What to do in Porto Rafael

If you cannot resist the call of the place, the promise of sensory surprises that nature around whispers in your ears, you will discover that from its protected and privileged position, Porto Rafael embraces in its surroundings kilometers of beaches that wind along the coast. Among them enchanting Cala Trana, enclosed between two large rocky promontories - Delfini and Punta Don Diego -, protected at its back by sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub. Cala Trana is about 3 kilometers from famous bay of Porto Pollo, known as Isola dei Gabbiani and as paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers coming from all Europe. Agonists or beginners, they perform on the same water stage, rising in flight with jumps defying gravity law, each with own solitary choreography, but all united like a flock of giant birds twirling synchronously.

Leaving Porto Pollo and the coast by sea, you start meeting the wonders of Maddalena Arcipelago made of pink granite islands - Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Caprera, Maddalena, Santo Stefano -, which extends from Porto Rafael to Corsica, the last hiking stop in the island. Arcipelago’s beaches, which can be easily reached by boat, are known all over the world for their fine pink and white sand, which is under important precautionary measures for its protection since years.

We do not pursue describing Arcipelago here, and let these places the chance to reveal themselves approaching them by sea, a unique, powerful experience, able to change the destiny of sensitivest, or more simply of dreamers.

On pink Budelli beach lived isolated from the world unforgettable Mauro, once heading to Polynesia and stumbled upon there by chance after a breakdown while sailing with some friends. One and only inhabitant of the island, for over thirty years his wooden house on the sea was an obligatory stop for tourists and onlookers, fascinated by his extreme existential choice and by the way he safeguarded the ecosystem of the place.

People say he left Budelli for a love affair, but actually he was only tired of all attacks received over the years by those who accused him of expropriation, of living unhealthly, of not being a local islander and much more.

On the contrary, we must hope that Budelli beach remains also in the future the enchanted paradise corner Mauro took care and loved with such passion, leaving us an example of self-denial unrepeatable over time. Thank you, brave man.