Boasting a picture-perfect shoreline dotted with numerous sandy seashores and charming littoral villages, it’s little surprise that the waters of Sardinia show a giant draw for yachting lovers and are relished by visiting superyachts. Isola Tavolara and Isola Molara are lesser-known however stunningly lovely, set amidst the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea, positioned simply off Olbia on the coast of north-eastern Sardinia. Solely accessible by boat, these rocky and mysterious isles are steeped in historical past.
At 4km lengthy and 1km huge, the second largest rock and the smallest kingdom on the planet, craggy and vertiginous Isola Tavolara is a limestone and granite landmass, rising to 564m on the peak of Punta Cannone. This outstanding landmark is well seen from coastal villages resembling Golfo Arancini, San Teodoro and in addition the headlands at Capo Coda Cavallo. Filled with historical past, the Kingdom of Tavolara was dominated by the Bertoleoni household between the nineteenth and twentieth century earlier than turning into a part of Italy in 1934.
Thought of to be amongst essentially the most lovely spots in Sardinia, Tavolara and its surrounding waters belong to the Space Marina Protetta di Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, the place protecting measures have been in place since 1997 to protect the island’s thriving biodiversity. It signifies that Tavolara is split into three zones, Zone A has no public entry and has a navy base, Zone B has half entry and Zone C is free for all to enter and luxuriate in crusing, swimming and exploring. This marine protect protects 37,000 acres of sea and round 40km of coastal territory, stretching from the southern tip of Olbia over to Punta Isoledda, to the south of San Teodoro.
Trek the difficult By way of Ferrata degli Angeli to achieve the very best level of the summit at Punta Cannone. Exercise seekers will relish this hike to be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over all the Gallura area, Monte Limbara, Monte Nieddu, Montalbo to Caprera, the Strait of Bonifacio and so far as Corsica. A unique vantage level, it isn’t to be missed for some unforgettable vistas. For loads of alternatives to take pleasure in leisure, the crescents of white sand and pristine pure panorama are preferrred to take pleasure in video games, watersports and seashore picnics with household and buddies.
The jap port of Spalmatore di Terra is the place the traditional Tavolara Palace is discovered, alongside a fairly seashore fringed by sea daffodils and a few summer season eating places. Whereas on the different finish, Spalmatore di Fuori is a sheltered bay boasting a tranquil seashore and shallow waters, preferrred for households to take pleasure in. Accessible solely by sea, the fascinating caves at Grotto Ghigliottina are fairly a discover, whereas diving lovers can take pleasure in fascinating underwater websites strewn with corals and seagrass meadows. The marine reserve at Teddja Liscia accommodates a large number of sea life and is greatest explored with a guided dive to benefit from sunken shipwrecks, underwater reefs, archaeological websites and “secca del Papa”, which is taken into account probably the most lovely dives within the Med.
For shore based mostly pursuits, in mid-July the island hosts “Una Notte in Italia”, an open-air movie pageant of non-mainstream Italian films screened on the seashore and full of environment. Lasting for a couple of week it attracts guests galore, casting a highlight on the Sardinian movie scene. Solely a few eating places dot the shoreline, notably Da Tonino, owned and run by the Bartoleoni household, simply steps away from Spiaggia Cala Tramontana with sweeping views of the ocean.
Adjoining to Isola Tavolara, the privately owned Isola Molara is tiny, round and rugged, surrounded by calm, crystalline swimming pools and straightforward anchorages. Hundreds of birds nest throughout the cliffs, whereas goats take shade underneath wild olive timber: this island is a picture-perfect scene of unspoiled nature. One of many smallest islands off the coast of Sardinia, it’s set throughout the protected marine atmosphere of Tavolara. Named “Buccina Insula” by the Romans, this refers to a big shell discovered on the island which was used to extract a deep crimson color for materials, and that is the one documentation about Molara which begins from 235AD.
Extra lately, Molara was purchased by the Tamponi household who now stay on the mainland. It turned an agricultural farm due to a water supply on the island that offered ingesting water to the inhabitants. Only a handful of households of shepherds lived right here, constructing dry stone wall enclosures for animals resembling goats and cows, bred to provide native cheese. They have been additionally sailors, having to achieve the mainland for commerce functions and to purchase salt for the cheese manufacturing. The farm was working till the Sixties when the final guardian of the island left to return to the mainland.
Not accessible to the general public, visits may be organized on guided excursions with the Molara Cultural Affiliation, between late spring and early autumn, when the climate situations enable guests to benefit from all of the island has to supply. Offering a totally off the crushed observe expertise, away from the crowds, that is an unimaginable vacation spot to study in regards to the historical past and conventional methods of life, while additionally admiring the pristine nature and marine panorama. This can be a spot merely made for enjoyable on a yacht in a secluded anchorage, having fun with the peaceable environment and snorkelling amongst the glowing clear waters.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
In case you are studying this text wherever aside from on A Luxurious Journey Weblog, then the possibilities are that this content material has been stolen with out permission.
Please make a remark of the online tackle above and call A Luxurious Journey Weblog to advise them of this difficulty.
Thanks on your assist in combatting content material theft.
At Cala di Chiesa, wander by means of the medieval village of Gurguray and be a part of the meandering coastal mountain climbing path across the isle. Take an expedition by kayak to paddle previous the fascinating Dinosaur Rock, shaped by the wind into an uncommon sculpture, harking back to prehistoric predators. Close by, the tiny rocky bluff of Molarotto is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise anchorages and is an idyllic yachting haven to take in the views. The waters right here present an underwater paradise for scuba diving, once more with guided excursions really helpful to find the most effective websites.
Yachting in Sardinia presents numerous treasures, however these uncommon islands with their attractive surroundings and sense of peace are actually an unique vacation spot to discover from the water. As with wherever else in Sardinia, to take away any sand, shells or stones from Sardinian seashores is prohibited and fines do apply. Due to this fact, take nothing however pictures, bear in mind the sweetness and depart with unforgettable reminiscences.
Nicholas Dean is Managing Associate of Ocean Independence. Ocean Independence is a world chief in luxurious yachting, offering a bespoke expertise throughout yacht constitution, gross sales and administration.
If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.
