On a quiet stretch of the Mediterranean, just northeast of Italy’s Sardinia, sits the tiny island of Tavolara – often called the “world’s smallest kingdom.” Measuring just three miles long and one mile wide, it’s easy to miss, but this hidden gem is packed with history, beauty, and a little touch of royalty.

Rising 1835ft above the sea, Tavolara’s limestone cliffs make it impossible to ignore for anyone flying into Olbia Airport in Sardinia. Its flat, table-like shape even gave the island its name (“tavolo” means table in Italian). But Tavolara is more than its looks - it’s a kingdom with a fascinating story.