Adventurous Kate comprises associate hyperlinks. If you’re making a purchase order via those hyperlinks, I will be able to earn a fee at no further price to you. Thank you!
When humans dream of island paradises, it seems to be so much like L. a. Maddalena, Italy — an island archipelago off the northeast coast of Sardinia.
Whilst most of the people come to L. a. Maddalena for the seashores and boat journeys — the principle attracts for Sardinia as a complete! — L. a. Maddalena provides a pleasing steadiness of town, tradition, and eating, too.
Right here you’ll experience gorgeous seashores and discover the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di L. a. Maddalena and its many secure islands.
However what I beloved about L. a. Maddalena is that you’ll additionally consult with museums, cross on hikes, walk during the town heart, and take pleasure in some scrumptious Sardinian meals.
The archipelago of L. a. Maddalena is made up of 7 primary islands and plenty of smaller islets. The principle island is named L. a. Maddalena, the nationwide park is named L. a. Maddalena, and the city at the primary island is ALSO known as L. a. Maddalena. It may be somewhat complicated, however I’ll confer with L. a. Maddalena archipelago, island, nationwide park, or the city when vital.
Whilst you want to park your self in L. a. Maddalena the city and consume Sardinian snacks on your center’s content material, the actual treasures come whilst you cross exploring. The 2 greatest islands, L. a. Maddalena and Caprera, are related by way of a causeway and highest explored by way of automotive.
For the harder-to-reach islands, leap on a ship excursion! There are many boat excursions in L. a. Maddalena, taking you to one of the prettiest portions of the archipelago.
Between the seashores, the allure, and the simple 45-minute power from the hub of Olbia to the ferry port in Palau, L. a. Maddalena is the easiest position to start out a Sardinian highway commute. I beloved my time right here.
Listed below are the most efficient issues to do in L. a. Maddalena, Italy!
This submit was once revealed in April 2025 and was once co-written by way of Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
There are such a lot of boat journeys in L. a. Maddalena, Italy!
Issues to Do in L. a. Maddalena, Italy
Pass on a ship excursion
If there’s anyone factor you must do in L. a. Maddalena, it’s taking a ship excursion! We did this on our first day and it began our consult with off so neatly.
There are lots of other boat excursions to be had right here, with quite a lot of itineraries, value issues, and inclusions. Take your time having a look via them to search out the most suitable choice for you.
In this Day on a boat in the archipelago of La Maddalena tour, you’ll sail during the archipelago on a motorboat exploring the islands and coves of Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, and Caprera. As a result of this can be a non-public excursion simply on your staff, you additionally have the opportunity to discover the close by islands of southern Corsica. And an area lunch is incorporated!
As an alternative of a motorboat, you want to do this Catamaran tour of Archipelago Maddalena. Along your skipper and fellow passengers, you’ll make a decision on an itinerary that comes with a variety of time for swimming, snorkeling, studying native historical past, and taking within the perspectives. Your catamaran excursion additionally features a Sardinian appetizer and lunch.
Or take a look at Boat trips on the La Maddalena Archipelago, which is a rather shorter journey than those above and does no longer come with lunch. On the other hand, you’ll nonetheless be informed all in regards to the islands, swim at seashores on Budelli, Spargi and Santa Maria, plus prevent for picture ops at Cala Corsara cove and Spiaggia Rosa (the well-known purple sand coastline on Budelli Island).
I beloved how such a lot of of the seashores in L. a. Maddalena simply popped up in random spots!
Loosen up at the seashores
Upon getting a style for the other seashores and coves round L. a. Maddalena in your boat excursion, you’ll without a doubt wish to commit a couple of hours (or a complete day!) of your itinerary to coastline hopping.
Spiaggia di Cala Corsara is without doubt one of the most pretty seashores no longer handiest within the L. a. Maddalena archipelago, however in all of Italy. It’s identified for its comfortable sand, eternally converting blue waters, and the large granite rock formations that make up its sea coast. Some say it was once a pirate lair, due to the entire coves and hide-out spots to be had. This coastline is positioned on Spargi Island and obtainable handiest by way of boat.
On Santa Maria, you’ll to find the island’s primary coastline, Grande Cala di Santa Maria, or Spiaggia di Santa Maria. The water here’s vibrant blue, the sand is silky and all the coastline is framed in luscious crops. In other places on Santa Maria you’ll to find secure seashores, schist rock formations, and the previous web site of a Benedictine monastery.
