Budelli: the island everyone wants to see 29/12/2023 – Posted in: Discover Sardinia – Tags: Budelli, La Maddalena National Park, La maddalena pink beach, Mauro Morandi, Natural Swimming Pools, Pink Beach, Sardinian Island

Budelli is celebrated for its pristine beaches, unique pink sand, and ecological significance. At Cala Roto, where the Pink Beach is located, Michelangelo Antonioni in 1964 shot the scene of the girl’s fable in the movie “Red Desert”, capturing the nature of this place in its full spontaneity. Formerly private property. Budelli was bought by the National Park in May 2016.

Today, protected by environmental regulations, you can admire it from afar as a masterpiece of nature, accompanied by the park’s guides, without setting anchor, swimming in the sea or even stepping on the beach. Even from afar, the island is fascinating. Together with Razzoli, Santa Maria it creates a lagoon-like area named by the locals “Piscine Naturali” (Natural Swimming Pools in english), which is a permanently sheltered area in-between the three islands, made of a multitude of colors.

Geography and Formation

Budelli is a small island covering an area of approximately 1.6 square kilometers, and it is part of the La Maddalena National Park. The island is characterized by its pink sandy beaches, which are a result of the high concentration of microorganisms and minerals, such as coral fragments and shells. The stunning pink hue of the sand gives Budelli a distinctive and dreamlike quality.

There are only a few beaches on this island, most of the coastline is made of beautiful granite rock formations. The beaches are:

• “Spiaggia del Cavaliere” which has been eroded by the massive amounts of tourists daily unloaded by the big 200 passenger tour boats. Today access to this beach is starting to be limited by the National Park, so you can’t step on the sand, although you can swim to the shore. The other beach is the most iconic one.
• “Spiaggia Rosa” (Pink Beach). The unique color of the sand is caused by the presence of microscopic fragments of marine organisms, particularly the pink-colored shells of the “Miniacinia Miniacea”. As the sunlight reflects on these tiny particles, it imparts a delicate pink tint to the sand, creating a mesmerizing and Instagram-worthy landscape.

Environmental Protection

Due to the ecological significance of the island and the fragility of its ecosystems, Budelli has been subject to strict conservation measures. In the past, the island faced threats from tourism-related activities, but efforts have been made to protect its natural beauty. In 2016, Budelli was acquired by the National Park, ensuring its preservation and limiting human impact on its delicate environment.

The Guardian of Budelli – Mauro Morandi

For over three decades, Budelli was home to Mauro Morandi, an Italian man who made headlines for living a solitary life as the guardian of the island. Morandi took it upon himself to protect Budelli from potential harm and served as a symbol of the island’s resilience and the importance of environmental conservation. Today Mauro is well over 80 years old, and the National Park had him move in an apartment in La Maddalena City.

 

Access to Budelli

Access to Budelli is regulated to protect its fragile ecosystems. Visitors are generally not allowed to land on the main beach, but boat tours around the archipelago provide an opportunity to admire Budelli’s beauty from the sea. These tours offer a unique perspective, allowing visitors to witness the captivating pink beaches and the untouched nature of the island. O our tours, we like to anchor close to the island, on less beaten tourist paths so that with a few strokes, you are able to land on its coast.

Budelli Island in Sardinia is a testament to the wonders of nature, with its pink sandy beaches and pristine landscapes. As a symbol of environmental conservation, Budelli serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s delicate ecosystems.

While access to the island is limited, exploring the waters surrounding Budelli is a magical experience that allows travelers to witness one of nature’s most captivating creations. Whether seen from a boat or admired from afar, the enchanting beauty of Budelli leaves an indelible impression on all who encounter it.

 

 

Further Readings about Sardinia:

 

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia

Castelsardo, middle ages in Sardinia

San Teodoro, family friendly town

Archaeology in Sardinia

The Meaning of the Sardinian Flag

La Maddalena Archipelago

Asinara Island

Spargi Island

The Complete Guide