose silhouette recalls a grain mill. Part of the Olbia municipality, it lies within the protected boundaries of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, but unlike its nearby bigger sister, which is an imposing cathedral of white, sheer limestone, this rocky islet is distinguished by a geologic makeup entirely granitic, featuring gentle reliefs eroded by the sirocco. We speak of the stunning Molara Island.
Its name, probably derived from its shape resembling a millstone, already tells something about its profile: the absence of inhabited centers, the presence of few historic buildings, and the environmental protections have transformed it into a precious refuge for Mediterranean fauna and flora. Among centuries-old olive trees, lentiscs, junipers and fragrant rockroses find shelter rare bird species, while the sea guards a biodiversity among the richest in Sardinia.
The island, besides fabulous beaches, natural pools that enchant and a sea of brilliant colors, boasts millennial historical events. Consider that during the 3rd century AD the Roman authorities exiled here Pope Pontian (at least according to tradition) together with the priest Hippolytus. The event marked the Christian history of the Mediterranean, leading to the subsequent construction of a monastery and a small village named after Saint Peter.
The island’s most beautiful beaches
The Molara coastline alternates small coves, wind-smoothed rocks, and sandy stretches. The granite creates soft shapes, while the clear seabed amplifies the sun’s reflections, granting tones ranging from blue to emerald green. Much of the coves are reachable only by sea, and while this might seem a limitation, it is precisely this detail that makes this Sardinian island a true paradise.
The Molara Pools
They symbolize the island and are among the region’s most photographed vantage points. We refer to the Molara Pools, located on the southwest slope, whose fame owes to the extraordinary transparency of the water. The sandy seabed, covered by only a few meters of water, creates a striking optical effect that makes boats appear to hover on the blue.
Snorkeling offers close encounters with occhiate, castagnole, saraghi and small schools of fish that live undisturbed thanks to the protection of the marine area. The water’s clarity also makes visible the smallest details of the seabed.
Cove of the French
Among Molara’s most evocative inlets, the French Cove captivates with the combination of smooth granitic rocks and crystal-clear sea. The small light-colored sandy beach sits within a Mediterranean-vegetation environment, creating a spectacular color contrast. The seabed slopes gently, allowing observers to easily view fish and starfish just a few meters from shore.
Cove of the Turtle
The name recalls the former presence of marine turtles that frequented these clear waters. The bay alternates sand and low rocks shaped by the sea, offering perfect angles for those who love to observe the landscape at a relaxed pace. The water’s color continuously shifts during the day, from green to intense turquoise depending on the sun’s position.
Finanza Cove
Less known than the previous ones, Finanza Cove preserves a particularly tranquil atmosphere. The vegetation reaches almost to the shore and the granite carves small natural terraces facing the sea. The isolation contributes to making this cove one of the island’s most fascinating corners, especially in the early morning hours.
Cove of the Spaniards
Last but not least in beauty and charm, the compact Cove of the Spaniards stands as one of the most frequented landing points during organized excursions. From here depart some routes that lead to the historic testimonies scattered inland and toward the ancient farm buildings that arose in the 19th century.
What to see on Molara Island
Yes, Molara manages to win you over even away from the coast with its granitic hills, ancient fortifications and the trails that cross a landscape telling centuries of history, from Roman times to the giudical era.
- The Church of San Ponziano: houses the remains of a medieval building tied to the tradition of Pope Pontian’s exile.
- The Molara Castle: sits at the summit of Monte Casteddu. The fortification, built in the giudical era, was part of the defensive system of Gallura together with the Pedres castle and other strategic points for coastal surveillance.
- The ruins of the medieval village: tell of a period when Molara hosted a small stable community. Some documents also attest to the presence of a female monastery in the 15th century.
- The nineteenth-century old farm: testifies to a more recent phase of island history. Between pastures and cultivated lands cattle and goats were raised, mainly for cheese production. Still today some animals live in the wild among the hills.
- Villa Tamponi: built on the western part of the island at about 158 meters above sea level, it dominates the panorama over Gallura and nearby Tavolara. The Tamponi family still owns the island.
- The Mediterranean scrub: one of the most characteristic elements of the landscape. Centuries-old olive trees, lentiscs, myrtus, junipers and cistus live alongside endemic plant species, including the sharply leafed limonium and Sardinia’s aster.
- Birdlife: the Corsican seagull, a symbol of the western Mediterranean, finds here an important nesting site together with the peregrine falcon and the cormorant.
- The Molara wreck: located about one mile south of the island at a depth of 40 meters, it is one of the most appreciated sites for diving enthusiasts. It is the French merchant ship Oued Yquem, sunk in 1941 during World War II and today encrusted with sponges, groupers, amberjack, dentex and sea breams.
Where it is located and how to get there
Molara Island belongs to the municipality of Olbia and lies off the northeast coast of Sardinia, in the stretch of sea between Porto San Paolo, Capo Coda Cavallo and San Teodoro. Together with Tavolara, Molarotto and a number of small islets, it forms one of the area’s most important marine ecosystems.
Access is exclusively by sea, and during the summer season daily excursions depart from the ports of Olbia, Porto San Paolo, Puntaldìa and Capo Coda Cavallo. Many tours also include navigation between Molarotto, Isola Piana, Isola dei Cavalli and Tavolara.
The island is private and much of the land remains accessible only through guided visits organized by the Molara Cultural Association, dedicated to the enhancement of the historical and environmental heritage.
