Tavolara: The Secret Kingdom of Sardinia
Between the crystal-clear waters of north-eastern Sardinia between Olbia and Budoni, stands a mysterious and fascinating island: Tavolara. Despite its small size, this imposing limestone mountain guards a unique history, between legends, self-appointed rulers, secret military bases and breathtaking landscapes.
But what makes Tavolara so special? In addition to being an exclusive destination for sea and diving enthusiasts, the island boasts a past of smallest kingdom in the worldwith a royal family still in existence. Moreover, part of its territory is off-limits to the public due to the presence of a NATO military base, fuelling the fascination of a place as close as it is enigmatic.
In this FAQ you will discover 10 curiosities that make Tavolara one of the most extraordinary islands in the Mediterranean.
1. Is Tavolara really a kingdom?
Yes, Tavolara has been self-proclaimed 'the smallest kingdom in the world'. The story goes back to 1836, when the King of Sardinia Carlo Alberto visited the island and recognised Giuseppe Bertoleoni as sovereign. According to tradition, the Bertoleoni family continued to hold the symbolic title of 'King of Tavolara', and to this day his descendants preserve this singular legacy.
2. How many inhabitants does Tavolara have?
Currently, the island is almost uninhabited. The only residents are a few members of the Bertoleoni family, who run a restaurant in the area accessible to the public. A large part of the island is occupied by a military base, so access is limited to a small portion of the south-eastern coast.
3. Why is there a military base on Tavolara?
A large part of the island is under the control of NATO, which uses the area for telecommunications operations and military training. For this reason, a large portion of the territory is inaccessible to civilians. The base was activated during the Cold War and is still operational today for strategic purposes.
4. Is it possible to visit Tavolara?
Yes, but only part of the island is accessible. The visitable area includes some beaches and hiking trails. It is possible to reach Tavolara by sea, mainly via boat excursions.
5. Is Tavolara a protected area?
Yes, the island is part of the Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, established in 1997 to protect the biodiversity of the area. The surrounding waters are home to a wide variety of marine flora and fauna, making the island one of the most important destinations for environmental conservation in Sardinia.
6. Is it possible to dive in Tavolara?
Yes, diving and snorkelling are popular activities. The waters of the marine protected area offer spectacular seabeds with underwater caves, cliffs and submerged wrecks. Among the most famous spots are the Secca del Papa and the Tavolara cave, which attract divers from all over the world.
7. What is the highest peak on Tavolara?
The island, despite its small size, is characterised by its mountainous conformation. The highest point is Punta Cannone, which reaches 565 metres above sea level. The climb is challenging and only suitable for experienced hikers, but offers a breathtaking view of the entire north-eastern coast of Sardinia.
8. Are there legends about Tavolara?
Yes, one of the most curious is about the golden-toothed goats. According to legend, wild goats with golden teeth once lived on the island. The scientific explanation is that the lichens they fed on contained substances that dyed the tooth enamel yellow, giving the illusion of golden teeth.
10. Does the royal family of Tavolara still exist?
Yes, the descendants of the Bertoleoni family still exist. Although the kingdom of Tavolara has no official recognition, the family retains the symbolic title of rulers of the island. Some members run a restaurant on the island and proudly tell the story of their dynasty to visitors.
