Enjoyable Issues to Do and Extra!

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When individuals dream of island paradises, it appears to be like lots like La Maddalena, Italy — an island archipelago off the northeast coast of Sardinia.

Whereas most individuals come to La Maddalena for the seashores and boat journeys — the principle attracts for Sardinia as an entire! — La Maddalena affords a pleasant stability of metropolis, tradition, and eating, too.

Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from lovely seashores and discover the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena and its many protected islands.

However what I liked about La Maddalena is you can additionally go to museums, go on hikes, stroll by means of town heart, and take pleasure in some scrumptious Sardinian meals.

The archipelago of La Maddalena is made up of seven important islands and plenty of smaller islets. The primary island known as La Maddalena, the nationwide park known as La Maddalena, and the city on the principle island is ALSO known as La Maddalena. It may be a bit complicated, however I’ll discuss with La Maddalena archipelago, island, nationwide park, or city when vital.

When you may park your self in La Maddalena city and eat Sardinian snacks to your coronary heart’s content material, the true treasures come while you go exploring. The 2 largest islands, La Maddalena and Caprera, are linked by a causeway and finest explored by automobile.

For the harder-to-reach islands, bounce on a ship tour! There are many boat excursions in La Maddalena, taking you to a few of the prettiest components of the archipelago.

Between the seashores, the allure, and the simple 45-minute drive from the hub of Olbia to the ferry port in Palau, La Maddalena is the right place to start out a Sardinian highway journey. I liked my time right here.

Listed below are the most effective issues to do in La Maddalena, Italy!

This publish was revealed in April 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.

A captain behind the wheel of a ship, lots of people looking at the sea. — There are such a lot of boat journeys in La Maddalena, Italy!

Issues to Do in La Maddalena, Italy

Go on a ship tour

If there’s anyone factor you need to do in La Maddalena, it’s taking a ship tour! We did this on our first day and it began our go to off so nicely.

There are numerous completely different boat excursions obtainable right here, with quite a lot of itineraries, value factors, and inclusions. Take your time wanting by means of them to seek out the best choice for you.

On this Day on a ship within the archipelago of La Maddalena tour, you’ll sail by means of 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 tour simply on your group, you even have the choice to discover the close by islands of southern Corsica. And an area lunch is included!

As an alternative of a motorboat, you possibly can do that Catamaran tour of Archipelago Maddalena. Alongside your skipper and fellow passengers, you’ll determine on an itinerary that features a number of time for swimming, snorkeling, studying native historical past, and taking within the views. Your catamaran tour additionally features a Sardinian appetizer and lunch.

Or take a look at Boat journeys on the La Maddalena Archipelago, which is a barely shorter journey than those above and doesn’t embody lunch. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless be taught all concerning the islands, swim at seashores on Budelli, Spargi and Santa Maria, plus cease for picture ops at Cala Corsara cove and Spiaggia Rosa (the well-known pink sand seashore on Budelli Island).

A small, curved beach with lots of people sunbathing and in the water. Tall rocky cliffs rising in the background. — I liked how so lots of the seashores in La Maddalena simply popped up in random spots!

Loosen up on the seashores

After getting a style for the completely different seashores and coves round La Maddalena in your boat tour, you’ll undoubtedly need to dedicate just a few hours (or a full day!) of your itinerary to seashore hopping.

Spiaggia di Cala Corsara is without doubt one of the most lovely seashores not solely within the La Maddalena archipelago, however in all of Italy. It’s recognized for its gentle sand, endlessly altering blue waters, and the large granite rock formations that make up its shoreline. Some say it was a pirate lair, due to all the coves and hide-out spots obtainable. This seashore is situated on Spargi Island and accessible solely by boat.

On Santa Maria, you’ll discover the island’s important seashore, Grande Cala di Santa Maria, or Spiaggia di Santa Maria. The water right here is brilliant blue, the sand is silky and all the seashore is framed in luscious vegetation. Elsewhere on Santa Maria you’ll discover protected seashores, schist rock formations, and the previous website of a Benedictine monastery.

Spiaggia Testa del Polpo is thought for its rocky outcrops, beautiful inexperienced and blue waters, and glorious snorkeling spots. Although be warned — this seashore can get very crowded throughout La Maddalena’s busy summer season vacationer season. It’s additionally a bit troublesome to get to. When you can drive, many individuals will park their automobiles and stroll the final 10-Quarter-hour to the seashore, because the highway turns into too treacherous.

Whereas Spiaggia Rosa is without doubt one of the most well-known seashores within the Maddalena archipelago, due to its pink sand, it truly isn’t open to the general public. Years of poor conduct by guests — together with individuals stealing the sand — led authorities to shut the seashore. It’s now a protected space and you may solely view it from a ship or on cliffs excessive above.

Boats moored in a small harbor, up against town buildings. — La Maddalena has loads of boats and loads of nice meals!

