The Beauty of Tavolara: Between Turquoise Sea and Mountain Peaks
The deep turquoise sea and the richness of its seabed make Tavolara the ideal destination for snorkeling, diving, and family boat trips.But Tavolara is also a mountain: with its rugged ridge rising over 500 meters, it attracts adventurous trekking enthusiasts.Suspended between its stunning coastline and dramatic peaks, a trip to Tavolara is always an unforgettable experience.
The island lies just three kilometers off the coast of Loiri Porto San Paolo. Its small harbor, located at the base of the narrow Spalmatore peninsula, welcomes tourist boats daily. Visitors are free to dock there, although some parts of the island are part of a fully protected nature reserve.
Regulations are defined by the Tavolara Marine Protected Area Authority. Most of the island’s waters fall under “medium protection” (Zone B: General Reserve), while the eastern tip is under “full protection” (Zone C: Integral Reserve).For tourists, this poses no issue: the Spalmatore area, home to the island’s most beautiful coves and permitted docking spots, lies within Zone C and has very few restrictions.
The island offers a truly memorable experience: crystal-clear waters in the signature turquoise of Sardinia, framed by a mountain that resembles the Dolomites.Upon arrival at Hermaea Beach, guests are greeted by two historic restaurants and a bar still in operation.To the south stretches the golden ribbon of Chinelli Beach, the largest in the Spalmatore area.But the real showstopper—captured in thousands of tourist photos and selfies each year—is the Passetto isthmus: a strip of fine white sand in the middle of the sea, leading to Punta Spalmatore.
Though mostly known as a summer beach destination, Tavolara is also a unique and fascinating place for hiking.All year round, visitors can follow spectacular trails that lead to the island’s peaks, 500 meters above sea level.From the top, the view is breathtaking, offering a wide panorama of northeastern Sardinia.The paths wind through wildflowers and thorny shrubs, typical of the island’s rugged landscape.A special feature of Tavolara’s wildlife: the island is home to the Yelkouan Shearwater, a graceful seabird found almost exclusively in this small paradise.
Tavolara’s goats are gentle companions for hikers. Legend has it that the original goats had golden teeth because they fed on helichrysum.Another story—passed down by the descendants of the island’s original inhabitants, the Bertoleoni family—claims that they were granted the title of monarchs of the island.Although no official documents have been found, Tonino Bertoleoni, born in 1933, is considered the king of Tavolara: ruler of a tiny kingdom never officially recognized by the Italian state, but locally accepted without question.
From the garden and terrace of Villa Castànza, the view of Tavolara is extraordinary—it feels close enough to touch.Whether at breakfast, lunch, or sunset, you’ll be enchanted by the island’s mystery, beauty, and legends.You can explore Tavolara in a day, reaching Porto San Paolo in just 15 minutes by car.
From Porto San Paolo, boat trips and ferries to Tavolara run from late April to October 30.The journey takes about 25 minutes.
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