La Maddalena
THE DREAM ISLANDS IN FRONT OF THE DREAM ISLAND
The La Maddalena archipelago in the northeast of the island is one of the most popular destinations in Sardinia due to its beauty and numerous hidden bays. The archipelago consists of a total of 62 islands and, in addition to the main island of the same name and six other larger islands (Caprera, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Spargi, Budelli and Razzoli) , consists of many small islands that are mostly uninhabited and overgrown with evergreen maquis.
Basically you have two options to reach the dreamy archipelago. Either you can take a boat or ferry to get directly to the main island of La Maddalena or you can explore the wonderful national park by boat .
Discover almost untouched
Bays
Version 1:
The best way to get to the main town of La Maddalena and the local port of Cala Gavetta is from Palau. The two ferry companies Delcomar and Maddalena Lines use their ships and car ferries every day and usually leave every 30-45 minutes. The crossing takes only 15 to 20 minutes. The prices vary depending on the season, number of people and vehicles, but are really manageable. In May, for example, you only pay around 15 euros for the crossing for two adults and a car. Tickets to La Maddalena can be bought directly in the port of Palau or online.
Once on the main island, the tour of discovery can begin. The main town, which has over 10,000 inhabitants , is a sight in itself. Colorful houses with green shutters, narrow streets as well as numerous cafés, ice cream parlors, restaurants and souvenir shops provide postcard idyll. If you are traveling with a mobile pedestal, you have the opportunity to go around the island. You follow the Strada Panoramica and discover numerous viewpoints. White sand and turquoise water await you at Bassa Trinita , one of the most famous beaches of La Maddalena. The Spiaggia di Monte di Rena is also very inviting.
You can also drive over a dam to the hardly inhabited neighboring island of Caprera . There you can expect really lonely beaches, some of which are hidden behind beautiful pine groves. Or you head for the retirement home of the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. The revolutionary Garibaldi died in 1882 in his home on Caprera, which is now a museum. Before you leave the island (s) again, you should plan a little time in the main town of La Maddalena at the end. It’s especially lively here in the evenings.
Once on the main island, the tour of discovery can begin. The main town, which has over 10,000 inhabitants , is a sight in itself. Colorful houses with green shutters, narrow streets as well as numerous cafés, ice cream parlors, restaurants and souvenir shops provide postcard idyll. If you are traveling with a mobile pedestal, you have the opportunity to go around the island. You follow the Strada Panoramica and discover numerous viewpoints. White sand and turquoise water await you at Bassa Trinita , one of the most famous beaches of La Maddalena. The Spiaggia di Monte di Rena is also very inviting.
You can also drive over a dam to the hardly inhabited neighboring island of Caprera . There you can expect really lonely beaches, some of which are hidden behind beautiful pine groves. Or you head for the retirement home of the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. The revolutionary Garibaldi died in 1882 in his home on Caprera, which is now a museum. Before you leave the island (s) again, you should plan a little time in the main town of La Maddalena at the end. It’s especially lively here in the evenings.
Variant 2:
You can also discover the archipelago by boat . Either as part of an organized tour, which you can book not only in Palau, but also in many other holiday resorts, or by renting a rubber dinghy yourself. For your information: In Italy, boating is allowed up to an engine power of 40 HP even without a boating license. However, you should refrain from renting a boat when the sea is rough. However, if you have already gained experience with steering a boat, you have the opportunity to explore the secluded bays in a very special and unique way. Basically, you just have to drive around the islands, there is always a seemingly untouched, romantic spot somewhere. It is important to note, however, that you are not allowed to go directly to the beach with the boat, but rather drop anchor in the bays. To get to the respective beach, you have to walk a few meters through the shallow water or swim.
Guided boat tours, on the other hand, are available in different types. Whether on a sailing boat, a motor boat or a catamaran – these are usually day trips with a length of at least 6 hours, which can be booked from a price of 50 euros per person. There are offers of tours with boats for over 50 guests, but of course there are also providers who offer exclusive private tours. Almost all tours offered include several stops at various bays, where you can jump from the boat directly into the water. At the latest when you see the Sardinian coast on one side and the La Maddalena archipelago on the other, you will fall in love with this little corner of the world.
