The 12 best things to do and see in La Maddalena
11 February 2025 • 6 minutes read
We have selected for you the best things to do and see on La Maddalena Island and its archipelago among beaches, activities to do and places to see.
To reach La Maddalena Island, a ferry sails from the port of Palau every day of the year, about every 30 minutes, with a price starting at 5€ per person
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1. Boat excursions
There are numerous alternatives for taking aboat excursion to La Maddalena, which will allow you to visit the islands of the archipelago in an impressive way.
You can choose between a motorboat tour or an excursion by sailboat or catamaran, with bathroom stops to take a dip in the waters of Sardinia and snorkel.
Prices range from €55 to €200 per person, depending on the duration and mode of the tour, and may include an aperitif or lunch on board
2. The beach of Cala Coticcio
The small Beach of Cala Coticcio, also called the ‘Sardinian Tahiti’, is located in the northeastern part of Caprera and offers crystal-clear waters and fine, clear sand.
The cove è can be reached by sea, thanks to boats that organize various excursions in this area.
To reach the cove via land, via a dirt path among the rocks, è it is necessary to book an environmental hiking guide and pay a 3€ per person fee to the Maddalena National Park. The stop è limited to a maximum of 3 hours.
3. Horseback riding
This horseback ride to the island of La Maddalena starts from Spalmatore and runs in the northern part of the island.
If you are in Palau, you can take the ferry to the port of La Maddalena, and then you will be transported by the riding stables managers to Spalmatore from where you can then take your walk.
The price is 70€ per person and includes transportation from the port of La Maddalena to the riding school and back at the end of the outing. The walk is suitable for everyone from 7 years of age
4. Knight's Beach
Cavaliere Beach is a true natural swimming pool and is located northeast ofBudelli Island. Here, too, you can find crystal-clear waters and clear, fine sand.
The beach can only be reached by sea, thanks to the boat excursions that allow you to reach this coast. However, you will not be able to anchor there with chartered or private boats.
To protect this natural beauty, only a few authorized charters are allowed to dock and disembark passengers on the rocky coast a short distance from the beach
5. Fishing tourism in the La Maddalena archipelago
If you love fishing tourism, a fishing experience in the Maddalena Archipelago is ideal to sail along its islands and enjoy a fresh fish lunch.
The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the port of Cala Gavetta and includes net fishing, a fish processing demonstration, and lunch in a sheltered cove.
The price starts at €110 per person, with reduced price for children, and the boat can take up to 12 people on board
6. Walk through the historic center
In addition to sea excursions, you can opt for a relaxing stroll through the historic center of La Maddalena.
Through its narrow cobblestone streets, you can immerse yourself in the town while admiring Piazza Garibaldi with its cafes and Navy buildings.
Climbing to the upper part of the town you will discover the former fort of Sant'Andrea, located on a granite outcrop, and have a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding sea
7. The Beach of Cala Spalmatore
Cala Spalmatore is located north of The Island of La Maddalena and, historically, is a fishing cove, as evidenced by the long jetty in the center of the beach.
To this day è it can be reached both by sea and by land. In fact, behind the beach there is a convenient paved road passable by car.
Unlike many other more remote coves, this beach è also has a bar where you can buy food and drinks.
8. Visit to Garibaldi's house and Memorial
Caprera is known for being the refuge of Giuseppe Garibaldi during the 1800s.
By visiting his home on the west of the island, you can immerse yourself in his life and discover anecdotes about his adventures.
In Garibaldi's honor, a Memorial was built shortly after his death, which is now a museum accessible to all, containing his tomb and the General's papers
9. The Beach of Testa del Polpo
The Beach Head of the Octopus, in the island ofLa Maddalena, is not very well known and one has to walk some dirt but easy trails before reaching it.
Near a free parking lot, the beach è consists of many small coves and is unique for its reef shaped like an octopus head.
Remember to take water, food and umbrellas with you, as the beach has no public facilities nearby.
10. The beach of Cala Corsara
Located on theisland of Spargi, Cala Corsara is named after legends of ancient pirates who passed through it and is characteristic for its transparent sea and fine sandy beaches.
Perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, it can only be reached by sea and offers backdrops full of surprises, including the Roman wreck of Spargi.
Near Cala Corsara you can explore Cala Canniccio, an expanse of sand with reddish hues
11. The Beach of Bassa Trinità
In the northwestern part of the Maddalena Island you can visit the Bass Trinità Beach, with its Caribbean colors and dunes behind it.
È consists of three beautiful coves connected with each other and a long descent of very white sand, surrounded by rich vegetation.
In the beach parking lots, refreshment facilities and bars are available. For hiking enthusiasts, the cove è can also be reached via a natural trail that starts from the Church of the Trinità.
12. Snorkeling at Porto Madonna
Porto Madonna is located on Santa Maria Island and is a renowned destination for its seabed and white sandy beaches.
Reachable by sea, Porto Madonna is an ideal destination for swimming among the Paduleddi, Budelli and Stramanari Islets.
If you are fond of diving, you can also go surface snorkeling to discover the fauna and flora of the area
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