Tavolara: The Limestone Giant Reigning Over Gallura

Rising abruptly from the turquoise waters of North-Eastern Sardinia, the island of Tavolara is not just a geographical landmark, but a natural monument steeped in history, legends, and geological contrasts.

A Geological Anomaly: Limestone in the Land of Granite

Unlike the rest of Gallura and much of Sardinia, which are dominated by rolling granite hills, Tavolara is a majestic carbonate platform.

• Conformation: The island stretches for about 6 km with a narrow, elongated shape. It is characterized by vertical cliffs dropping sheer into the sea, peaking at 565 meters at Punta Cannone.
• Rock Type: It consists mainly of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite. This sedimentary nature allowed for karstic erosion, creating caves, niches, and natural sculptures that make its profile unmistakable.

History and Legend: The World’s Smallest Kingdom

The history of Tavolara is inextricably linked to the Bertoleoni family. In the early 1800s, Giuseppe Bertoleoni reached the island in search of uninhabited land; he decided to settle there with his family, and in 1836 King Carlo Alberto arrived.

• The King of Tavolara: Legend has it that in 1836, King Carlo Alberto of Savoy officially recognized the island’s independence, naming Bertoleoni the “King of Tavolara”.
• Historical Curiosity: To this day, the descendants of the Bertoleoni family hold the title. Legend also says that a photo of the Tavolara Royal Family is kept at Buckingham Palace in Queen Victoria’s collection.

Military Presence: The NATO Base in Tavolara

Not all of the island is accessible to the public. Since the 1960s, the north-eastern part has hosted a NATO military base used for Very Low Frequency (VLF) long-distance radio communications. Although access is restricted, these limitations have allowed nature to reclaim its space, resulting in unparalleled floral and faunal richness in the area.

Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area: A Protected Paradise

Since the late 1990s, the island has been the heart of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. Thanks to environmental protection, the seabed is among the richest in the Mediterranean, featuring Posidonia meadows and extraordinary marine life.

Tips for Your Visit

• How to get there: 👉🏻 Daily boat excursions departing from San Teodoro
• What to do: Trekking to the summit for experts or relaxation on the Spalmatore beach.
• Top event: Every summer, the island hosts the film festival “Una notte in Italia” (A Night in Italy), where the screen is set up directly on the sand.