Spiaggia Testa del Polpo is understood for its rocky outcrops, shocking inexperienced and blue waters, and very good snorkeling spots. Although be warned — this coastline can get very crowded all through L. a. Maddalena’s busy summer season vacationer season. It’s additionally somewhat tricky to get to. Whilst you’ll power, many of us will park their vehicles and stroll the remaining 10-Quarter-hour to the coastline, as the street turns into too treacherous.
Whilst Spiaggia Rosa is without doubt one of the most renowned seashores within the Maddalena archipelago, due to its purple sand, it if truth be told isn’t open to the general public. Years of deficient conduct by way of guests — together with humans stealing the sand — led government to near the coastline. It’s now a secure space and you’ll handiest view it from a ship or on cliffs prime above.
L. a. Maddalena has a large number of boats and a large number of nice meals!
Discover L. a. Maddalena the city
L. a. Maddalena is the title of the archipelago, the title of the principle island inside of that archipelago, and the title of the principle the city on that primary island. Puzzled? I used to be somewhat, in the beginning! However whilst at the island, I like to recommend spending a while exploring the middle of L. a. Maddalena the city.
The focus of the city is Piazza Umberto I, a pedestrian space very best for playing a snack and people-watching. Off of this sq. you’ll to find cobblestone streets covered with eating places, stores and cafes.
From the piazza you’ll stroll all the way down to the harbor the place you’ll watch the boats are available in, soak up perspectives of the sea coast, or experience some contemporary seafood.
You’ll be able to additionally consult with the Parrocchia Santa Maria Maddalena church, see the Garibaldi Column and try an area coastline, Spiaggia di Punta Tegge, all whilst in L. a. Maddalena the city.
My first style of culurgiones in Sardinia was once at Ristorante Caprera!
Take a look at Sardinian delicacies
You assume you realize Italian meals? Welcome to Sardinia — the place the whole lot is going out the window. If each and every micro-region of Italy has its personal signature specialties, all contemporary and scrumptious you’ll consider it will get somewhat bizarre on an island a long way from the mainland!
L. a. Maddalena was once my first prevent in Sardinia, and the primary position the place I attempted Sardinian specialties. I like to recommend beginning with two signature Sardinian pastas: culurgiones (stuffed pasta that is sort of a pass between ravioli and filled shells, frequently full of potatoes, pecorino, and mint), and fregola (a small, around, toasted pasta with textured little dots on it that may be ready in some ways).
Seafood, as you’d bet, is very large in Sardinia. Ask for what’s contemporary and scrumptious and also you’ll be shocked at how just right a merely ready piece of fish is right here.
Certainly one of my favourite techniques to pattern the native delicacies in Italy is to move out for aperitivo and get a tagliere (a plate of meats and cheeses) and a few native wine. Right here in Sardinia there will likely be a lot of pecorino on a tagliere!
Any other factor that shocked me in L. a. Maddalena is that there have been such a lot of Ligurian eating places, with a variety of pesto and focaccia. It seems that Sardinia and Liguria have shared robust cultural ties for hundreds of years. Who knew?!
We wolfed this platter at Vineria Ninì!
Listed below are a couple of eating places in L. a. Maddalena the city that I loved:
Ristorante Caprera: The whole thing at this eating place is scrumptious, particularly their Sardinian pastas, culurgiones and fregola. If you wish to have to take a look at somewhat of the whole lot, they have got a four-course set menu of Sardinian specialties.
Vineria Ninì: This wine bar is an excellent spot to take a look at the Sardinian model of tagliere, and they have got a powerful number of Sardinian wines. They have got are living tune some nights.
Taverna Barò: If you happen to’re within the temper for cocktails or craft beer, focaccia, appetizers, and a wonderful view of the harbor, this informal pub is a smart pick out.
The Garibaldi Museum is a great prevent on a wet day.
Talk over with the Garibaldi Museum and Area
Positioned on Caprera Island, and obtainable by way of bridge if in case you have a automotive, is the Garibaldi Museum. If, like me, you didn’t develop up in Italy, you would possibly not know a lot about Giuseppe Garibaldi.
A nineteenth Century Italian basic, Garibaldi contributed very much to the unification of Italy and is referred to as probably the most “fathers of the hometown.” He retired to Caprera within the mid 1850’s and spent the remaining nearly 30 years of his lifestyles there. Now, his former house is Sardinia’s most renowned museum.
