{"id":11876,"date":"2026-05-23T00:50:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T22:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=11876"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:06:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T13:06:59","slug":"island-of-budelli-maddalena-archipelago-pink-beach-foraminifera-marine-protected-area-and-landing-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/isola-di-budelli-arcipelago-della-maddalena-spiaggia-rosa-foraminiferi-area-marina-protetta-e-divieto-di-sbarco\/","title":{"rendered":"Budelli Island, La Maddalena Archipelago: Pink Beach, foraminifera, marine protected area and ban on landing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Island of Budelli is one of the five main islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, located in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park in northern Sardinia, province of Sassari, Gallura. Its name is inextricably linked to a unique geological and biological phenomenon: the Pink Beach, whose colour derives from the shells of a marine protozoan called Miniacina miniacea, a benthic foraminifera belonging to the order Rotaliida.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">However, since 2020, access to the island has been completely forbidden. It is no longer possible to walk on the Pink Beach, let alone pick up sand fragments. This guide explains exactly why, what the penalties are under the National Park regulations, and how you can admire Budelli and its pink beach during a boat trip from Palau.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"1-inquadramento-geografico-budelli-nellecosistema-dellarcipelago-della-maddalena\"><span class=\"\">1. Geographical context: Budelli in the Maddalena Archipelago ecosystem<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The island of Budelli lies in the heart of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, established in 1994 by decree of the President of the Republic. The National Park covers an area of more than 15,000 hectares of sea and about 5,000 hectares of land, including 60 islands, islets and rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Geographical coordinates of Budelli:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Latitude: 41\u00b017\u2032 N<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Longitude: 9\u00b021\u2032 E<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Distance from the Sardinian coast: approximately 2.5 kilometres<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Distance from the island of La Maddalena: about 1.8 kilometres<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Distance from the port of Palau: approximately 8 kilometres<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Sailing time from Palau by pleasure boat: 30-40 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Morphological and geological features of Budelli:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Parameter<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Detail<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Surface area<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">1.6 square kilometres (approximately 160 hectares)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Coastal perimeter<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">12.1 kilometres<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Maximum altitude<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Monte Budello, 57 metres above sea level<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Dominant geology<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Hercynian granite<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Metamorphic rocks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Costa<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Indented, with inlets and coves<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Coastal ecosystems<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Posidonia oceanica meadows<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Backdune wetlands<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Protection status<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Integral protection zone (Zone A) of the National Park<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Budelli belongs to the so-called \u201cBocche di Bonifacio System\u201d, a stretch of sea between northern Sardinia and southern Corsica, recognised as a Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) for marine birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2-la-spiaggia-rosa-di-budelli-un-fenomeno-sedimentologico-unico\"><span class=\"\">2. Budelli's Pink Beach: a unique sedimentological phenomenon<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Pink Beach of Budelli (Sardinian: Spiaggia Rusata) is a sedimentary formation of worldwide scientific significance. It is not the only pink beach on the planet, but it is considered the most spectacular for its chromatic intensity and purity of colour.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"estensione-e-caratteristiche-fisiche\"><span class=\"\">Extent and physical characteristics<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) is located on the west coast of Budelli, exposed to the mistral and south-westerly winds. It is about 180 metres long and varies in width between 15 and 30 metres, depending on the tides and seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The sand of the Pink Beach is composed of a granular mixture of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Quartz and feldspar (from the fragmentation of Hercynian granite)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Shell fragments of marine molluscs (bivalves and gastropods)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Shells of benthic foraminifera<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Calcareous sponges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The pink colouration is not uniform on the beach. It is mainly concentrated in the foreshore (tidal zone), where wave action selectively accumulates the lighter fragments of Miniacina miniacea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"spettrofotometria-del-colore-rosa\"><span class=\"\">Pink spectrophotometry<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Scientific studies conducted by the University of Sassari, Department of Nature and Territorial Sciences, have measured the colour coordinates of the sand of the Pink Beach in the CIE L colour space<\/span>*<span class=\"\">a<\/span>*<span class=\"\">b*:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Colour parameter<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Average value<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">L* (brightness)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">65-72<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">a* (red-green component)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">+12 a +18<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">b* (yellow-blue component)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">+8 a +14<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">By comparison, a white sand typical of northern Sardinia has a* values between 0 and +2. The figure of +12\/+18 confirms the exceptional intensity of the pink pigment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3-miniacina-miniacea-il-foraminifero-che-colora-la-sabbia\"><span class=\"\">3. Miniacina miniacea: the foraminifera that colours the sand<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The culprit is Miniacina miniacea (Pallas, 1766), a planktonic and benthic foraminifera belonging to the class Globothalamea, order Rotaliida, family Rosalinidae.