La Maddalena Archipelago
seven stunning islands at the north-eastern tip of Sardinia
Photo: the archipelago seen from Palau on the Sardinian mainland
La Maddalena Archipelago
⭐ Ranked #19 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 22 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Situated at the north-eastern tip of Sardinia, La Maddalena Archipelago is a group of seven main islands and dozens of smaller islets. The central, La Maddalena Island, is the main destination of the island group and is most people's first port of call on arrival. You can sail here by ferry from the port of Palau on the Sardinian mainland, a journey time of around 15 minutes.
By far the most popular and greatly inhabited of the islands is La Maddalena itself but there are also small numbers of people living on two others: Caprera and Santo Stefano. |
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Garibaldi's home
Caprera is easy to reach by car as there's a road bridge linking the two islands. Aside from its collection of gorgeous beaches and quiet bays, the island of Caprera is famous for being the home of national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, the leader of the Risorgimento which unified Italy in the 19th Century; he retired here in 1855 and stayed until his death in 1892. Isola Santo Stefano is the only other permanently inhabited island; it can be reached by boat and has a small number of accommodation options.
Boat tours to the islands
There are numerous boat tours available from the central island of La Maddalena and from here you can take trips to the other main islands in the archipelago. My personal favourite is the island of Spargi; the main area that can be visited is a beach and my what a beach it is. Cala Corsara is one of the most spectacular beaches in the whole of Italy with dazzling blue water and rocks of all shapes and sizes that you can clamber over to get the best views.
You'll find more of the same crystal clear water at the island of Santa Maria which has two close neighbours; Budelli and Razzoli. Budelli is famous for its "Spiaggia Rosa" (Pink Beach) where the sand is indeed pink. There are visitor restrictions in place though to protect the beach and it's not always possible to visit up close.
You'll find more of the same crystal clear water at the island of Santa Maria which has two close neighbours; Budelli and Razzoli. Budelli is famous for its "Spiaggia Rosa" (Pink Beach) where the sand is indeed pink. There are visitor restrictions in place though to protect the beach and it's not always possible to visit up close.
Arcipelago della Maddalena
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 11,192 Number of islands: 7 Total size: around 200 km² Recommended hotel: Excelsior (La Maddalena Island) |
La Maddalena Island
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La Maddalena is the main island of the La Maddalena Archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of Sardinia. Renowned for its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and granite cliffs, the island is a haven for nature lovers and part of a national park.
Cala Spalmatore and Spiaggia di Bassa Trinità are among its most stunning beaches. The historic town of La Maddalena features charming streets, lively piazzas, and a vibrant harbor. The island has a rich history, having been a strategic naval base and visited by figures like Napoleon and Admiral Nelson. La Maddalena’s beauty and cultural heritage make it a unique and enchanting Mediterranean destination. |
La Maddalena Island
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Caprera
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Caprera, part of the La Maddalena Archipelago in northeastern Sardinia, is a stunning island renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and historical significance.
Connected to the island of La Maddalena by a causeway, Caprera features crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches like Cala Coticcio, and lush Mediterranean vegetation, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The island is also famous as the final home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian unification hero. His house, now a museum, showcases artifacts from his life and offers insights into Italy’s history. With its blend of serene landscapes, hiking trails, and cultural heritage, Caprera is a captivating destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. |
Caprera, La Maddalena Archipelago
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Spargi
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Spargi, a pristine island in the Maddalena Archipelago off the northern coast of Sardinia, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and turquoise waters. Part of the La Maddalena National Park, it boasts rugged granite cliffs, hidden coves, and soft sandy beaches like Cala Corsara, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Spargi is uninhabited, preserving its serene and wild character, making it a haven for snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts. Archaeological finds suggest ancient human activity, including shipwreck remnants discovered off its coast. Accessible only by boat, Spargi offers a tranquil escape and a chance to experience Sardinia's extraordinary landscapes and marine biodiversity in an unspoiled setting.
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Cala Corsara, Spargi, La Maddalena Archipelago
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Santa Maria
Santa Maria, La Maddalena Archipelago
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Santo Stefano (Maddalena)
Santo Stefano, La Maddalena Archipelago
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