La Maddalena Archipelago
seven stunning islands at the north-eastern tip of Sardinia
Photo: the archipelago seen from Palau on the Sardinian mainland
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. |
Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 11,192 Number of islands: 7 Total size: around 200 km² Recommended hotel: Excelsior (La Maddalena Island) |
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. |
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. |
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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