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"tassonomia-e-biologia-del-foraminifero\"><span class=\"\">Taxonomy and biology of the foraminifera<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Taxonomic level<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Scientific name<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Domain<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Eukaryota<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Kingdom<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Chromist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Phylum<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Retaria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Subphylum<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Foraminifera<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Class<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Globothalamea<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Order<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Rotaliida<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Family<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Rosalinidae<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Genre<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Miniacin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Species<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Miniacin miniacea<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Miniacina miniacea is a single-celled organism that secretes a calcareous shell (head) that is red or dark pink in colour. The shell has a complex structure, perforated by pores that allow the extension of pseudopods for locomotion and feeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ecologia-e-habitat\"><span class=\"\">Ecology and habitat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Miniacina miniacea lives exclusively in oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) and well-oxygenated waters, typical of the western Mediterranean. It prefers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Depths between 5 and 50 metres<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Water temperature between 15\u00b0C and 25\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Salinity around 38 per mille<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Hard substrates (rock) or Posidonia oceanica meadows<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The organism attaches itself to the substrate by means of a calcareous stalk. It mainly colonises the leaves of Posidonia oceanica, which in the Budelli area form prairies extending over more than 200 hectares.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ciclo-riproduttivo-e-sedimentazione\"><span class=\"\">Reproductive cycle and sedimentation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Miniacina miniacea has a life cycle of about 6-8 months. After death, the calcareous shell detaches from the substrate and is transported by sea currents towards the shoreline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The formation time of pink sand is extremely slow:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Annual production of new shells: estimated to be 0.3-0.5 mm thick on the beach<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Time needed to form 1 centimetre of pink sand: 20-30 years<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Estimated age of the present Pink Beach: about 8,000 years (after the last ice age)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"4-perche-non-si-puo-piu-camminare-sulla-spiaggia-rosa-cronologia-dei-divieti\"><span class=\"\">4. Why you can no longer walk on the Pink Beach: chronology of prohibitions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The ban on access to Budelli's Pink Beach is not a recent development. It has a history of more than 25 years, made up of ordinances, seizures and progressive restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cronologia-normativa-e-amministrativa\"><span class=\"\">Regulatory and administrative history<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Year<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Event<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Effect<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">1994<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Establishment of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Budelli falls under zone A (integral protection)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">1998<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">First order prohibiting landings in Budelli<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No going ashore, but weak controls<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Ministry of the Environment Decree<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Reinforcing the ban on access to the Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2011<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Budelli auctioned to New Zealand entrepreneur<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Island purchased for 2.94 million euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2013<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Media exposure of the degradation of the Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Allegations of illegal sand harvesting<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2016<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Seizure of the island by the Tempio Pausania Public Prosecutor's Office<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">For violation of landscape legislation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2017<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Renationalisation of Budelli<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Italian state buys back the island for EUR 3.5 million<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2020<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">National Park Final Regulations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Absolute ban on landings throughout Budelli<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Installation of barriers and video surveillance systems<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Continuous monitoring of the Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"il-problema-del-furto-di-sabbia\"><span class=\"\">The problem of sand theft<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Between 2000 and 2015, it is estimated that over 500 kilograms of sand per year were illegally removed from Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa. Miniacina miniacea fragments were found for sale on e-commerce platforms such as eBay and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/subito.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><span class=\"\">subito.it<\/span><\/a><span class=\"\">,<\/span><span class=\"\">\u00a0at prices between 50 and 200 euros per bottle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The penalties for taking sand from the Pink Beach are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Administrative fine of between EUR 500 and EUR 3,000<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Criminal prosecution for aggravated theft (if the quantity exceeds 5 kg)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Seizure of the vehicle used (boat, car)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">In 2024, the National Park intensified its controls with drones and thermal cameras on board the patrol boats of the La Maddalena Harbour Office - Coast Guard.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"5-il-sequestro-del-2017-e-la-rinazionalizzazione-di-budelli\"><span class=\"\">5. The 2017 Seizure and Renationalisation of Budelli<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">A key chapter in Budelli's recent history is the renationalisation in 2017. The island had been bought at auction in 2011 by New Zealand businessman Michael Harte for EUR 2.94 million. Harte had stated that he wanted to protect the island, but his management was challenged for unauthorised building interventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">On 28 November 2016, the Tempio Pausania Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the preventive seizure of the entire island of Budelli, contesting:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Unauthorised construction work (fences, small structures)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Violation of National Park regulations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Damage to the landscape asset<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">After a year of negotiations, on 14 December 2017, the Italian state bought back Budelli for EUR 3.5 million, with funds from the Ministry for the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea. The island was handed over for management to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">As of 2018, Budelli is officially the unavailable heritage of the Italian State, with an exclusively naturalistic and scientific use.