Spiaggia di Chinelli

Spiaggia di Chinelli is a picturesque beach located on Tavolara Island, in northeastern Sardinia, part of the municipality of Olbia in the Gallura region. The island is owned by the Venetian-Roman Marzano family, with a portion expropriated by NATO and the western tip housing two restaurants and small houses belonging to the Bertoleoni family. The island is roughly rectangular in shape, about 6 km long and 1 km wide, and rests on a granite bedrock that emerges clearly in some parts. It reaches a maximum altitude of 565 meters above sea level. The beach is known for its clean, beautifully coloured water, although it can sometimes be extremely windy, making relaxation difficult in winds of more than 25 km/h. Despite its natural beauty, the island has limited amenities, with no animals or neolithic paintings to see. Most of the island is closed to the public, with access limited to the beach and its immediate surroundings. There are two restaurants on the island, but no public toilets unless you are a guest of these establishments. Access to the island is primarily by boat, with visitors often taking day trips to enjoy the outstanding views. However, the cost of parking and boat fare can be a consideration for some visitors. The island has a rich history, with a legend surrounding the "Kingdom of Tavolara". In the late eighteenth century, Giuseppe Bertoleoni arrived on the island, settling there with his family and dedicating himself to the breeding of wild goats. In 1836, the King of Sardinia, Carlo Alberto di Savoia, visited the island and, according to the Bertoleoni family, promised to recognize the independence of Tavolara. This led to the island being known as the smallest kingdom in the world.