{"id":12275,"date":"2026-05-13T12:54:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gdnautica.it\/?p=12275"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:37:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T15:37:05","slug":"budelli-most-famous-island-archipelago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/blog\/budelli-isola-piu-famosa-arcipelago\/","title":{"rendered":"Budelli: the most famous (and most protected) island in the archipelago"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I will explain it to you straight away. Budelli is not an island like any other. It is small, only 1.6 square kilometres. It has been uninhabited for years (the last caretaker left in 2021). Yet its name is known all over the world. Why? For a patch of pink sand that looks like something out of a dream. This fame, however, comes at a price. For decades, tourists have carried away buckets of sand as souvenirs, they have thrown anchors without criteria, they have trampled without knowing. Today Budelli is a protected island, guarded with love by the Ente Parco. And you know what? It is more beautiful than ever. Because sometimes, to save something wonderful, you have to learn to look at it without touching it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The skipper's philosophy:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u201cIt is not a ban, it is an invitation. In Budelli, you can't go down to the Pink Beach, but you can admire it as few are privileged to do: from the sea, calmly, without the crowds. And it is a spectacle that changes you inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Pink Beach: how to admire it while respecting the rules<\/span><\/h2>\n

We start from the beating heart of Budelli. La\u00a0<\/span>Pink Beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0owes its incredible colour to the fragmentation of tiny shells of marine organisms called\u00a0<\/span>Minacina minacea<\/span><\/em>\u00a0and shells. It is a very rare, delicate phenomenon, unique in the world. That is why, for years, access and landing have been strictly forbidden. You can't go down, you can't anchor close by, you can't even swim close by. But you won't regret it. Because our skipper knows the exact authorised stopping point: close enough to admire the extraordinary palette of colours ranging from white to deep pink, far enough away not to disturb the ecosystem. You can stop, listen to the history of this unique place, take unforgettable photographs. And while the larger boats are forced to pass quickly, you can stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
What is prohibited<\/span><\/th>\nWhat is allowed<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Landing on the beach<\/span><\/td>\nAdmiring from the sea at a regulation distance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Landing by tender<\/span><\/td>\nStopping with the yacht at the authorised point<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bathing close to<\/span><\/td>\nBathing in neighbouring waters (not on the beach)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taking away sand (even a grain)<\/span><\/td>\nPhotographing, exciting, learning<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The best time to see the Pink Beach is in the morning between 9.30am and 10.30am, when the side light turns pink. Late afternoon (after 16:30) is also magical, but the wind often picks up. Trust the skipper: he knows when to take you.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Where you can best see the Pink Beach from the boat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Not all vantage points are the same. The skipper of GD Nautica knows exactly the authorised and optimal GPS position. It is not a question of \u201cas close as possible\u201d, but of \u201cthe right angle\u201d. From certain points, the pink is barely visible. From others, it is like looking at a painting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Point of observation<\/span><\/th>\nPink visibility<\/span><\/th>\nAdvantage<\/span><\/th>\nDisadvantage<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
South-west (beachfront)<\/span><\/td>\nExcellent<\/span><\/td>\nFrontal vision, intense colours<\/span><\/td>\nIt can be more crowded<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North-west (left side)<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\nQuieter<\/span><\/td>\nPartial vision<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Southeast (right side)<\/span><\/td>\nDiscrete<\/span><\/td>\nSheltered from the wind<\/span><\/td>\nPink is less visible<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The best spot?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The skipper will choose for you according to the weather, the light and the time of day. It is no coincidence that it is called a \u201ctailor-made experience\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cala di Roto: the perfect bath after the show<\/span><\/h2>\n

After admiring the Pink Beach, you will long for a real bath. To touch the sand, to dive in carefree. The answer is\u00a0<\/span>Roto Cove<\/span><\/strong>. It is located on the eastern side of Budelli, and is a beautiful, accessible beach with clear sand and a sea that has nothing to envy from the most famous coves. And here is the news that will please you:\u00a0<\/span>here you can go ashore<\/span><\/strong>. Yes, you can put your feet in the sand, spread your towel, take a bath. It is the perfect time to relax after the excitement of the Pink Beach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/span><\/th>\nInformation<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Island<\/span><\/td>\nBudelli<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Location<\/span><\/td>\nEastern side<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Landing on land<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type of sand<\/span><\/td>\nFinest white<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Background<\/span><\/td>\nSandy, gently sloping<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wind protection<\/span><\/td>\nGood (east-facing, sheltered from the west)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Snorkelling<\/span><\/td>\nDiscreet, better in neighbouring coves<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

