- A protected archipelago of granite islands with exceptionally clear water
- Ferries from Palau reach La Maddalena town in about 20 minutes
- Full-day boat trips visit Spargi, Budelli and the other islands
- Caprera, linked by a causeway, has Garibaldi's house and lovely coves
- Airports
- Olbia (OLB)
- Best time to go
- June and September
- Type
- Island
The La Maddalena archipelago lies off the north-east tip of Sardinia, a cluster of pink and grey granite islands scattered across a sea of astonishing clarity. The islands are a national park, and only La Maddalena itself has a sizeable town. Caprera, linked to it by a causeway, was the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of Italian unification.
It is easy to visit on a day trip from the Costa Smeralda, but staying a few nights lets you enjoy the islands when the boats have gone. See our Sardinia guide, our Costa Smeralda guide and the Italy guide.
Things to do
- Boat trips – full-day excursions from La Maddalena and Palau stop at coves such as Cala Corsara on Spargi and the lagoon-like waters between Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria.
- The Spiaggia Rosa – Budelli's pink beach is now protected and closed to visitors, but boats pass close enough to see its colour.
- Caprera – Garibaldi's home and tomb at the Compendio Garibaldino, plus pine woods and coves; some beaches, such as Cala Coticcio, may require booking in summer.
- La Maddalena town – a harbour town with a cheerful old centre, cafés and seafood restaurants.
- The panoramic road – a road circling La Maddalena island with stops at beaches such as Bassa Trinità and Cala Spalmatore.
- Kayaking and snorkelling – the clear, shallow water is ideal for exploring by kayak or with a mask.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| La Maddalena town | Restaurants, boat trips and evening atmosphere |
| Elsewhere on La Maddalena island | Quieter, near the beaches |
| Palau | Mainland base with frequent ferries and boat trips |
| Costa Smeralda | For day trips combined with a beach holiday |
Getting there
Fly to Olbia, which has UK flights, many of them seasonal. Palau is roughly 45 minutes to an hour away by road, and buses run between Olbia and Palau. Car ferries sail from Palau to La Maddalena frequently through the day, taking around 20 minutes. Boat tours to the islands also depart from Palau, Cannigione and Porto Cervo.
Best time to visit
June and September are ideal, with warm water and calmer boats. July and August are very busy and prices rise. May and October can be beautiful, but boat trips are less frequent and the water cooler. The islands can be windy, especially when the mistral blows, so allow some flexibility.
Take your own snorkel and mask for the boat trip; the water around Budelli and Spargi is remarkably clear.
Top attractions in La Maddalena
LandmarkColosseum
Rome's great amphitheatre, where up to 50,000 spectators once watched gladiator fights, is the city's most iconic sight.
LandmarkFlorence Duomo
Florence's cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi's record-breaking dome, is the symbol of the city, with the bell tower…
NatureMount Etna
Europe's tallest active volcano, with lava fields, craters and sweeping views over eastern Sicily.
NaturePath of the Gods
A spectacular cliff-top trail high above the Amalfi Coast, with views over Positano and out to Capri, that is free to…
LandmarkPompeii
The Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii is the most complete ancient city in the world and an unforgettable…
ViewpointSeceda
A grassy ridge above Val Gardena that drops away in a dramatic wall of jagged peaks, reached by cable car from Ortisei.
La Maddalena on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the pink beach at Budelli?
Not on foot. Landing and swimming there has been banned for years to protect it, but boat tours pass close enough to see it.
Is a day trip to La Maddalena enough?
A day trip shows you the highlights by boat. To explore Caprera and the island's beaches at your own pace, stay two or three nights.
Do I need a car on La Maddalena?
It helps for reaching the beaches and Caprera, but scooters, bikes and local buses are alternatives.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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