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"6-budelli-oggi-zona-di-protezione-integrale-e-divieti-vigenti\"><span class=\"\">6. Budelli today: integral protection zone and current bans<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Today, Budelli is classified as Zone A (integral protection) of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. This classification entails the highest level of environmental protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"divieti-assoluti-in-vigore-a-budelli\"><span class=\"\">Absolute prohibitions in force in Budelli<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Prohibition<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Detail<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Sanction<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Landing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">You cannot go ashore anywhere on the island<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">500-2,000 euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Bathing on shore<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">You cannot approach within 50 metres of the shoreline<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">250-1,000 euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Anchoring<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Anchoring prohibited in the area in front of the Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">500-1,500 euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Fishing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Totally forbidden in the entire perimeter of the island<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">1,000-4,000 euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Collection of sand, shells or minerals<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Any withdrawal is an offence<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">500-3,000 euro + criminal complaint<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Drone overflight<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Prohibited below 300 metres<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">1,000-2,500 euro<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"attivita-consentite-nel-perimetro-di-budelli\"><span class=\"\">Activities permitted within the perimeter of Budelli<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The only permitted activities are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Transit navigation more than 100 metres from the coast<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Sighting the Pink Beach from the sea, without interrupting navigation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Scientific research activities authorised by the National Park<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Environmental monitoring by supervisory bodies<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Pleasure and excursion boats, such as those of Petagus, must maintain a safe distance of at least 100 metres from the Budelli coastline and may not interrupt navigation for more than 10 consecutive minutes in the stretch of water in front of Spiaggia Rosa.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"7-confronto-semantico-budelli-vs-spargi-vs-santa-maria-vs-caprera-vs-razzoli\"><span class=\"\">7. Semantic comparison: Budelli vs Spargi vs Santa Maria vs Caprera vs Razzoli<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">To fully understand the uniqueness of Budelli in the context of the Maddalena Archipelago, here is a comparative table that includes all the main islands of the archipelago.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Parameter<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Budelli<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Spargi<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Santa Maria<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Caprera<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Razzoli<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Surface area (km\u00b2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">1,6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">4,2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">2,0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">15,7<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">1,5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Landing permitted<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No (Zone A)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (Zone B)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (Zone B)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (Zone B-C)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No (Zone A)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (famous)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Miniacin Foraminifera<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Very high density<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Absent<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Absent<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Media<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Posidonia meadows<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Extensive (200 ha)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Extended<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Limited<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Extended<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Stable human presence<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (museums, trails)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Day-trip visibility<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Only from aboard<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Parking on the ground<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Parking on the ground<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Overland excursion<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Only from aboard<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Unique sedimentological phenomenon<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Yes (pink sand)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Key difference to Spargi: Spargi, although protected, allows landing on Spiaggia del Cavaliere and Cala Corsara. Budelli, together with Razzoli, is the only major island in the archipelago with a total ban on land access.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"8-come-si-vede-budelli-durante-la-gita-in-barca-con-petagus\"><span class=\"\">8. Seeing Budelli during the boat trip with Petagus<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Despite the ban on disembarkation, Budelli and the Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) are included in the sailing itinerary of the Petagus excursions departing from the tourist port of Palau.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"descrizione-operativa-della-sosta-a-budelli\"><span class=\"\">Operational description of parking in Budelli<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">In the standard 7-hour itinerary, the sighting stop in Budelli typically occurs after a visit to Spargi or the Piscine Naturali.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Phase<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Detail<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Approach<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The boat is positioned 150-200 metres off the west coast of Budelli<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Length of stay<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">15-20 minutes (timed to comply with regulations)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Mode<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Diving stop not permitted. Observation from the bridge only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Distance to Pink Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Approx. 