Porto Rafael
A small tourist settlement faces the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
In Porto Rafael, the predominant colours are the blue of the sea contrasted with the white of the houses within the villages positioned
along the extreme northern tip of the Isola, in the territory of Palau, just a few kilometres away, and Porto Cervo, the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
Founded in the 1960s by the Spanish Count Rafael Neville de Berlanga del Duero, the tourist hub is characterised by a quaint piazza overlooking Cala Inglese, also known as the ‘Porto Rafael pool’, and by the white houses bounded by colourful gardens. It is a popular destination for summer holidays, frequented by
personalities from the world of entertainment, yet is also suited to families and lovers of relaxation and a bustling social life.
The centreis equipped with all services, whilst also being home to renowned international sailing events during the summer. Not to be missed is 11th August, when a special event is held in the piazza whereby all participants, dressed in a white tunic, dance in honour of the Count whofounded the town.
The small marina of Porto Rafael is an ideal point of arrival for small and large boats, as well as for setting out on excursions to the enchanting islands of the archipelago. Just a stone’s throw from the village, along the coast of Palau, you will find small beaches of coarse-grained pink sand with small pebbles, all forming authentic natural pools.
History
The settlement of Porto Rafael was born in the early sixties, on the idea of Rafael Neville, count of Berlanga, with the help of architects and impresarios from the area.
It is said that the Spanish nobleman, son of director Edgar Neville, count of Berlanga del Duero, and Angeles Neville y Rubio Arguelles, was brought to build this small village following a night vision he had in a dream.
After purchasing two hectares of land in 1962, Neville built the first building, his casita, adjacent to the sea, north of the beach. The house was sold in 1965 to the English painter John Strachey.
Around the square, designed by Rafael himself, some clubs were built in a short time, meeting places for the good life of those years. In fact, Porto Rafael immediately became a holiday destination for show business personalities, artists, industrialists and nobles from all over the world.
