‘Italian Robinson Crusoe’ Spends 33 Years Alone on Island to Escape People

A former teacher, Morandi wound up living on the island for 33 years. He stayed in an abandoned World War II shelter, as the sole inhabitant of Budelli.

Thus, he was dubbed the “Italian Robinson Crusoe.”

It just so happened that the island’s caretaker was about to retire, so when Morandi arrived, he took over. He kept the island clean, keeping its iconic pink sand beaches pristine, and often taught day-trippers to Budelli about the native ecosystem.

“I’m so used to living in the middle of nature,” he told the Guardian. “What would I do back in Modena? Play cards and go to bars like other people in their 80s? Give over! The thought of going back to live in a society that treats nature badly is very distressing. Nature needs to be loved and respected.”

Eventually, Morandi’s hermetic dream came to an end, when the island became a national park, and he was evicted. Morandi moved into a one-bedroom apartment on La Maddalena, a large island off Sardinia. And following a fall, his health started deteriorating.

He struggled with life back in the real world after over three decades of isolation. “I became so used to the silence. Now it’s continuous noise,” he said.

Then, in early 2025, he died at the age of 85.

“I’m the living proof that a second, new life is possible,” Morandi once said. “You can always start all over again, even if you’re over 80, because there are other things you can experience, a totally different world. I’m happy and I have rediscovered the pleasure of living the good life and enjoying everyday comforts.”

Rest in peace.