Budelli's Natural Pools: a paradise in Sardinia

The Natural Pools of Budelli are a true paradise for sea lovers. Find out why this place is so special and what you can do during your stopover.
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Discover the natural pools of Budelli: An unforgettable experience

The Natural Pools of Budelli represent one of the most iconic places in the Maddalena archipelago, located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. This extraordinary place is famous for its crystal-clear waters, turquoise hues and unspoilt natural surroundings.
To visit the Piscine Naturali di Budelli is to immerse oneself in a unique earthly paradise, where the beauty of the landscape and the relaxing atmosphere provide an unforgettable experience.

Budelli: The Maddalena Archipelago's Pink Beach
Budelli: The Maddalena Archipelago's Pink Beach

What are Budelli's natural pools?

The geological formation of natural pools

Budelli is an island whose natural pools are located in a lagoon 15 km from Palau and 10 from La Maddalena and are the result of a unique geological phenomenon. 
They are located between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, and are characterised by pools of various sizes, in a position to create a kind of natural lagoon protected from the strongest sea currents.
The seabed of these pools is characterised by fine white sand, composed of fragments of shells and corals, which reflects the sunlight, giving the waters incredibly vivid hues. If you are a photography enthusiast, you will be in the right place not to miss a single shot!

The fascination of biodiversity

This place is not only a visual spectacle but also an important nature reserve for numerous endemic marine species.
 Among the seabed of the Budelli Natural Pools, one can observe posidonia, molluscs, crustaceans and small, colourful fish. Thanks to the clarity of the water, it is easy to admire the marine fauna, making snorkelling and diving activities particularly exciting for children and adults.

Why is Budelli so special?

The Pink Beach: an icon of Sardinia

Budelli is world famous for its Pink Beach, located a short distance from the natural pools. This unique place owes its name to the particular colouring of the sand, generated by microscopic fragments of pink shells and corals. The Pink Beach is protected and not accessible to visitors, but can be admired from a distance during boat tours.

Piscine Naturali Di Budelli
Piscine Naturali Di Budelli

An exclusive destination

The unspoilt beauty of Budelli and its natural pools has made this destination a symbol of Sardinia and an exclusive place for those seeking tranquillity and incredible landscapes away from the stress of city life.
 The regulated access and remote location ensure that this corner of paradise remains a place of peace and natural beauty preserved in time.

How to reach the Budelli Natural Pools

Departure from Palau and La Maddalena, boat tour

The Natural Pools of Budelli are only accessible by boat, which helps to preserve their integrity. Let the Consortium of Wonders guide you and book your tour on board a comfortable boat equipped with everything you need for your trip.
The main ports from which you can depart are Palau and La Maddalena. From these, numerous organised tours depart daily, offering various options, from guided tours to private excursions, and if the day and your luck permit, you can board a boat and admire the splendid dolphins of the species: bottlenose dolphin, known for its intelligence, sociability and characteristic smile. In any case, you won't miss a chance to take a tour around the coast and enjoy the beautiful sea.

Tour and rental options

Among the most popular options are boat tours through the Consortium of Wonders, which offer an extraordinary and relaxing experience, ideal for tailor-made solutions. Organised trips often include stops for snorkelling, relaxing moments and aperitifs on board, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Activities to do in natural pools

Snorkelling and diving

The transparent waters of Budelli's Piscine Naturali are perfect for snorkelling. You can explore the seabed rich with life, observing colourful fish, starfish and underwater rock formations up close. You will enjoy the scents of the Mediterranean maquis and the authentic colours of Sardinia to the full.
For diving enthusiasts, this place offers exceptional views and a fascinating underwater environment, rich in biodiversity and beauty.

Boat Excursions

Boat excursions are the best way to experience Budelli's Natural Pools.
During these trips, it is possible to admire the surrounding landscape, stop for photos, photograph fish, including shellfish with a mask, and enjoy relaxing moments in a unique setting. 
Some tours also offer the possibility of visiting other islands in the archipelago, such as Spargi and Santa Maria.

