Visiting Maddalena archipelago – Top 5 things to do and see 2018

Visiting Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia: What to do and see?

Visiting the Maddalena archipelago , in the North-East of Sardinia , is to discover a set of magnificent islands bordered by equally beautiful beaches.

The 7 islands that make up the archipelago: the island of Maddalena, the island of Caprera, the island Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Santo Stefano and Razzoli are among places of interest to see absolutelywhen a stay in Sardinia.

During your holidays in the National Park of the archipelago you will have the opportunity to practice many activities such as diving or hiking, to make boat trips or simply to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia .

Discover our guide of the 5 things to do and see on the Maddalena archipelago. Also find at the end of the article, all our tips to know where to stay in La Maddalena and how to reach the archipelago from Sardinia.

So what to see on the Maddalena archipelago?

Visit the Maddalena archipelago: the must-sees

1. The island of Maddalena

We start this tourist guide of the Maddalena archipelago by the must visit island: that of Maddalena.

The Maddalena is the largest of the 7 islands and the only accessible by ferry (I explain everything in detail in the section: “How to reach the archipelago”, a little further down the article).

As in all of Sardinia, the island of Maddalena is best known for having plenty of beaches and coves with crystal clear water . To go around in the day, the best solution is to rent a car . There are not really any bus lines, and by bike you will not have time to see everything unless you’re athletic enough. So without hesitation, opt for the car!

Here is my list of things to do and see on the island of Maddalena:

And my favorite last: the beach of Capocchia Purpu or Testa di Polpo (in other words “octopus head” in French), located at the West end, on the Isola Giardinelli.

You can get there on foot or by car but the road is in pretty bad shape. There is parking at the end to park and access to the beach is then via a path hidden behind a rock at the bottom of the parking lot.

The octopus beach is just beautiful with its big rocks and shallow turquoise water. For me it is the most beautiful beach on the island of Maddalena! The space is quite limited but you will find around other beaches quieter, really ideal to swim in peace.

[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]To enjoy a good ice cream on the island of Maddalena, it is at the glacier Dolci Distrazioni that it happens![/box]
The sublime beach of the Testa di Polpo, on the island of Maddalena

2. The island of Caprera

The other major island to see on the Maddalena archipelago is Isola Caprera.

To access it, it is very simple, it is connected by a bridge leaving the island of Maddalena . La Caprera is just a 5-minute drive away. Here too, it is the beautiful beaches that predominate but unlike the Maddalena, most deserve a little more because you have to walk more or less long to reach them.

The island of Caprera is the perfect place of Sardinia to combine hiking and swimming breaks. The trails are well signposted, numbered and specify the approximate round trip duration of your hike. Most walks last less than 1h30 and allow access to creeks. You can of course combine several to organize a loop. Hiking maps are available at the tourist office.

It is also a little different from its neighbor, it is more authentic, more preserved, more wildand you will find pine forests. And that I can assure you that it is the best to enjoy some shade after walking in the rocks in the sun. You may also have the chance to see wild goats (caprera = goat, you made the connection with the name of the island? ;-)).

I have prepared the selection of the most beautiful beaches of the island of Caprera:

Cala Serena, on the island of Caprera

In addition to beaches, there are other places of interest to visit on the island of Caprera:

[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]To eat a delicious sandwich made with good local products on the island of Caprera, go to I Mille. The paninis are just delicious and very plentiful. And in addition you can enjoy them in a very nice, shady and with hammocks to take a nap![/box]
The island of Caprera, totally wild!

3. The other islands of the Maddalena archipelago

I told you about the 2 main islands that are accessible by car but for the other islands of the archipelago , you will have no choice, it will be the boat option! At the same time, it is not an unpleasant activity to do at La Maddalena.

The other islands, smaller and less known , are uninhabited and protected, all construction is prohibited. That’s why the boat is the only way to discover them.

Several providers offer day trips around the islands. Departures are from the port of the city of Maddalena or from Palau.

As these tours are often full, I advise you to book them in advance right here. You will have the choice of the departure port which is really convenient. The day includes swimming and lunch on the boat. Count around 40 € per person. 

