La Maddalena is a small island in Costa Smeralda, just 2 kilometres (1 mile) from the northeastern shore of Sardinia, Italy.
The island is part of the “Maddalena Archipelago” which consists of seven islands and numerous islets. The main islands are Caprera, Spargi, Razzoli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli and La Maddalena being the largest one (Italian: Isola La Maddalena).
The Maddalena Archipelago had been declared National Park in 1994, and it is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of Sardinia.
The homonymous town, La Maddalena, is the largest one in the archipelago and the most developed.
There you can walk around stone-paved alleyways, stopping to enjoy the fantastic Sardinian culinary in the restaurants around and eat the most delicious ice creams in the word: gelato Italiano.
Plus you can visit the house of Giuseppe Garibaldi that is on the Caprera island, which is connected by a bridge to La Maddalena (the only ones connected by each other).
However, the main attraction of the island is the coastline. You won’t believe your eyes!
I wished I’ve booked at least one night on the island, so I could enjoy more of the stunning turquoise bays, the sandy beaches and the magnificent scenery.
LA MADDALENA ISLAND
Spalmatore is one of the most frequented on the island, and there is a reason for that, as the clear water and the striking colours make the landscape unbelievable beautiful.
Cala Lunga is a tiny sand beach with transparent waters. It can be reached by taking the scenic road shortly after the Spalmatore bay and because it is not well-known, it is not full of people.
Bassa Trinità is another popular beach and also gets very packed in peak seasons. It has three coves with fine white sand, and the water has those incredible shades of blue.
Lo Strangolato is probably my favourite on the island. The water with spread rocks is as clear as a swimming pool and with a beautiful shade of turquoise and blue.
Cala Francese is one of the famous beaches on the island, and usually gets crowded on weekends, especially in the summer.
Monti Dell’arena has sandy shore and crystal clear waters, and it is particularly suitable for families with children. It has parking spaces.
Testa del Polpo, with thin white sand washed by a crystal clear water, you will feel to be in a natural swimming pool.
CAPRERA ISLAND
I know there are loads of remarkable beaches on the Caprera island, but sadly, we only had time to drive around it.
The only one we had time to stop very quickly is the Cala Portese, a beautiful blue shallow sea of pristine beauty.
Cala Coticcio is considered the most beautiful on the island, such as it has the nickname of Tahiti. To reach the beach you have to hike for about 30 minutes on a rocky path or, go there by boat.
Cala Napoletana and Capraresa are reached again, by boat or doing a 30 minutes hiking.
There is also Cala Serena, Spiaggia Del Relitto and many more… I guess I will have to go back there to finish this research 🙂
How to get there?
The only way to get to the island is by boat.
There are ferry boats that leave every day from Palau, and the journey takes just twenty minutes.
The ferry runs, in the summer, every 15 minutes throughout the day and around 30 minutes/1 hour at night. The average cost is 35 euros for a vehicle and two passengers, and it is not necessary to book in advance.
Or, if you are lucky enough, you can go with your own private boat or if you wish, to hire one.
As we were staying in Cannigione and we had to go by car to Palau, we took the car ferry to La Maddalena. That was great because we made the most of it, driving around the island and discovering many hidden beaches.
Except for the two main islands, Maddalena and Caprera, connected via ferry to the port of Palau, all the other islands are reachable only by private boats.
As you can see, I’ve written about “crystal clear water” in all of the beaches, but I have to tell you that there is no other way to describe how the shores are.
And how about you? Have you been to La Maddalena? Are you planning to go there?
Just make sure you stay at least 2 days in this beautiful place. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
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Amazing place and very helpful blog!
Well done