What to do in Cala di Roto<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    A relaxing bath after the excitement of the Pink Beach<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    A swim northwards, where small, often deserted coves open up<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Taking souvenir photos with wild Budelli in the background<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Simply lie on the bow of the yacht and enjoy the view<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0After the stop in front of the Pink Beach, ask to be taken to Cala di Roto around 4pm. The late afternoon light is magical, the water is still warm, and many boats have already left. It will be almost all for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Porto della Madonna and Il Sasso del Polpo: the other corners of Budelli<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Budelli is not only Spiaggia Rosa and Cala di Roto. There are two other jewels that deserve your attention.\u00a0<\/span>Port of Our Lady<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is a small natural harbour on the west coast. It offers shelter and calm waters, perfect for a quick stop or for those who want to avoid the wind.\u00a0<\/span>The Octopus Rock<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is a famous reef in the vicinity of Budelli, a destination for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts. The name doesn't lie: octopuses are at home here, and if you're lucky (and quiet) you might see one coming out of its burrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Corner of Budelli<\/span><\/th>\nType<\/span><\/th>\nWhy visit<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Port of Our Lady<\/span><\/td>\nNatural harbour<\/span><\/td>\nSheltered from the wind, calm waters, ideal for a break<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    The Octopus Rock<\/span><\/td>\nSnorkelling rock<\/span><\/td>\nOctopuses, lobsters, coloured fish<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    What to bring for snorkelling at Sasso del Polpo<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • \n

      Mask and fins (mandatory, the water is deep)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      GoPro or underwater camera (worth it)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Patience and silence (animals are shy)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Is it possible to sleep or stay overnight in Budelli?<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Until 2021, Budelli had a caretaker. Today, the island is completely uninhabited and there is no accommodation. You cannot sleep on land. But you can\u00a0<\/span>stay overnight on board<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0with GD Nautica if you book a multi-day tour. Imagine: waking up off Budelli, with the Pink Beach tinged with the colours of dawn, with no other boats around. It is an experience that very few can relate.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Question<\/span><\/th>\nAnswer<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Is it possible to sleep on land in Budelli?<\/span><\/td>\nNo, the island is uninhabited and there are no facilities<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Is it possible to stay overnight on a boat nearby?<\/span><\/td>\nYes, with the necessary authorisations<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Is anchoring permitted at night?<\/span><\/td>\nYes, in certain authorised areas (the skipper knows the points)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      What is needed for an overnight stay?<\/span><\/td>\nWell-equipped yacht (GD Nautica is) and experienced skipper<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      Table: all Budelli coves with permitted\/banned access<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Here is a complete table to orient you.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Cove \/ Zone<\/span><\/th>\nLanding on land<\/span><\/th>\nBathing<\/span><\/th>\nSnorkelling<\/span><\/th>\nWhy go there<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\nForbidden<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nForbidden<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0close to<\/span><\/td>\nForbidden<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0close to<\/span><\/td>\nAdmiring it from the sea is a unique emotion<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Roto Cove<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nDiscreet<\/span><\/td>\nThe perfect swim after the Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Port of Our Lady<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed (rock)<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\nShelter from the wind, calm waters<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      The Octopus Rock<\/span><\/td>\nNo (it is a rock)<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed<\/span><\/td>\nExcellent<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nOctopus, lobsters, rich seabed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      From Palau to Budelli: sailing times and recommended itinerary<\/span><\/h2>\n

      The navigation from Palau to Budelli is one of the most beautiful stretches of the archipelago. It skirts Santo Stefano, crosses the Passo della Moneta, passes between Caprera and Spargi, and finally reaches Budelli from the south. The skipper of GD Nautica will choose the best route depending on the wind and currents.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Route<\/span><\/th>\nDuration<\/span><\/th>\nNotes<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Palau - Moneta Pass<\/span><\/td>\n20 minutes<\/span><\/td>\nSkirting Santo Stefano<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Passo della Moneta - Budelli (western route)<\/span><\/td>\n30-35 minutes<\/span><\/td>\nPassing between Spargi and Budelli<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Total from Palau to Budelli<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n50-55 minutes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Do not go to Budelli as a first stop. It is best to start with Cala Coticcio in Caprera (early morning), then Spargi for lunch, and finally Budelli in the early afternoon. The light is good and the boats on the day tours start to dwindle.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Frequently asked questions about Budelli<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Is the Pink Beach still pink?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nYes, indeed. Perhaps even more than before, thanks to the protection. The pink is vivid and intense, especially in the right light.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Can you still see the Pink Beach?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nAbsolutely. In fact, it is recommended to do it from the sea, at the regulation distance. It is the only way and, believe us, it is the most beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How long do you stay in front of the Pink Beach?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nThe skipper of GD Nautica usually stops\u00a0<\/span>20-30 minutes<\/span><\/strong>. It is the perfect time to listen to history, observe, photograph and be moved.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Is it possible to take good photos?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nYes. With a good telephoto lens or even a state-of-the-art smartphone, the colours are spectacular. The skipper will be able to give you advice on exposure and angle.<\/span><\/p>\n