During this day, you will visit the other islands of the Maddalena archipelago:

Isola Santo Stefano is also part of the Maddalena archipelago but it is not of particular interest. You will find only a huge resort full of Italian holiday. Boat trips do not go there.

If you are not a fan of organized excursions with a well-defined program, you can also rent your own boat . The same providers who organize cruises also offer to rent zodiacs that  do not require a  boat license . So you can swim on the beaches you want and take your time.

The famous spiaggia rosa, on the island of Budelli

What to do around the Maddalena?

After visiting the archipelago, you can continue your stay in Sardinia by going to see the surroundings of Maddalena. I recommend 2 nearby places easily accessible by car.

4. The Costa Smeralda

The Costa Smeralda is the upscale coast of Sardinia . Luxury villas and hotels, designer boutiques and a huge marina to welcome yachts, it is known as the favorite resort of the international jet set.

Costa Smeralda is around 40 minutes’ drive from Palau, the ferry’s arrival town from Maddalena. You can go looking for stars in the chic marinas of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo or enjoy beaches such as Principe, del Pevero or the beach Romazzino .

On the other hand, you can also go from the Costa Smeralda to visit the Maddalena Islands. Several seaside resorts such as Poltu Quatu, Baia Sardinia or Canniogione organize day trips around the area.

To know everything about things to do on the Costa Smeralda, check out our article: The 10 most beautiful places on the Costa Smeralda.

The Costa Smeralda is one of the must-see places around the Maddalena Archipelago!

Principe Beach, on the Costa Smeralda

5. Capo Testa

Another place to see around the islands of Maddalena, Capo Testa.

It is located about 40 minutes drive from Palau. Capo Testa is known for being an old granite quarry and the place is really impressive with all its huge rocks with amazing shapes and diving into the sea.

The place is ideal for hiking and you can also swim in some coves including the Cala Francese or Cala Spinosa.

Capo Testa was one of my favorite things on my one week trip to Sardinia !

Capo Testa, Sardinia

How many days to visit the Maddalena Archipelago?

To visit the Maddalena archipelago , I advise you to stay there for 3 days.

On the first day, you can drive around the island of Maddalena, follow the scenic route and stop for a swim whenever you want.

The second day will be devoted to the island of Caprera. Alternate hiking and discovering beautiful coves. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas offered by the Teialone tower and the fortifications of Poggio Rasu. And if the story of Garibaldi interests you, do not hesitate to visit his house and the Garibaldi memorial.

The third day of this stay on the Maddalena archipelago, I advise you to go around other islands like Budelli or Spargi. Depending on your preferences, opt for a boat trip or rent yours!

You can of course spend more time on the archipelago if you want a relaxing holiday and enjoy the sea.

Where to sleep in Maddalena

The panoramic route of Maddalena Island

Where to eat in Maddalena

How to go on the Maddalena archipelago?

To reach Maddalena archipelago from Sardinia, you have to take a ferry.

Departures are from the port of Palau, north-east of Sardinia and about 50 minutes from Olbia airportand 3:30 from Cagliari.

Introduce yourself about half an hour before departure to have time to buy your tickets at the box office and be sure to have a place, especially if you have a car.

For our crossing we paid € 40 for 2 people + the car (round trip) . There are several different ferry companies , the prices are pretty similar, it’s up to you to see which one leaves first according to your schedule. The journey takes about twenty minutes.

The ferry unloads everyone on the main island of the archipelago: La Maddalena. There is no other possibility.

If you have little time to visit the islands, you can also choose one of the boat trips I mentioned earlier from Palau or Costa Smeralda . Thus, in one day, you will be able to see a lot of beaches and to bathe.

Book your island tour for the day by clicking the button below:
[button color=”blue” size=”big” link=”https://www.getyourguide.com/la-maddalena-l2430/archipel-de-la-maddalena-visite-en-bateau-et-dejeuner-t31486/?partner_id=CGGPAE2″ icon=”” target=”false” nofollow=”false”]I reserve my boat tour now! (40 € only)[/button]

And you, have you planned to visit the Maddalena archipelago during your trip to Sardinia? 

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