Imagine an island so pristine and untouched that it's home to just one resident. This isn't the setup for a novel; it's the reality of Budelli Island, a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea that boasts a rare pink beach and a history as colourful as its sands.


Nestled in the La Maddalena Archipelago, just off the northern coast of Sardinia, Italy, Budelli Island is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Its Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, is a natural wonder that has captivated the imaginations of travellers worldwide. The unique hue of the sand comes from the crushed shells of tiny micro-organisms, which blend with the sand upon their death to create a soft, rose-tinted glow.


For over three decades, the island had a sole inhabitant, Mauro Morandi, who stumbled upon this secluded paradise quite by chance. His journey to Budelli was an unexpected detour when his catamaran broke down en route to the South Pacific. Morandi, who was quickly nicknamed 'Robinson Crusoe' by the Italian media, found his calling as the island's caretaker, a role he embraced with dedication.


Living in a World War II shelter, Morandi adapted to a life of solitude, powered by a homemade solar system that fueled his lights, fridge, and even internet connection. His story is one of deep connection to nature and a simpler way of life, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilisation.

However, Morandi's tenure on the island came to an end in 2021 when he was evicted by the national park authority. Before his passing earlier this month, he expressed his intention to move to the nearby island of La Maddalena, where he could still gaze upon the sea that had been his companion for so many years.

The exclusivity of Budelli Island is not just a matter of its single resident. Since the early 1990s, tourists have been banned from setting foot on the island to protect its delicate ecosystem, particularly the pink sand beach. The ban was a response to the detrimental effects of over-tourism, which had begun to fade the beach's signature colour.


Over the years, the ban has allowed the pink sand to recover its vibrancy, a testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance to heal. While holidaymakers can still marvel at the archipelago's beauty through day trips, they must admire Budelli's shores from a respectful distance, as landing on the island is strictly prohibited.

Despite these regulations, the island faces new threats from unauthorised visitors. Some daytrippers, lured by the allure of the pink sands, defy the ban, leading to fines and a renewed urgency to protect this unique environment. The fines for such transgressions can be steep, with penalties reaching up to €3,500 ($5,800) for those caught taking sand as a souvenir.

For those who wish to witness the splendour of Budelli Island, the only option is to book a private boat tour or ferry service. From the water, you can glimpse the secluded spot that has captured the hearts of many and understand why it remains one of the most exclusive islands in the world.


As we reflect on the story of Budelli Island and its lone guardian, we're reminded of the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to preserve. It's a place that invites us to appreciate the beauty of isolation and the importance of conservation.
So, dear readers, have you ever dreamed of visiting such an exclusive and protected paradise? Or perhaps you've had the chance to see the Maddalena Archipelago from afar? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. Let's celebrate the wonders of our world while also acknowledging our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.