By Marco, Team RENTAL12
Let me tell you about the only place in Sardinia where you can drop anchor and say, "Thanks, Your Majesty".
No, really.
Tavolara isn’t just a jagged slice of limestone erupting out of the sea. It’s a kingdom. With a king. And two restaurants.
Plus a hiking trail that could make your legs forgive you after the pasta you ate the night before.
Welcome to Tavolara: part fairytale, part adventure, and 100% worth the boat ride.
A Kingdom Born from a Beard 🧔
The story of Tavolara’s royal family is one of Sardinia's most delightful oddities. You won’t find it in your average travel guide - but once you hear it, you won’t forget it.
It begins in the early 19th century with Giuseppe Bertoleoni, a Corsican shepherd and fisherman who made his way to this rugged outcrop of an island. At the time, Tavolara was uninhabited, wild, and utterly off the map.
But Giuseppe wasn’t just any settler. He saw potential. He built a life there with his family - fishing, raising goats, and essentially declaring the land his own.
Then, in 1836, everything changed. According to family lore, King Charles Albert of Sardinia was sailing the northeastern coast when he spotted the peculiar island and decided to stop. What he found was Giuseppe Bertoleoni, sunburned, bearded, and ruling the land like a pirate with excellent hospitality.
Amused and charmed, Charles Albert supposedly declared:
"Giuseppe, you shall be king of Tavolara."
And with that royal decree (half-serious, fully Sardinian), the Kingdom of Tavolara was born.
But here's the kicker: the Bertoleoni family took it seriously. They considered it official. And in a way, so did everyone else. The family kept ruling, and the "kingdom" even got international recognition in small ways. The British Navy reportedly acknowledged it, and a photograph of the Tavolara royal family once hung in Buckingham Palace.
Fast forward to today, and the story continues. The Bertoleonis are still here. Still welcoming. Still a little royal. And if you arrive by boat, there's a good chance you’ll be met by King Tonino's nephew, who helps anchor your vessel to the island's pontoon like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Imagine that: a king’s nephew in swimming shorts, handing you a mooring rope with a grin. No crown. No guards. Just island hospitality with a royal twist.
And yes, Tonino himself - Tonino Bertoleoni, the current king still lives on the island. He runs the beloved restaurant Da Tonino Re di Tavolara, where you'll find the best grilled fish and probably a great story or two if you ask nicely.
Tavolara isn’t a gimmick. It’s a living legacy. A reminder that history is sometimes stranger (and more delicious) than fiction.
How to Get There: With a Little Fun from Marefun 🚣
There’s no bridge, no ferry timetable. You get to Tavolara by boat - ideally, your own little RIB or a boat rental from our friends at Marefun.
If the weather’s good, go for the RIB. The ride is thrilling, fast, and gives you access to hidden coves along the way. Marefun's team will set you up with everything you need, even if it's your first time steering.
Top Tip: Book early during summer. Boats go fast. Just like island legends.
Where to Eat Like Royalty 🍽️
There are two restaurants on the island, and they’re both absolutely worth the trip.
Da Tonino Re di Tavolara
Yes, it’s literally King Tonino's place. Famous for ultra-fresh fish and family vibes, this restaurant is like stepping into a Mediterranean time warp. The grilled sea bream? Regal.
La Corona
Named after the crown-shaped profile of the island, La Corona offers elegance and local flair. Their pasta with bottarga (Sardinian caviar) is divine.
Floriana swears by their calamari. Kristina says their sunsets are therapy. Me? I go for both.
The Trail That Touches the Sky ⛰️
If you're up for a real adventure, and the weather's dry, hike to Tavolara's summit. The trail climbs almost 600 meters and offers panoramic views that will ruin you for all other hikes.
Caution: This is not a flip-flop hike. It's steep, wild, and not officially maintained. You’ll need good shoes, water, and a dose of respect for nature.
That said, it’s one of the most rewarding climbs in Sardinia. And up top? Silence. Wind. A view of eternity.
A Place That Lives Between Stories 🌍
Tavolara is the kind of place that gets under your skin. Maybe it’s the contrast - between sea and summit, royalty and wilderness. Maybe it’s just the grilled fish.
One minute you're tying your boat to a floating dock run by a royal family, the next you’re eating like a local and plotting a hike up a nearly vertical peak. It’s a place that reminds you: travel should still surprise you.
Let Tavolara Surprise You ✨
You don’t visit Tavolara. You experience it. And the best way to do that? With a little help from Marefun.
👉 Rent your boat or RIB now
Bring snacks. Bring a swimsuit. Bring a sense of wonder. Tavolara will handle the rest.
Alt Texts:
• Alt 1: View of Tavolara island rising from the sea, framed by a boat
• Alt 2: Sunset over Da Tonino restaurant with wine glasses on the table