180-220 metres, optimum visibility with binoculars<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">What you can see<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The pink band of the beach, the contrast with the green of the Mediterranean maquis and the blue of the sea<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">During this stop, the crew of Petagus provides a scientific explanation of the phenomenon of the foraminifera Miniacina miniacea and the history of Budelli's renationalisation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"perche-non-si-puo-fare-la-sosta-tuffi-a-budelli\"><span class=\"\">Why no diving stop in Budelli<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Unlike the Natural Pools or Spargi, swimming or diving is not allowed in Budelli. The reasons are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Bathing on shore is considered a form of disturbance to fish fauna and the coastal ecosystem<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Even swimming at a safe distance can alter the sedimentation of pink sand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The currents in the Budelli area are strong and dangerous for navigation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"9-domande-frequenti-su-budelli-spiaggia-rosa-e-foraminiferi\"><span class=\"\">9. Frequently asked questions on Budelli, Spiaggia Rosa and foraminifera<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What exactly is the organism that makes Budelli's sand pink?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">Miniacina miniacea, a foraminifera of the class Globothalamea. It is a unicellular marine protozoan with a red or dark pink calcareous shell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Can you still see the Pink Beach up close?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">Yes, by boat, keeping a distance of at least 100-150 metres from the coast. It is not possible to go ashore or approach by swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What is the fine for taking sand from the Pink Beach?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">500 to 3,000 euro administrative penalty, plus possible criminal charges for aggravated theft. In 2023, 12 fines were imposed for sand removal in Budelli.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Are Budelli and Spargi the same thing?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">No. Budelli is smaller (1.6 km\u00b2 vs. 4.2 km\u00b2), has a complete ban on landings (Spargi allows landings) and is the only one with Pink Beach and foraminifera Miniacina miniacea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Since when is it forbidden to go ashore in Budelli?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">The absolute ban on landings has been in force since 2020, but partial restrictions had already existed since 1998. The renationalisation in 2017 led to the final tightening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Who owns the island of Budelli today?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">The Italian state, which bought it back in 2017 for EUR 3.5 million. The island is managed by the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">How long does it take to form 1 kg of pink sand?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">Approximately 15-20 years. The annual production of new Miniacina miniacea shells is estimated at 50-70 grams per square metre of Posidonia oceanica meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Can you see live foraminifera?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">Yes, but only with high-magnification snorkelling equipment (underwater magnifying glass). They are visible as small pink dots attached to the leaves of Posidonia oceanica.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Why is Budelli so famous if you can't go down there?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">Precisely for the Pink Beach, one of the rarest sedimentological and biological phenomena in the Mediterranean. The ban on access has increased its aura of exclusivity and desirability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What is the difference between Budelli and the Pink Beach on the island of Formentera?<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span class=\"\">The Pink Beach in Budelli is of biological origin (foraminifera Miniacina miniacea), while that of Ses Illetes in Formentera (Balearic Islands) is of mineral origin (pink granite fragments). They are two completely different phenomena.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"10-perche-prenotare-con-petagus-per-avvistare-budelli\"><span class=\"\">10. Why book with Petagus to spot Budelli<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Petagus organises daily departures from Palau with an itinerary that includes sighting Budelli's Pink Beach from a boat. Here are the specific advantages of visiting Budelli.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area ds-scroll-area--show-on-focus-within _1210dd7 c03cafe9\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\">\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"\">Petagus advantage<\/span><\/th>\n<th><span class=\"\">Why it is useful for Budelli<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Knowledge of permitted distances<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The captain positions the boat exactly at the 150 metre limit, maximum visibility without violating the bans<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Optimal transit times<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The light for photographing the Pink Beach is best between 13:00 and 15:00 (high sun). Petagus schedules passage in that band<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Scientific explanation on board<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The crew illustrates the biology of Miniacina miniacea and the sedimentology of pink sand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Binoculars on board<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">Available to observe details of the beach without getting closer<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Respect of stop times<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">The sighting stop lasts exactly 15-20 minutes, as allowed by the National Park regulations<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span class=\"\">Free cancellation within 24 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"\">If weather conditions prevent navigation to Budelli (mistral or strong south-westerly winds), it can be rescheduled at no cost<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The complete Petagus itinerary includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Stop with disembarkation at Spargi (Knight's Beach)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Diving stop at the Natural Pools<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Sighting the Pink Beach of Budelli from a boat<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Stop with disembarkation in Santa Maria (Cala Santa Maria)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Panoramic navigation among the smaller islets of the archipelago<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>L&#8217;Isola di Budelli \u00e8 una delle cinque isole principali dell&#8217;Arcipelago di La Maddalena, situato nel Parco Nazionale dell&#8217;Arcipelago di La Maddalena, nella Sardegna settentrionale, provincia di Sassari, Gallura. Il suo nome \u00e8 indissolubilmente legato a un fenomeno geologico e biologico unico al mondo: la Spiaggia Rosa, il cui colore deriva dai gusci di un protozoo [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13080,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}