Discover La Maddalena city

La Maddalena is the title of the archipelago, the title of the principle island inside that archipelago, and the title of the principle city on that important island. Confused? I used to be a bit, at first! However whereas on the island, I like to recommend spending a while exploring the middle of La Maddalena city.

The focus of the city is Piazza Umberto I, a pedestrian space excellent for having fun with a snack and people-watching. Off of this sq. you’ll discover cobblestone streets lined with eating places, retailers and cafes.

From the piazza you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the harbor the place you’ll be able to watch the boats are available, absorb views of the shoreline, or get pleasure from some recent seafood.

You may as well go to the Parrocchia Santa Maria Maddalena church, see the Garibaldi Column and take a look at an area seashore, Spiaggia di Punta Tegge, all whereas in La Maddalena city.

A plate of culurgiones: ravioli-like pasta with tomato sauce, served with mussels in the shell. — My first style of culurgiones in Sardinia was at Ristorante Caprera!

Strive Sardinian delicacies

You suppose you understand Italian meals? Welcome to Sardinia — the place the whole lot goes out the window. If each micro-region of Italy has its personal signature specialties, all recent and scrumptious you’ll be able to think about it will get a bit bizarre on an island removed from the mainland!

La Maddalena was my first cease in Sardinia, and the primary place the place I attempted Sardinian specialties. I like to recommend beginning with two signature Sardinian pastas: culurgiones (stuffed pasta that is sort of a cross between ravioli and stuffed shells, typically crammed with potatoes, pecorino, and mint), and fregola (a small, spherical, toasted pasta with textured little dots on it that may be ready in some ways).

Seafood, as you’d guess, is large in Sardinia. Ask for what’s recent and scrumptious and also you’ll be shocked at how good a merely ready piece of fish is right here.

One among my favourite methods to pattern the native delicacies in Italy is to exit for aperitivo and get a tagliere (a plate of meats and cheeses) and a few native wine. Right here in Sardinia there might be loads of pecorino on a tagliere!

One other factor that shocked me in La Maddalena is that there have been so many Ligurian eating places, with a number of pesto and focaccia. It seems that Sardinia and Liguria have shared sturdy cultural ties for hundreds of years. Who knew?!

A wooden platter covered with various Sardinian meats and cheeses. — We devoured this platter at Vineria Ninì!

Listed below are just a few eating places in La Maddalena city that I loved:

Ristorante Caprera: All the pieces at this restaurant is scrumptious, particularly their Sardinian pastas, culurgiones and fregola. If you wish to attempt a little bit of the whole lot, they’ve a four-course set menu of Sardinian specialties.
Vineria Ninì: This wine bar is a superb spot to attempt the Sardinian model of tagliere, and so they have a strong number of Sardinian wines. They’ve reside music some nights.
Taverna Barò: Should you’re within the temper for cocktails or craft beer, focaccia, appetizers, and a lovely view of the harbor, this informal pub is a superb choose.

A couple walking through a museum and reading plaques on a timeline. — The Garibaldi Museum is an effective cease on a wet day.

Go to the Garibaldi Museum and Home

Positioned on Caprera Island, and accessible by bridge when you have a automobile, is the Garibaldi Museum. If, like me, you didn’t develop up in Italy, it’s possible you’ll not know a lot about Giuseppe Garibaldi.

A nineteenth Century Italian common, Garibaldi contributed enormously to the unification of Italy and is named one of many “fathers of the fatherland.” He retired to Caprera within the mid 1850’s and spent the final virtually 30 years of his life there. Now, his former house is Sardinia’s most well-known museum.

Exploring the museum advanced is a good way to study this slice of Italian historical past and one in all its most vital characters. The Garibaldi Compendium consists of his dwelling (often called the White Home), farm buildings, gardens, and the household cemetery.

In case you have a wet day when you’re in Sardinia — like I did — this can be a good place to go to.

Signs pointing out different hiking trails on Caprera Island in Sardinia. — There’s a ton of climbing on Caprera Island! By way of Shutterstock.

Hike the Caprera Island Trails

Apart from the Garibaldi Museum, Caprera Island can be a fantastic place to get in some climbing!

Cala Coticcio is without doubt one of the most lovely seashores on Caprera, typically known as the Tahiti of Sardinia due to its clear waters. The one option to attain Cala Coticcio is by way of hike. You may be part of this guided hike with aperitivo, led by a licensed information from La Maddalena Archipelago Nationwide Park.

Together with your information, you’ll hike over the rocky terrain, taking within the unimaginable coastal views, till you attain the seashore. As soon as at Cala Coticcio, you’ll spend a while swimming, snorkeling, and eating on Sardinian snacks and drinks.

Be aware that as a result of Cala Coticcio is a protected a part of the nationwide park, it’s only accessible with a licensed information and by paying the nationwide park entrance price (included within the tour above). Every day spots on the path are restricted to be able to protect the pure panorama.

