1. In Asinara during spring, let yourself be captivated by the blooming euphorbia

It is called Euphorbia dendroides, and its colour is what surprises most while walking along Asinara’s trails in spring. Euphorbia is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is toxic and dominates the island. Its rounded shape is so perfect that it looks like it was pruned by a gardener. But what takes your breath away is its changing colour. As spring progresses in Asinara, the bright green gives way to the intense yellow of the bloom. Just before summer, the leaves will burst into a fiery red. At every turn, it will feel like you are admiring an open-air Van Gogh exhibition. There is no other place in Sardinia where it is so widespread. Would you like to know why?

2. Discover the activities of the wildlife observatory during the spring season

Are you familiar with the phenomenon of migration? In spring, thousands of small songbirds leave Africa and reach Northern Europe to nest. During this challenging journey, they use the small Mediterranean islands to rest and replenish. During the few days these small birds stop at Asinara, they are captured non-invasively and banded by researchers from the Wildlife Observatory of the Asinara National Park in Tumbarino. This activity, which takes place in Asinara from April 1st to May 15th, allows them to study migration routes and the factors that may endanger birds along these routes. By visiting the observatory during our 4×4 excursions, you can observe rare and colourful species up close in the hands of experts. During this beautiful season, you will also understand the importance of research in a National Park to protect nature.

3. Watch a newborn white donkey

May, in popular tradition, is the month of donkeys. In Asinara during spring, it is not uncommon during guided tours to see rivals in love chasing each other to win over a female. Despite their appearance of being docile and gentle, they do not hold back from kicking and biting to win over their chosen female. The Sardinian donkey has a 12-month gestation period, so it is quite easy to spot small white bundles trembling on unsteady legs near their caring mothers during this time. The population of white donkeys in Asinara is accompanied by a large number of grey Sardinian donkeys, also in the wild. Asinara is one of the few places in Sardinia where you can admire them in the wild. Being very confident and accustomed to humans, they can easily be observed up close during our spring excursions and trekking tours.

4. Join a 4×4 excursion and discover the charm of Asinara in spring

When was the prison at Asinara established? Why are white donkeys found only here? Where did judges Falcone and Borsellino stay? These are just some of the curiosities you will learn during one of our off-road excursions in the Asinara National Park in spring. Accompanied by the passionate park guides, you will immerse yourself in the changing colours of the blooming euphorbia and the scent of helichrysum that fills the island. You will experience history by observing imposing structures and crumbling ruins. Off-road excursions in the beautiful season are ideal for those who want to explore an island where time seems to have stopped, capturing glimpses of what was once a prison and is now a national park. When the days get longer, you can spend the sunset hours with us on Asinara: you will witness the unique sight of mouflons descending to the valleys to drink or horses grazing peacefully in the Fornelli plain.

5. Walk a trekking trail immersed in the silence of Asinara

Are you a fan of the beautiful season and can’t wait to see spring bloom to spend days outdoors? The Asinara National Park is the perfect place for you. The island, reachable in just ten minutes with our taxi boat from Stintino, represents slowness, contemplation, and silence during this period. You can choose simple trekking routes or more challenging trails for those who want to test themselves with greater distances and a bit more incline. Whether you want to satisfy your sporty instincts with a brisk pace or try the slow experience of Asinara in spring, we are here to guide you with experienced local professionals. The mild climate between April and June will not only allow you to admire Asinara from the Castellaccio peak, but at the end of the trail, you can cool your tired muscles with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Spalmadori.

6. Visit the sea turtle recovery center

We are aware that plastics in our seas are not only waste but also a major danger to many marine animals. At CRAMA (Sea Turtle Recovery Center) in Cala Reale, a great effort is made to raise awareness about these issues. How? By saving beautiful specimens of Caretta caretta turtles found in distress in our seas. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, a component of their diet, or become entangled in ghost nets drifting at sea. The loving and expert hands of the center’s staff ensure that after a period of care and recovery, the turtles can return to swimming freely. Are you curious to see the patients in their tanks, awaiting release? You might even be lucky enough to witness one of the releases, which usually take place in Asinara during spring.

7. Photograph a herd of mouflons hidden in the spring vegetation

The Sardinian mouflon was not historically present in Asinara; its introduction from Capo Figari occurred in the 1960s when the island served as a prison. This splendid animal has perfectly adapted to the island, so much so that it is now easy to spot herds on the granite slopes in the south or near the cliffs of Punta Pedra Bianca. The difference between male and female mouflons? The horns, of course! Joking aside, adult males boast splendid curved horns and strike a proud pose from advantageous observation points. They are a joy for photographers, although they remain shy and quick to hide. Asinara in spring, still quiet and uncrowded, is the ideal place to spot them. It takes quick reflexes and a sharp eye to capture the perfect shot, but the thrill of such an encounter is always unforgettable.