Exploring the museum complicated is a good way to be informed about this slice of Italian historical past and one in every of its maximum essential characters. The Garibaldi Compendium contains his house (referred to as the White Area), farm constructions, gardens, and the circle of relatives cemetery.
You probably have a wet day when you’re in Sardinia — like I did — this can be a just right position to consult with.
There’s a ton of mountaineering on Caprera Island! By means of Shutterstock.
Hike the Caprera Island Trails
But even so the Garibaldi Museum, Caprera Island may be a great spot to get in some mountaineering!
Cala Coticcio is without doubt one of the most pretty seashores on Caprera, frequently known as the Tahiti of Sardinia due to its transparent waters. The one manner to achieve Cala Coticcio is by way of hike. You’ll be able to sign up for this guided hike with aperitivo, led by way of a certified information from L. a. Maddalena Archipelago Nationwide Park.
Together with your information, you’ll hike over the rocky terrain, taking within the implausible coastal perspectives, till you attain the coastline. As soon as at Cala Coticcio, you’ll spend a while swimming, snorkeling, and eating on Sardinian snacks and beverages.
Notice that as a result of Cala Coticcio is a secure a part of the nationwide park, it’s only obtainable with a certified information and by way of paying the nationwide park front price (incorporated within the excursion above). Day by day spots at the path are restricted to be able to keep the herbal panorama.
Any other mountaineering choice on Caprera is the hike as much as Monte Tejalone, the best level at the island. This hike is steep, however no longer too lengthy, and shocking perspectives over the archipelago look ahead to you on the best. Or check out the hike from the Garibaldi Museum to Cala Garibaldi, the coastline the place Garibaldi moored his boats, alongside the island’s east coast. From there, you’ll proceed onto different Caprera seashores.
The citadel at the hill overlooks L. a. Maddalena. By means of Shutterstock.
Talk over with L. a. Maddalena’s army fortifications
On account of its strategic positioning for cover alongside the coast, a lot of army fortifications had been constructed round L. a. Maddalena right through the 18th and nineteenth centuries. No longer handiest are those forts attention-grabbing to consult with from a ancient point of view, however a lot of them be offering nice perspectives over the island and archipelago.
Essentially the most well-known citadel on L. a. Maddalena is Castle San Vittorio, or Guardia Vecchia, because it’s visual from anyplace at the island and has a definite black and white checkered development. One of the essential websites was once Punta Tegge, as this artillery base was once hidden from the ocean, very best for astonishing any enemies. Different fortifications come with I Colmi, Area of expertise Santa Teresa, Area of expertise Sant’Andrea, and Area of expertise Carlo Felice.
Notice that no longer all of those fortifications are open to the general public and a few have restricted opening hours.
Come for a couple of days — or per week.
How A lot Time to Spend in L. a. Maddalena, Italy
If you happen to’re going to take the time to return all of the solution to L. a. Maddalena, I believe you must spend a couple of days right here. 3 days in L. a. Maddalena can be very best, supplying you with sufficient time for a ship commute and somewhat of island exploring prior to testing a brand new a part of Sardinia.
Since L. a. Maddalena is fairly small and handiest one of the islands within the archipelago are obtainable, you will get bored for those who attempt to spend per week or extra right here. Except all you wish to have to do is loosen up at the coastline for per week, you then’re all set!
And I do assume that having a automotive right here will upload on your delight in the islands. The additional you discover, the simpler (and no more crowded!) it will get.
We had been satisfied we drove from Prague to L. a. Maddalena!
How To Get To L. a. Maddalena, Italy
One of the simplest ways to get to L. a. Maddalena is to fly into the town of Olbia on Sardinia, which has a world airport, after which power or bus to the Palau ferry terminal (about one hour away). The ferry from Palau to the Cala Gavetta marina on L. a. Maddalena takes about Quarter-hour. You can check prices for the ferry here.
Another choice is to take a ferry to Olbia. Once I visited Sardinia, I used to be coming from Liguria, so I made up our minds to take an in a single day ferry from Genoa to Olbia. The ferry revel in was once terrific! Our room was once easy however comfy, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it once more if I used to be going to Sardinia from mainland Italy. Tickets for that route can be booked here.
Whilst there are a couple of bus strains on L. a. Maddalena, Sardinia normally isn’t the very best position to navigate by way of public transit. I extremely suggest renting a car, which you’ll pick out up in Olbia and power onto the ferry in Palau.
