Places
Hike·Hard·Sporty·Hidden gem

Isola di Tavolara

Sardinia

Tavolara is a monolithic limestone island rising 560 m from the sea off northern Sardinia. It was declared an independent kingdom by Carlo Alberto of Savoy in 1836 and the royal family (the Bertoleoni) still lives on the small flat section at the base. The summit — reached by a steep unmarked scramble — hosts white-coated deer found nowhere else.

Duration
4 hours
Distance
6 km
Elevation
+560 m
Best season
May – October

Highlights

  • World's smallest kingdom
  • White Sardinian deer subspecies
  • 560 m sheer from the sea

With your dog

Dogs allowed on the island; steep ascent requires good fitness.