Isola Budelli Island

Website: https://www.parks.it/parco.mad.pn/index.html

Isola Budelli is a small island in the La Maddalena Archipelago off the northern coast of Sardinia, Italy, famous for its small pink-sand beach. The island forms part of a protected national park and has strict visitor regulations.

The principal attraction is the pink-hued beach formed by microscopic red coralline fragments mixed with sand; beach access has been restricted in recent years to prevent erosion and preserve the shoreline. The island otherwise features Mediterranean scrubland and cliffs typical of the archipelago.

Budelli has been managed as part of the La Maddalena National Park, and ownership and access have been subject to legal and conservation measures aimed at protecting its unique coastal features. Restrictions on visitor landings have been applied to limit damage to the pink beach.

The island sits in the Maddalena Archipelago off Sardinia’s northeastern coast, within a short boat distance of the larger islands of La Maddalena and Caprera and accessible from north Sardinian ports.

• Protected status: The island lies within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, and landing is regulated to protect sensitive habitats and the famous pink beach.

What to See#

• Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach): Spiaggia Rosa is a small beach on the island’s eastern shore known for its pink-hued sand caused by fragments of red coral and shells.

Public boats to the Maddalena Archipelago sail from Palau on Sardinia. From Palau harbour, regular ferries and private charters visit the park islands; most vessels run May-September. Ask operators for routes that pass Isola Budelli (viewing only); disembarkation on Budelli is normally forbidden by park authorities.

• Boats to the Maddalena Archipelago depart from Palau; do not expect to land on Budelli-landing on Isola Budelli is restricted under park rules.
• Photograph the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) from the water; midday light brings out the pale pink but strong sun blows out detail-late afternoon is softer.
• If looking for the legacy of the island's former caretaker, seek interviews and reports from journalists (Mauro Morandi's story drew international attention in the 2000s).