Tavolara

Tavolara is a block of limestone about five kilometres long rising to 565 metres almost sheer from the sea off the Gallura coast, visible for a long way and unmistakable in profile. In the nineteenth century the Bertoleoni family, who lived on it, were said to have been recognised as its kings by Carlo Alberto of Savoy after a visit; the story is repeated locally, its legal basis was never formal, and descendants still live on the island and run its restaurants. Most of the island is a military zone and closed. The surrounding water is a marine protected area with regulated diving.

What you actually see

• The limestone wall - a 565-metre block rising almost sheer from the sea.
• The Spalmatore beach - the small inhabited strip where boats land.
• The kingdom story - a family tradition of nineteenth-century recognition.
• The marine reserve - protected water with regulated diving and fishing.

When to go

May to September; boats run from Porto San Paolo in season and stop in rough weather. Most of the island cannot be visited at any time of year.

Honest expectations

Only a small strip of the island is accessible; the rest is a closed military area. The summit is not open to visitors. Boats are weather dependent.

Nearby

Olbia lies south; the Costa Smeralda is north.