      What happens if someone tries to disembark?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nThe fines are hefty (up to EUR 500) and the checks are frequent. But above all, it is a gesture of great disrespect towards a heritage that belongs to everyone. It is not worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Is Budelli suitable for children?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nYes, but with a few caveats. The stop in front of the Pink Beach is short and suitable even for children (the story of the pink colour fascinates them). Cala di Roto is perfect for swimming. The skipper will be able to engage them with anecdotes and curiosities.<\/span><\/p>\n

      An example of a perfect day in Budelli departing from Palau<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Here is how the skipper of GD Nautica could organise a day dedicated to Budelli and its wonders.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Timetable<\/span><\/th>\nStage<\/span><\/th>\nClou<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      09:00<\/span><\/td>\nDeparture from Palau<\/span><\/td>\nEmbarkation and briefing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      09:50<\/span><\/td>\nCala Coticcio (Caprera)<\/span><\/td>\nFirst stage: photos and bathing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      11:30<\/span><\/td>\nSailing to Spargi<\/span><\/td>\nLight lunch on board<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      12:30<\/span><\/td>\nCala Corsara (Spargi)<\/span><\/td>\nSecond bath and relaxation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      14:00<\/span><\/td>\nSailing to Budelli<\/span><\/td>\nShort shift<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      14:30<\/span><\/td>\nPink Beach (Budelli)<\/span><\/td>\nObservation stop, photos, history<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      15:00<\/span><\/td>\nCala di Roto (Budelli)<\/span><\/td>\nBathing, disembarking, relaxing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      16:00<\/span><\/td>\nThe Octopus Rock<\/span><\/td>\nSnorkelling (sea permitting)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      16:30<\/span><\/td>\nSailing back to Palau<\/span><\/td>\nPanoramas and greetings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      17:15<\/span><\/td>\nArrival in Palau<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      Why visit Budelli with GD Nautica<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Because our skipper doesn't just take you to \u201csee\u201d the Pink Beach. He tells you why it is pink, why it is protected, why it is important to respect it. He knows the exact observation point, the best time, the history of the caretaker, the legends of the pirates. And then there is the boat: private, silent, respectful. No random roaring engines, no queues of dinghies, no crowds. Just you, the sea, and a colour you will never find anywhere else in the world. Departing from Palau, comfortable and stress-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      The added value of GD Nautica:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It is not a hit-and-run tour. It is an experience that stays with you. The skipper of GD Nautica loves Budelli like few others, and will make you love it in the same way.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Conclusion: Budelli, where pink changes your look<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Budelli is not just an island. It is a lesson. It teaches you that the greatest beauty is also the most fragile. It teaches you that sometimes respect is worth more than any souvenir. It teaches you that looking from afar, calmly and consciously, can be more exciting than walking around without seeing. The Pink Beach is still there, more beautiful than ever. And it is waiting for you. Not to walk on it, but to make you fall in love with it. With\u00a0<\/span>GD Nautical<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and our skipper, starting from\u00a0<\/span>Palau<\/span><\/strong>, that moment will be yours. And you will not forget it.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Ready to let your heart be coloured pink? Contact GD Nautica. Our skipper already has the route to Budelli ready.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Te lo spiego subito. Budelli non \u00e8 un’isola come le altre. \u00c8 piccola, solo 1,6 chilometri quadrati. \u00c8 disabitata da anni (l’ultimo custode se n’\u00e8 andato nel 2021). Eppure il suo nome \u00e8 conosciuto in tutto il mondo. Perch\u00e9? Per un fazzoletto di sabbia rosa che sembra uscito da un sogno. Questa fama, per\u00f2, ha […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12308,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senza-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12275"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12275\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}