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Park · Olbia, Sardenha
Arcipelago di La Maddalena
Granite archipelago off Palau, a national park since 1994, with dozens of islands and coves of clear water; the main island and Caprera can be reached by ferry and bridge, the others by boat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Arcipelago di La Maddalena
The Arcipelago di La Maddalena lies in northeastern Sardinia, in the Bocche di Bonifacio, between the Gallura and Corsica. There are 62 granite islands and islets, with about 180 km of coastline. The main ones are La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. The entire archipelago, sea and land, forms the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena, established in 1994.
Only La Maddalena and Caprera are inhabited. The island of La Maddalena has a town with a historic centre around the Piazza Garibaldi and was a naval base of the Kingdom of Sardinia from the 18th century. Caprera, linked to it by a road over the sea, was where Giuseppe Garibaldi spent his final years; his house, the Compendio Garibaldino, is a museum.
The smaller islands are visited on boat trips that stop in coves and beaches for swimming. The famous Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli can only be seen from the sea: landing is prohibited to protect the sand.
The ferry crossing between Palau and La Maddalena takes about 20 minutes and runs year-round. Sightseeing boats usually operate from April or May to October.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day for La Maddalena and Caprera or for a boat trip around the islands; two days to do both.
Best time
June to September is best for swimming and boat trips; May and October usually have fewer people, but tours depend on the wind. Strong mistral can cause boat departures to be cancelled.
How to get there
From Olbia, about 40 km by car to Palau; from there, a ferry to La Maddalena, with or without a car. Boat tours depart from Palau and La Maddalena; in season there are also departures from the Olbia area.
Tip
Book boat trips in advance in July and August and bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Respect the park rules: do not take sand, stones or shells.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Arcipelago di La Maddalena
How to get to La Maddalena?
By the Palau ferry, which takes about 20 minutes and runs year-round. You can bring your car.
Can you disembark on the Spiaggia Rosa?
No. Disembarking is prohibited to protect the sand; boats pass nearby so it can be seen from the sea.
When do the boat tours operate?
The season usually runs from April or May to October, with departures subject to wind and sea conditions.
What to see in Caprera?
The Compendio Garibaldino, the house where Giuseppe Garibaldi spent his last years, now a museum, as well as beaches and trails.