Mauro Morandi, known as “Italy’s Robinson Crusoe,” has died at 85. He lived alone for over 30 years on Budelli, a remote island off Sardinia.
Morandi discovered Budelli in 1989 after his catamaran broke down while heading to the South Pacific. Learning that the island’s caretaker was retiring, he sold his boat and stayed, taking over the role. Budelli, famed for its pink sand beaches, became his home until 2021, when La Maddalena national park authorities evicted him.
During his years on Budelli, Morandi maintained the island, cleared paths, and educated summer visitors about its fragile ecosystem. Food arrived by boat from nearby La Maddalena, where he eventually moved after leaving Budelli. His modest lifestyle included solar-powered amenities and winters spent collecting firewood, reading, and resting.
Tourists were often surprised by the island’s sole inhabitant, who fiercely protected the pink beaches, which have been off-limits since the 1990s. Morandi’s quiet life contrasted sharply with modern society, which he often criticised for its consumerism and noise.
Struggle to adjust after leaving Budelli
After moving to a one-bedroom flat on La Maddalena, Morandi struggled to adjust. “I became so used to the silence. Now it’s continuous noise,” he said in a 2021 interview.
Following a fall last summer, he spent time in a care home in Sassari. He passed away last weekend in Modena, his birthplace, after his health worsened.
Morandi gained a devoted online following, with over 70,000 fans on Instagram and Facebook. Many paid tribute after his death, with one follower writing: “Ciao Mauro, now you can return to the island that protected you for decades.”
