Molara Island: The Hidden Treasure of the Tavolara AMP (2026)
Imagine water so transparent that boats appear to be floating in mid-air. This scenery is framed by granite rocks and ancient wild olive trees shaped by time like authentic works of art.
If Tavolara is the imposing queen dominating the Gulf of Olbia, Molara is her princess. Indeed, she is the most precious and discreet secret of this stretch of Sardinia.
Less conspicuous but infinitely wild, this island represents the beating heart of the Marine Protected Area. Here, nature still dictates its own ironclad rules. In this guide, we will take you on a journey to discover its famous natural pools. Moreover, you will experience that silent charm that only an untouched jewel can offer. Together, we will discover how to reach it, where to dive, and the historical secrets the island guards within its rocks.
The Pools of Molara: A Turquoise Aquarium Among the Rocks
The famous Pools of Molara are undoubtedly the island’s main attraction. In fact, it is a place where reality surpasses imagination. Here, the very light and fine sandy seabed creates a breathtaking contrast with the surrounding amber granite. This combination offers shades of blue and turquoise that rival any tropical paradise.
The water is so clear and the bottom so visible that, on calm days, the boats appear to be literally suspended in mid-air.
Diving here means swimming in a true open-air aquarium. For instance, it is not uncommon to find yourself surrounded by schools of saddled seabream and damselfish. These fish are accustomed to the park’s protection and often curiously approach swimmers.
Historical Notes: A Deserted Island with Deep Roots
Although Molara appears today as a wild and completely uninhabited paradise, the island boasts an ancient and noble history. It hasn’t always been just a destination for bathers. Instead, in the past, it served as a spiritual refuge and a crucial military outpost for controlling the Mediterranean.
The Exile of Saint Pontian
One of the most touching episodes involves the medieval remains of the Church of Saint Pontian. This building is named after Pope Pontian. Around 235 AD, he was exiled to this very granite rock during the persecutions of Maximinus Thrax. Unfortunately, the Pontiff died on the island due to hardships. This event makes Molara a unique site of historical and religious memory.
Molara Castle and the Link to Rome
The traces of the past do not stop at the Middle Ages. Indeed, dating back to the Roman era, the island took on a fundamental strategic role. This is exactly where what we now know as the “Castle of Molara” was built.
This fortification was not a mere architectural whim. Rather, it was a privileged vantage point to guard the Gulf of Olbia from enemy attacks. Moreover, Olbia represented an extremely important port of call and a direct link to Rome. Therefore, presiding over Molara meant guaranteeing the safety of the trade routes that supplied the heart of the Empire.
From the Tamponi Family to the Island’s Custodians: A Family Tale
While Molara’s ancient history is tied to popes and emperors, its modern history is a story of people. Specifically, it is about a visceral bond with the land. Since the mid-19th century, the island has been linked to the Tamponi family. They still own the property today, carefully preserving its integrity and wild character.
However, Molara was never truly “alone.” Between the 70s and 2007, the island was watched over by a figure who seems to have stepped out of a novel: the guardian-shepherd. That is what everyone still calls him today with a mixture of respect. You can still see the small building that timidly appears amidst the Mediterranean scrub when you moor at Cala Spagnola.
To many, it is just “the shepherd’s house,” a visual landmark. But for us at Insula, that place has a much deeper meaning. We know that house and that island down to their very soul.
Beyond the Dock: Where Bonds are Born
Among the custodians who protected Molara was my grandfather. We grew up breathing the scent of myrtle and experiencing the island in every nuance. This happened long before it became a famous destination on social media.
My memories are made of intense sensations. For example, I remember the smell of roasted suckling pig, carefully laid on a cork tray. Furthermore, I can still smell Grandma Genoveffa’s coffee. She prepared it in a moka pot so large it seemed enough to fuel an entire army.
Additionally, there are the four-legged “protagonists” who made the island a magical world. How could we forget the legendary “Ciccinu,” the bull of Molara? Periodically, he would come to visit us to drink water from the basin. Sometimes, he even took a bath right before our eyes. Then there was Pupusedda, our little goat. She lacked only the power of speech to be considered family.
For us, Molara is not just a postcard view. Instead, it is the place where friendship, family, and the purest nature have intertwined for generations.
From that famous dock at Cala Spagnola, we watched thousands of tourists approach timidly. In time, we saw looks full of awe transform into bonds of friendship and brotherhood. These links still endure today, stronger than ever. Ultimately, Molara is a place where people meet and remain united forever.
Soon, we will share a special article with you: an exclusive interview with my grandfather featuring unpublished historical photos.
Practical Guide: How to Get There and Visit Molara
Visiting Molara Island is an experience that requires awareness. Since it is an integral part of Zones B and C of the Marine Protected Area, access follows specific rules. These are designed to ensure conservation and protect the biodiversity of this paradise.
Being an island, the only way to reach it is by sea. However, there are different ways to do it. You could choose a simple boat rental, or you can choose to experience an emotional journey.
At Insula, we don’t just take you to see a landscape. Instead, we give you stories, secrets, and anecdotes that are hard to find on the internet. This is because, for us, Molara is not just a tourist destination; it is a piece of our heart. To us, it is home.