Budelli, Maddalena Archipelago Islands
Budelli, Maddalena Archipelago Islands

Sunset aperitifs

A particularly romantic and suggestive experience is to enjoy a sunset aperitif on board a boat.
The hues of the sky reflecting off the waters of the natural pools create a magical atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a special moment to share or for those who like to post photos of sunsets on social networks, around the world, the seabed is shallow and you can see through, so clean and transparent is it.

The Importance of La Maddalena National Park

A protected ecosystem

The Piscine Naturali di Budelli, creating pools of various sizes, are part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a vast marine and terrestrial area established to protect the area's endemic species along with the entire local ecosystem of fish, plants and game. 
Thanks to this protection, Budelli's fauna and flora are safeguarded, guaranteeing a unique and unspoilt natural environment that thinks about the future and moves on the green economy model. Budelli, as part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, is a concrete example of sustainable management of a natural ecosystem, its strict rules on access, preserving the loss of its fine sand, the typical biodiversity of the area and keeping its beauty intact for future generations, giving everyone who visits it endless shades of colour.

Navigation and bathing rules

To ensure the preservation of the Natural Pools, it is essential to respect the rules of the national park. Swimming in the pools is prohibited and anchoring boats is only allowed in certain areas.
These restrictions are essential to protect the seabed and keep the environment intact and unchanged in the long term.

When to visit natural pools

The best time to visit

The ideal time to visit the Piscine Naturali di Budelli, like the rest of Sardinia as a whole, is between May and September, when the climate is mild and the turquoise waters glisten in the sun, the heat is not sultry and you can fully enjoy the Mediterranean climate without tiring too much under the sun during excursions.
In the summer months, the warm temperatures make the boat experience even more enjoyable, but it is important to book in advance to avoid overcrowding and to equip yourself with a hat and sunscreen for the sultrier days.

Budelli, The Maddalena Archipelago Coves
Budelli, The Maddalena Archipelago Coves

Practical advice for the visit

To make the most of your visit, bring a snorkelling mask, sunscreen, a towel and comfortable shoes to take with you on the boat. Remember that there are no services on the island, so make sure you bring everything you need to enjoy an extraordinary experience without depriving yourself of anything.

Ideas for the 2025 season

Organised tours and promotions

Many companies offer special packages for the 2025 season, which include guided snorkelling tours, aperitifs and similar activities with visits to neighbouring islands. 
The Consortium of Wonders has attractive offers for those seeking a comprehensive and well-organised experience.

Customised experiences

For those who want something unique, you can opt for customised tours. Many depart from the port of Palau and allow you to choose your preferred itinerary, activities and boats to experience an unforgettable day. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where are the Natural Pools of Budelli?

They are located in the Maddalena archipelago, between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria.

What is the best time to visit them?

The ideal period is between May and September, when the climate is perfect and the waters are clearest.

How do you get to the Budelli Natural Pools?

The pools are only accessible by sea with boat tours organised by the Consortium of Wonders.

Can you bathe in Natural Pools?

No, bathing is forbidden to preserve the environment, and you can only get there by boat, but there are numerous enchanting beaches, a refuge for many marine species, where you are allowed to dive freely. One example: Cala Napoletana, reachable on foot or by boat, located on the north-western end of the island of Caprera, less famous but just as wonderful, has a deep blue, crystal-clear sea.

What are the average costs of a boat trip?

Prices vary depending on the type of tour, but you will be guided to the best choice for your needs, check out the best prices through the Consortium of Wonders.

Need to book in advance?

Yes, especially in the summer months to secure a berth.

Is it possible to visit other islands during the tour?

Yes, many tours include stops at Spargi, Razzoli and Santa Maria.

What activities are recommended during the visit?

Snorkelling along the reef, boat trips and sunset aperitifs are the most popular activities.

Are there services available in Budelli?

No, the island is uninhabited and has no services, so bring everything you need.

What are the rules of the National Park?

Respect the environment, avoid picking up sand or shells and follow the directions of the guides.

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