Razzoli Island, an ancient lighthouse surrounded by natural sculptures 10/01/2024 – Posted in: Discover Sardinia – Tags: Cala Lunga, Costa Smeralda, la maddalena archipelago, National Park La Maddalena, Razzoli Island, Razzoli Lighthouse, Sardinia, Sardinian Rock Formations
The one dock of Razzoli Island
Located North of the island of Budelli, Razzoli is the fifth largest island in the National Park of La Maddalena Archipelago, covering just over one square kilometer with a coastline stretching over twelve kilometers.
ENVIRONMENT
Distinguished by its unmistakable rugged shoreline and mountainous terrain, with the highest peak being Mount Cappello (65 meters), Razzoli is dominated by pristine vegetation and marine fauna. Its pristine and rich seabeds make it perfect for snorkeling.
Razzoli’s vegetation and Lighthouse in background
Octopus in Razzoli Island
Underwater life in Razzoli Island
THE COAST
Among the 60 islands and islets in the archipelago, Razzoli stands out as the wildest. It serves as a barrier with its high granite cliffs against the harsh weather of the often turbulent sea in the northern extremity of Sardinia. The rocks, shaped by the sea and wind, resemble natural sculptures. Some sheltered coves are true ‘gems,’ such as Cala Cappello, Cala Noce, and Cala Lunga, only accessible by sea and featuring pebbles and fine sand. Other small sandy coves like Cala Bove Marino reveal a past where the elusive monk seal was spotted, last seen off the cove in 1997.
One of the beautiful hidden bays of Razzoli
MAIN BAY
Cala Lunga, the only landing point on Razzoli, is a deep inlet suitable for anchoring only when the eastern winds blow. The beach at the bottom of the inlet, composed of pebbles and fine sand, is relatively uncrowded even in the summer months due to its access only by sea (that’s why we like it so much).
From the beach, one can begin exploring Razzoli, characterized by a landscape mainly consisting of Mediterranean vegetation and wind-sculpted granite rocks. The island is particularly rich in helichrysum, which paints the landscape yellow and gives Razzoli a distinctive scent.
Cala Lunga bay in Razzoli Island
TREKKING
About 200 meters before the beach is the ancient stone track leading to the Razzoli lighthouse. The walk along the approximately 2 km track, once used to transport materials to the families living at the lighthouse, offers breathtaking views of the island and the Strait of Bonifacio.
Docking in Razzoli for an easy trek
LIGHTHOUSE HISTORY
The old lighthouse building was constructed between 1843/44, perched on the sea, and was a powerful lighthouse requiring the work of numerous families. A three-story building painted in black and white stripes, it was a coastal lighthouse with a luminous range of 22 nautical miles.
Antique Blue Print of the Lighthouse
The lighthouse on the island of Razzoli housed the lighthouse keepers and their families – eleven people in total, including a school teacher for the kids. Their task was to oversee the proper functioning of the lights and the entire structure.
How the Lighthouse was originally
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS
Despite the romanticized view we have of their lives, it was actually a very rigid routine, imposed by the crucial role they played for the safety of navigation. Unfortunately, we know very little about what they truly perceived and felt by living so isolated from the world.
We know they lived without electricity, without a proper bathroom, and that donkeys carried food and all necessary supplies to the island of Razzoli.
SCHOOLING THE KIDS
From 1956 to 1961, a government program aimed at spreading education even in the most remote communities established the “Lighthouse Schools,” elementary schools for the children of lighthouse keepers who would otherwise have had to live far from their families to attend school.
Razzoli lighthouse and rock formations
THE NEW LIGHTHOUSE
In March 1969, due to damage to the perimeter walls caused by vibrations and noise from the three powerful diesel engines, the lighthouse was declared uninhabitable, and the personnel was transferred to other assignments. Five years later, in March 1974, a new lighthouse was built, just in front of the original, ensuring autonomous operation with the help of solar panels.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
The lighthouse was suffering the harsh elements, on such an exposed location for so many years of abandonment, so the wall of the original 1843 building started eroding, with the risk of a collapse. The Regional Government, responsible for the building, would not invest money to “save” it. Unfortunately, it was recently assigned to a private company (with a 30-year lease!) which intends to turn it into a luxury hotel. A questionable operation as historic lighthouse access will be limited only to a few wealthy people.
The majestic 1843 Razzoli Lighthouse in the back
Further Readings about Sardinia
Palau, gateway to the National Park