Marine Protected Area

Punta Molentis Beach is part of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area (AMPCC),

established by a Ministry of Environment Decree in 1998, later modified in 1999 and replaced in 2012.

It covers an area of approximately 14,360 hectares, making it the third-largest AMP in Sardinia.

It is divided into four protection levels:

zone A (integral reserve), zone B (general reserve), zone C (partial reserve), and D (experimental reserve).

The managing authority is the Municipality of Villasimius, which, with over 1 million visitors during the summer season,

represents the fourth most important Sardinian area for tourism flows.

The area enjoys significant international recognition,

in 2016 it was awarded as the first sustainable destination in Europe

and in 2018 it was ranked among the top 100 sustainable destinations in the world.

The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area was mainly established

to protect its wild and pristine nature, as well as the incredibly diverse marine fauna and flora.

Punta Molentis Beach falls within the second level of protection, which is zone B (general reserve).

In 2012, access was limited during peak season as a measure to safeguard the ecosystem of the area from excessive tourist flow.

Currently, this restrictive measure remains experimental.

All fishing activities are prohibited within the Marine Protected Area.

In zone B, sport fishing may only be carried out if authorized by the managing authority (Municipality of Villasimius).

Zoning Map available below.

For proper environmental protection, Marine Protected Areas are divided into three distinct zones with different levels of protection. While they do not impose an absolute limit on traditional marine activities, they regulate their execution according to the various conservation needs.

The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area has introduced a fourth zone; Zone D is a new zone called the "Experimental Reserve," consisting of a two-mile buffer zone. The goal is to provide maximum protection for the areas of greatest environmental value within the integral reserve zones (Zone A), applying the constraints established by law.

With zones B, C, and D, the goal is to ensure a gradual level of protection, balancing the conservation of environmental values with sustainable use and enjoyment of the marine environment.

The four types of zones are delineated by geographic coordinates and shown on the map attached to the establishment decree published in the Official Gazette. Additionally, the boundaries of Zone A are marked by yellow buoys at sea and poles on land, equipped with a night flashing light.

Zone A – Strict Reserve

Permitted:

• Access for management authority staff for service activities and for scientific personnel for authorized research activities.
• Guided underwater visits, regulated, according to predefined routes.
• Rescue and surveillance activities.
• Service activities carried out on behalf of the managing authority.

Prohibited:

• Bathing.
• Professional, sport, and underwater fishing.
• Transit of boats (except those authorized by AMP).

Zone B – General Reserve

The activities of Zone A are allowed. Additionally:

• Low-speed navigation (max 10 knots).
• Regulated guided underwater visits.
• Bathing.
• Diving without scuba gear following the rules.
• Mooring in authorized structures or suitable seabeds.
• Small-scale fishing with selective gear for local professionals.
• Sport fishing for residents or equivalent as per regulation.
• Whale-watching according to the prescribed guidelines.

Prohibited:

• Underwater fishing.
• Unauthorized scuba diving.
• Jet skis, water skiing, and similar water sports.

Zone C – Partial Reserve

The activities of Zone B are allowed. Additionally:

• Access to pleasure boats.
• Regulated navigation and mooring.
• Small-scale fishing for local professionals with selective gear.
• Free diving with or without scuba gear upon authorization.
• Sport fishing for non-residents, as per regulation.
• Regulated whale-watching.

Prohibited:

• Underwater fishing.
• Jet skis, water skiing, and similar water sports.

Zone D – Experimental Reserve

The activities of Zone C are allowed. Additionally:

• Navigation up to 20 knots speed.

Prohibited:

• Underwater fishing.
• Jet skis, water skiing, and similar water sports.

Decrees and Regulations

The Marine Protected Area “Capo Carbonara” was established by the Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea through the Ministerial Decree of September 15, 1998, amended in 1999, and entirely replaced by the Ministerial Decree of February 7, 2012 (Official Gazette No. 113 of May 16, 2012).
Management is entrusted to the Municipality of Villasimius.

Note:

• The perimeter of the MPA almost entirely overlaps with the Site of Community Importance (SCI) established under the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC.
• Several Special Protection Areas (SPA) are established within the MPA under the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC.
• The MPA “Capo Carbonara” is recognized as a SPAMI (Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance), according to the Barcelona Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution.