The area known as Cala Vinagra lies on the northern coast of the Isola del San Pietro, in the municipality of Carloforte.
This particular stretch of coast consists mainly of volcanic rock reefs known as “comendite“. The term derives precisely from the area of “le commende“, on Isola di San Pietro.
The effects of the sea produced a series of natural sculptures of particular effect, some of which have now crumbled. In addition to this, there is a series of three natural pools of sea water along the coast. The first basin can be accessed on foot, while the other two require you to swim part of the way.
In order to reach this area, follow a steep rocky path, in what looks like somewhere on the moon, crossing different-shaped rocky formations which are extremely unusual.
In the hinterland, there is a small artificial basin, built at the start of the XX century to supply the island with drinking water. It is currently home to an open-air teaching laboratory and numerous species of birds and aquatic animals.
As with the rest of the island, this area is part of the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Stagno di Porto Botte” (ITB040027), regulated by the Rete Natura 2000.