Last Updated on 27 November 2023 by Vanessa
Su Pallosu is a town with only six residents and no shops or hotels. Yet it has recently become a top tourist attraction on Sardinia thanks to its colony of 33 cats that live on the beach. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting this feline paradise.
Ultimate guide to Su Pallosu’s cat beach
A short history of Su Pallosu’s cat beach
Cats have been roaming the beach of Su Pallosu for over a century now. Fishermen introduced them onto Sardinia to keep the rat problem in check. These rodents were attracted by the scent of food and could quickly multiply and consume or contaminate the catches. This posed a significant economic threat to the fishermen’s livelihoods, as their preserved catch was a crucial resource for sustenance.
By introducing cats to Sardinia, the fishermen aimed to create a deterrent against rodent infestations. Cats’ hunting instincts would help control the rat population, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution to safeguarding both the fishermen’s provisions and the well-being of the community.
Nowadays, these cats are cared for by the non-profit organization I Gatti di Su Pallosu.
There is currently a colony of 33 cats living on the beach, 23 of which are entirely free-roaming. All of them have been equipped with microchips, and both males and females have been spayed or neutered.
Guided tours
Over the last three years, this cat beach has transformed into a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world to Su Pallosu.
It is not a public space, though. Direct access is not even possible due to a steep wooden barrier installed for coastal erosion mitigation.
However, I Gatti di Su Pallosu arranges free guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
During these tours, visitors get to see the cats’ feeding area as well as the turtle beach and the Gianni Atzori Mineral Collection. They are led by the caretaker and guardian of the Oasis, journalist Andrea Atzori (who has guided over 50,000 visitors in the past 14 years).
Of course, there’s plenty of time to cuddle the cats, which are all tame and friendly. These cats grew up on the shore and have no fear of the sea, and they are used to seeing human beings as well.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes and can be conducted in English, French, or Spanish upon request.
In 2016, TripAdvisor gave this feline attraction the Certificate of Excellence.
Please not, though, that I Gatti di Su Pallosu’s priority is the welfare of the cats, not guided tours.
Booking a guided tour to Su Pallosu’s cat beach
To visit the cat sanctuary, reservations must be made in advance through the association’s website. If you don’t have a reservation, visiting is not possible. Be an early bird, because these tours are usually booked up months in advance.
When booking, please provide the number of participants and preferred date (day, month, and time). Guided tours are conducted for a maximum of five people, but they can also accommodate individual requests. Children under six years of age are not permitted to ensure the wellbeing of both the cats and the young visitors.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, the guided tour will be canceled.
The visit is completely free, but people can make a donation to help with the cost of feeding and caring for the cats.
Guidelines
- To ensure the well-being of the cats, groups of no more than five visitors are allowed on the beach for a maximum of half an hour.
- The cats are fed twice a day by caregivers. For safety reasons, visitors are strictly prohibited from directly feeding the cats.
- Cats should not be picked up without prior consultation with the guardian.
- Be respectful and do not disturb the cats in any way.
- Over the years, 17 cats have been victims of hit-and-run accidents. Therefore, do not to attract the cats while still on the road, refrain from feeding the cats on the sidewalks, or, even more importantly, in the middle of the road. Doing so poses a real risk of drawing them onto the asphalt and getting them hit by passing vehicles.
Help support the beach cats of Su Pallosu
I Gatti di Su Pallosu has never received any public funding. The generous efforts of volunteers have been the sole source of support for the cats, covering their food and medical expenses.
How to reach Su Pallosu’s cat beach?
Option 1: public transport
Public transport options to reach Su Pallosu are limited. Here’s a guide on how to reach Su Pallosu by public transport:
- Start from Cagliari, and take a Trenitalia train to Oristano, which is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Su Pallosu. The train station in Oristano is called “Stazione di Oristano.”
- From Oristano, you can take a bus to Su Pallosu. Buses are operated by ARST (Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti), and the bus stop you’ll want to reach is “San Vero Milis.” The bus service to Su Pallosu is limited, so it’s essential to check the schedule with ARST for the most up-to-date information.
Option 2: taxi or car rental from Oristano
Given the limited public transport options, it’s recommended to opt for a taxi or car rental. Here’s how to reach Su Pallosu from Oristano by car:
- In Oristano, take the SS131 toward Sassari.
- Merge onto SS292.
- Stay on SS292, following signs for San Vero Milis.
- When you approach Su Pallosu, you will need to make a left turn toward Via del Mare.
- Stay on the road until you reach Su Pallosu.
Source: Daily Mail
