Isola Razzoli Lighthouse

Isola Razzoli Lighthouse stands on the uninhabited island of Razzoli, at the very northern tip of the La Maddalena archipelago off the coast of Sardinia, Italy. It's the northernmost lighthouse in all of Sardinia, guarding the eastern approach to the Strait of Bonifacio, the narrow but busy stretch of water separating Sardinia from French Corsica.

Where exactly is Razzoli island?

Razzoli is a little over 2 kilometres long and falls under the municipality of La Maddalena. It sits within the La Maddalena archipelago, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, just a few kilometres from the French Lavezzi archipelago — close enough that on a clear day, from the deck of a boat, you can make out the Corsican coastline in the distance. The lighthouse is still active, guiding vessels safely through this critical stretch of the strait.

How do you get to the island?

Razzoli has no residents and no tourist infrastructure, so the only way in is by boat. Boat tours and sailing excursions around the archipelago depart from La Maddalena, Palau and Santa Teresa Gallura, typically stopping near Razzoli as part of a route that also takes in the neighbouring islands of Budelli and Santa Maria. It's worth checking current sailing schedules locally, since the islands lie within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and access to certain zones can be restricted.

What will you actually see?

The landscape on Razzoli is classic archipelago terrain: low granite hills, rocky coves and dense, low Mediterranean scrub. The lighthouse itself, set on the highest point near the shoreline, is a distinctive landmark visible from the sea long before you reach it. The island appeals mostly to sailors and lovers of wild, untouched nature — the silence, clear water and complete absence of buildings make it feel more like a remote pocket of nature than a conventional tourist stop.

Where can you swim nearby?

Razzoli itself has no developed beaches for visitors, but some of the archipelago's most famous swimming spots sit right next door, including the pink-sand shoreline of Budelli and the coves around Santa Maria. Most boat tours combine all three islands into a single day, so a look at the Razzoli lighthouse naturally becomes part of a broader day out on the water.

When's the best time to visit?

Summer, roughly May through September, is the best window — the sea is calmer and archipelago cruises run regularly. Outside that period, boat connections drop off sharply and open-strait conditions can turn rough, making a visit harder to plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Razzoli lighthouse? The lighthouse is an active navigational aid, not a visitor attraction, so it isn't open to the public for tours inside. You can get a good look at it from the water during a boat trip along the coast.

Does anyone live on Razzoli? No, the island is uninhabited. There are no shops, restaurants or accommodation on site.

What's the easiest way to see the lighthouse? Book a boat or sailing excursion around the La Maddalena archipelago from La Maddalena, Palau or Santa Teresa Gallura — routes heading to Budelli and Santa Maria usually pass close to Razzoli.

Is it part of a national park? Yes, the island lies within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which means environmental protections and local rules govern anchoring and swimming in the area.