The Pink Beach, Protected beach on Budelli Island, La Maddalena archipelago, Italy.
The Pink Beach on Budelli Island in the La Maddalena archipelago gets its color from microscopic marine organisms and coral fragments mixed with particles of granite and other rock. The shoreline stretches about 200 meters and features shallow, clear water that is easily seen from visiting boats.
The beach came under official protection in 1994 when authorities recognized that visitors were removing sand as souvenirs, threatening the natural makeup of the shoreline. This led to restrictions that eventually closed the beach to direct access and made boat tours the only way to view it.
The beach holds meaning as a protected natural monument within the La Maddalena National Park, reflecting how the local community values conservation as part of their identity. Visitors notice this through the careful management of the site and the respect shown by everyone who comes here.
You can only view the beach from a boat on a guided tour, as stepping onto the sand is not permitted. Plan your visit for calm weather with good visibility, and remember that viewing happens entirely from the water.
The pink color comes mainly from shells of a tiny marine organism called Miniacina miniacea, which exists worldwide but appears here in an unusually high concentration. This microscopic creature shows how grand natural wonders can be created from invisible components.
Location: La Maddalena
Address: Spiaggia Rosa, Italy
GPS coordinates: 41.27921,9.35623
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Sardinia preserves evidence of over 3,000 years of human settlement. Nuragic towers from the Bronze Age rise across plains and hills, while rock-cut tombs recall prehistoric communities. Roman temples stand beside Byzantine churches, and medieval basilicas mark coastal towns. The landscape forms through limestone caves with stalactite formations, deep gorges that cut through mountain ranges, and springs that emerge from the ground. The coast alternates between long sandy bays and steep cliffs, where lighthouses rise above the sea. Inland, mountain passes lead through wilderness to hidden settlements and archaeological sites. Visitors can walk through burial grounds, descend into cave systems, swim at remote beaches or explore Roman ruins. The island connects history with nature in a way that invites exploration.
Sardinia preserves traces of human settlement across thousands of years. The island presents prehistoric cult sites including sacred wells and burial mounds that show ancient rituals. Nuraghe towers from the Bronze Age still rise above the landscape, while Roman theaters and Punic temples mark later civilizations. Underground tombs carved directly into rock lie hidden in the hills. Mountain villages carry modern wall murals that tell political and social history. The coastline offers small coves with turquoise water and white pebble beaches between limestone cliffs. Caves along the coast display stalactites and underground lakes. Inland, canyons with tall rock walls cut through remote areas. Natural springs emerge from bedrock, lighthouses stand on headlands overlooking the sea. Abandoned mining complexes document industrial history, while protected islands and coastal reserves provide habitat for marine life and seabirds.
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