OCEAN LOVERS PROJECT
Isola di Tavolara: The Smallest Kingdom in the World, Anchored Between Legend and Sea
Along the northeastern coast of Sardinia, few places leave the same impression as Isola di Tavolara.
Rising dramatically from the sea with its unmistakable limestone silhouette, Tavolara is a place shaped by stories, protected waters, authentic traditions, and experiences that can only truly be appreciated through local knowledge and the right connections.
For those cruising this coastline, Tavolara represents some of the most memorable moments Sardinia has to offer — breathtaking scenery, dining with descendants of the island’s royal family, and swimming in crystal-clear waters within a protected marine reserve.
At Nautica Assistance, our deep connection with the territory allows us to offer experiences that go far beyond the ordinary stop along the route.
Here are some of the absolute musts not to miss when visiting Isola di Tavolara — insider experiences that truly capture the spirit of the island and that we can arrange directly for your guests.
Dinner at the King’s House
One of the most authentic experiences on Tavolara begins directly by the water at Da Tonino Re di Tavolara.
Simple, discreet, and deeply connected to the island’s identity, the restaurant has become an iconic stop for yachts cruising northeastern Sardinia. Here, lunch or dinner is not simply about dining — it is about stepping into the living history of Tavolara itself.
The owner is a direct descendant of the Bertoleoni family, the dynasty historically linked to what became known as “the smallest kingdom in the world.” The story dates back to 1836, when King Carlo Alberto of Savoy landed on Tavolara during a hunting trip. According to local legend, Giuseppe Bertoleoni jokingly introduced himself as the “King of Tavolara.” Fascinated by the island and its charismatic inhabitant, the Sardinian monarch officially recognized the island’s independence, giving life to one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating stories.
Today, that atmosphere still survives on the island. Dining at Da Tonino Re di Tavolara feels personal, authentic, and impossible to replicate elsewhere. Fresh local seafood, traditional recipes, and the quiet rhythm of the island create an atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of Tavolara.
The Perfect Swim
Swimming around Isola di Tavolara is one of those moments every guest should experience at least once while cruising Sardinia.
Transparent turquoise water, dramatic cliffs rising vertically from the sea, hidden corners accessible only by boat, and the feeling of floating inside a protected natural paradise make this one of the most spectacular swimming spots in the Mediterranean.
For guests looking for something even more exclusive, nearby private island of Molara reveals a completely different side of the marine reserve.
Through Nautica Assistance, we can organize tailor-made excursions to Molara including guided snorkeling experiences in its famous natural pools, private hikes through untouched landscapes, and authentic Sardinian aperitifs surrounded by nature. These experiences are designed for guests seeking privacy, authenticity, and a deeper connection with Sardinia.
Anchoring in a Protected Marine Paradise
Beyond its beauty, Tavolara is also one of Sardinia’s most important protected marine environments.
The island lies within the Area Marina Protetta Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo, where navigation and anchoring are regulated to preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the area.
Understanding the marine park’s rules and regulations is essential for captains navigating these waters, not only to ensure compliance but also to help protect one of the Mediterranean’s most valuable ecosystems.
What many visitors do not know is that Tavolara is also home to an important biological research base dedicated to the study and protection of the marine environment. Through our collaborations with the MPA biologists, Nautica Assistance actively supports initiatives connected to environmental preservation, including activities related to the care, recovery, and release of sea turtles back into their natural habitat.
It is this deep connection with the territory — its people, environment, and traditions — that allows us to offer experiences that are genuinely lived from the inside.
From restaurant reservations and exclusive excursions to local guidance and support throughout the Tavolara marine area, our team remains fully available to assist you in experiencing this extraordinary corner of Sardinia at its very best.
For any further information, feel free to contact us at info@nayacht.com.