Budelli, Protected island in La Maddalena Archipelago, Italy.
Budelli is a granite island in the Maddalena Archipelago off Sardinia, composed of rocky ridges and sheltered coves. The landscape is small but marked by a central peak, while the southern shore features an unusually colored beach formed by natural marine materials.
The island served as a strategic anchorage point in ancient times, used by Mediterranean seafarers for shelter. Its position made it relevant to trade routes and maritime activity for many centuries.
The name Budelli comes from a local saint and carries meaning within the island's maritime heritage. Today, those allowed to visit treat it as a sacred natural space rather than a typical tourist destination.
Access to the island is restricted and requires advance permission from park authorities, as it is part of a protected nature reserve. Most areas are available for walking, but the southern beach area remains off-limits to protect the natural environment.
From 1989 to 2021, one person lived alone on the island as its guardian, tending to its protection without modern distractions. This rare existence in complete isolation gained attention worldwide.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