One other climbing possibility on Caprera is the hike as much as Monte Tejalone, the best level on the island. This hike is steep, however not too lengthy, and beautiful views over the archipelago await you on the prime. Or attempt the hike from the Garibaldi Museum to Cala Garibaldi, the seashore the place Garibaldi moored his boats, alongside the island’s east coast. From there, you’ll be able to proceed onto different Caprera seashores.

The colorful town of La Maddalena, with a fortification on the hill overlooking the town. — The fort on the hill overlooks La Maddalena. By way of Shutterstock.

Go to La Maddalena’s army fortifications

Due to its strategic positioning for protection alongside the coast, a variety of army fortifications have been constructed round La Maddalena all through the 18th and nineteenth centuries. Not solely are these forts fascinating to go to from a historic perspective, however lots of them supply nice views over the island and archipelago.

Probably the most well-known fort on La Maddalena is Fort San Vittorio, or Guardia Vecchia, because it’s seen from anyplace on the island and has a definite black and white checkered sample. Probably the most vital websites was Punta Tegge, as this artillery base was hidden from the ocean, excellent for astonishing any enemies. Different fortifications embody I Colmi, Forte Santa Teresa, Forte Sant’Andrea, and Forte Carlo Felice.

Be aware that not all of those fortifications are open to the general public and a few have restricted opening hours.

People sitting on a beach lines with rocks in Sardinia. — Come for just a few days — or every week.

How A lot Time to Spend in La Maddalena, Italy

Should you’re going to take the time to return all the way in which to La Maddalena, I feel you need to spend just a few days right here. Three days in La Maddalena can be excellent, providing you with sufficient time for a ship journey and a little bit of island exploring earlier than trying out a brand new a part of Sardinia.

Since La Maddalena is comparatively small and solely a few of the islands within the archipelago are accessible, it’s possible you’ll get bored for those who attempt to spend every week or extra right here. Until all you need to do is chill out on the seashore for every week, then you definately’re all set!

And I do suppose that having a automobile right here will add to your enjoyment of the islands. The additional you discover, the higher (and fewer crowded!) it will get.

A blue convertible parked on a street next to gray rock formations in Sardinia. — We have been glad we drove from Prague to La Maddalena!

How To Get To La Maddalena, Italy

One of the best ways to get to La Maddalena is to fly into town of Olbia on Sardinia, which has a world airport, after which drive or bus to the Palau ferry terminal (about one hour away). The ferry from Palau to the Cala Gavetta marina on La Maddalena takes about Quarter-hour. You may verify costs for the ferry right here.

Another choice is to take a ferry to Olbia. Once I visited Sardinia, I used to be coming from Liguria, so I made a decision to take an in a single day ferry from Genoa to Olbia. The ferry expertise was terrific! Our room was easy however snug, 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 might be booked right here.

Whereas there are just a few bus traces on La Maddalena, Sardinia typically shouldn’t be the simplest place to navigate by public transit. I extremely advocate renting a automobile, which you’ll choose up in Olbia and drive onto the ferry in Palau.

As soon as on La Maddalena island, driving is simple and there are many locations to park, together with parking tons in La Maddalena city. You’ll have the ability to attain a few of the different islands by bridge.

A stone staircase in the middle of an Italian town, lined with lots of plants and flowers. — Numerous guesthouses are tucked away on streets like these in La Maddalena city.

The place to Keep in La Maddalena, Italy

For the reason that huge draw of La Maddalena is the water, it’s possible you’ll need to prioritize a location close to the seashore or within the metropolis. Relying on how far you need to discover, you also needs to verify that your lodge affords free parking or is inside strolling distance of what you need to see and do.

Prime Luxurious Resort in La Maddalena: The Grand Resort Resort & SPA Ma&Ma is an adults solely resort that encompasses a beautiful outside pool and themed decor on each ground. Each room has a balcony, excellent for having fun with views of the archipelago.
Prime Mid Vary Resort in La Maddalena: Residenza Mordini is a heat and welcoming lodge in a fantastic central location on the island. It has an outside pool, backyard and shared lounge.
Prime Price range Resort in La Maddalena: Casa Ilva is a clear and comfy possibility with bigger apartment-style rooms and inside strolling distance of the seashore, although there’s no pool or water views.

Discover offers on locations to remain in La Maddalena right here.

A calm, empty beach with turquoise water in Sardinia. — Summer season is THE time for La Maddalena.

Greatest Time to Go to La Maddalena, Italy

Being a seashore vacation spot, summer season is the busiest time to go to La Maddalena and all of Sardinia. Each crowds and costs might be at their peak in July and August. Count on sold-out excursions and packed seashores.

Should you nonetheless need to get pleasure from heat climate however with barely smaller crowds, shoot for the shoulder season simply earlier than and after summer season. Early June or late September can be my suggestion for when to go to La Maddalena with fewer crowds.

As for the low season, as a result of La Maddalena is a smaller space that primarily caters to beach-going vacationers, most locations might be closed for those who go to within the winter. Should you have been coming to Sardinia within the winter, I’d prioritize staying in a metropolis that has extra happening year-round, like Alghero or Cagliari.