Eng
The island of Tavolara is known as ‘the smallest kingdom in the world’ because of a fascinating tale associated with it. It is said that King Carlo Alberto of Savoy, having arrived on its shores in search of the mythical goats with golden teeth, appointed the island’s sole inhabitant, Paolo Bertoleoni, as king of the island. His descendants remain the island’s only residents (and custodians) to this day.
The island’s magic lies not only in the legend; it is, in fact, the symbol of the Tavolata – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, which stretches along the coastline of Olbia, Loiri, Porto San Paolo and San Teodoro. Crystal-clear waters, pristine coves and dreamlike scenery: a paradise for those who love boat trips, diving and snorkelling in one of the places most dear to the inhabitants of Northern Sardinia.
Explore the culture and nature of Northern Sardinia: places to discover, local dishes, traditions and stories from the region.
‘Domus de Janas’ is a Sardinian expression meaning ‘house of the fairies’. Legends tell of beings that are not particularly spiritual – demons, somewhere between human and divine.
Sardegna has a wine-making tradition stretching back thousands of years; the earliest evidence of wine-making dates as far back as 1400 BC.
The Ludurru necropolis is situated in Buddusò, and the domus de janas date back to 3200–2800 BC, famous examples of the Sardegna Neolithic period
The Neptune Caves are spectacular caves dating back to prehistoric times. They are located at Alghero, in Northern Sardinia
The Church of St Francis in Alghero is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in Sardegna
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Saccargia is the most famous and fascinating medieval church in Sardegna