As soon as on L. a. Maddalena island, using is straightforward and there are many puts to park, together with parking rather a lot in L. a. Maddalena the city. You’ll be capable of attain one of the different islands by way of bridge.
Numerous guesthouses are tucked away on streets like those in L. a. Maddalena the city.
The place to Keep in L. a. Maddalena, Italy
Because the giant draw of L. a. Maddalena is the water, you might wish to prioritize a location close to the coastline or within the town. Relying on how a long way you wish to have to discover, you must additionally take a look at that your resort provides loose parking or is inside of strolling distance of what you wish to have to look and do.
Best Luxurious Lodge in L. a. Maddalena: The Grand Hotel Resort & SPA Ma&Ma is an adults handiest lodge that includes a shocking outside pool and themed decor on each and every ground. Each and every room has a balcony, very best for playing perspectives of the archipelago.
Best Mid Vary Lodge in L. a. Maddalena: Residenza Mordini is a heat and inviting resort in a really perfect central location at the island. It has an out of doors pool, lawn and shared living room.
Best Finances Lodge in L. a. Maddalena: Casa Ilva is a blank and comfy choice with greater apartment-style rooms and inside of strolling distance of the coastline, despite the fact that there’s no pool or water perspectives.
Find deals on places to stay in La Maddalena here.
Summer season is THE time for L. a. Maddalena.
Highest Time to Talk over with L. a. Maddalena, Italy
Being a coastline vacation spot, summer season is the busiest time to consult with L. a. Maddalena and all of Sardinia. Each crowds and costs will likely be at their top in July and August. Be expecting sold-out excursions and packed seashores.
If you happen to nonetheless wish to experience heat climate however with rather smaller crowds, shoot for the shoulder season simply prior to and after summer season. Early June or past due September can be my advice for when to consult with L. a. Maddalena with fewer crowds.
As for the low season, as a result of L. a. Maddalena is a smaller space that basically caters to beach-going vacationers, maximum puts will likely be closed for those who consult with within the wintry weather. If you happen to had been coming to Sardinia within the wintry weather, I’d prioritize staying in a town that has extra occurring year-round, like Alghero or Cagliari.
I had a blast in L. a. Maddalena!
Is L. a. Maddalena Value It?
Sure, L. a. Maddalena is worthwhile! This was once my creation to Sardinia, and it had me falling in love with the seashores and the meals so briefly!
A couple of days right here is an excellent solution to spend a part of your time in Sardinia. I am hoping you have got a phenomenal time right here!
Extra on Sardinia:
Making plans a Shuttle to Italy:
Cool Puts in Northern Italy:
3 Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
The place to Keep in Rome, Italy
35+ Highest Issues to Do in Florence, Italy
Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy
The place to To find the Highest Perspectives in Florence, Italy
Highest Day Journeys from Florence, Italy
16 Cool Issues to Do in Siena, Italy
16 A laugh Issues to Do in Pisa, Italy
14 Fab Issues to Do in San Gimignano, Italy
Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre, Italy
11 A laugh Issues to Do in Camogli, Italy
11 Highest Issues to Do in Rapallo, Italy
15 Fab Issues to Do in Portofino, Italy
Parma, Italy: A Colourful, Artsy, Scrumptious The town
The place to Keep in Rome: Highest Neighborhoods and Lodging
3 Days within the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
25 Highest Meals Reviews in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
23 Highest Issues to Do in Bologna, Italy
30+ Highest Issues to Do in Venice, Italy
16 Cool Day Journeys from Venice, Italy
Spend 1 Day in Venice, Italy
Information to Murano Island in Venice
Information to Burano Island in Venice
Cool Puts in Southern Italy:
28 Fabulous Issues to Do in Naples, Italy
16 A laugh Issues to Do in Sorrento, Italy
Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Positioned Seaside The town
The Joys and Demanding situations of Touring in Sicily
22 Gorgeous Puts to Talk over with in Sicily
The place to Pass in Japanese Sicily
23 A laugh Issues to Do in Palermo, Sicily
Whole Information to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
Aci Trezza: A Laid-Again Coastal The town in Sicily
Visiting Sicily within the Wintry weather: Value it or no longer?
17 A laugh Issues to Do in Bari, Italy
17 Cool Issues to Do in Matera, Italy
The Shocking Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
16 Fab Issues to Do in Lecce, Italy
Experiencing the Carpino Folks Competition in Puglia, Italy
Have you ever been to L. a. Maddalena? Proportion your guidelines!
