Visit the Maddalena Archipelago - Dream Islands in the North of Sardinia

Are you in Sardinia and want to discover one of its most beautiful riches? You will find all our advice in this article dedicated to visiting the archipelago of Maddalena!

Italy houses countless and varied riches. De Turin to Palermo , an exceptional diversity of unsuspected discoveries and beauties. Among these wonders, the island of Sardinia is known to all.

The second largest island in the Mediterranean reflects this Italian diversity, with its beautiful cities, beautiful beaches or nice hiking trails. Among these magical places in Sardinia is the Maddalena archipelago.

The purpose of this article is to give all the information necessary to visit the archipelago of Maddalena and original and unforgettable excursion ideas.

The archipelago of Maddalena, a paradise on Earth

Paradise on Earth is perhaps one of the most subjective expressions that is. The subject is disappointing because everyone has their own opinion. However, every paradise on Earth gathers common criteria: dream landscapes, some tranquility and a magical discovery. It is in all objectivity that one can say that the archipelago of the Maddalena gathers the three.

Composed of seven main islands for a total of some 60 islands, islets or simple rocks, the archipelago of the Maddalena is a real jewel located between Corsica and Sardinia. Only three islands are inhabited: the eponymous La Maddalena, Caprera and Santo Stefano. Spargi and Budelli are also known for their dream landscapes.

Visiting the archipelago of the Maddalena is thus discovering one of these famous paradise on Earth. Its beaches are exceptionally beautiful, some being even protected from any human intrusion. This is the case of the famous Spaggia Rosa in Budelli. There is also an exceptional panorama with the Grande Bleue as a backdrop. A real time of escape to make us forget the daily life.

What to see and what to do during a visit to the Maddalena Archipelago?

Of course, the first activity that comes to mind during a visit to the Maddalena Archipelago is the beach! Leaving aside the Spaggia Rosa, it is on the island of Caprera, to the east, that are the most beautiful beaches. The most admirable is probably Cala Coticcio, a true natural swimming pool. Also include Cala Andreani and Cala Serena as dreamy beaches.

The second activity is hiking and it is still Caprera who pulls his pin from the game. There are beautiful pine forests and you can reach the highest point of the island for a dream view! To know him, go to the very last paragraph.

Finally, visiting the archipelago of Maddalena is also doing multiple activities in the city and island of the same name. The one from which travellers arrive, where there are almost all bars and restaurants and small local shops.

How to visit the Maddalena Archipelago?

Long boat cruise

Difficult to visit the archipelago of Maddalena without passing through the boat cruise box! And this one is probably the best of all. For 7 hours, from Palau to Sardinia or directly from the city of La Maddalena, you will discover the magical islands of this grandiose archipelago.

First of all, you will have the opportunity to visit or approach the islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Maddalena. The first stop is of course on the great island of Maddalena, where you can enjoy everything it offers: restaurants, local shops, shopping and beaches.

Then, direction Spargi from where you can swim in his famous turquoise waters, while visiting his famous witch rock. The next stop is a good distance from the protected island of Budelli and the pink beach. The boat throws anchor at a good distance and you will have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures and sting a head. Finally, your dream cruise ends with the island of Santa Maria, where you can also enjoy its natural basins, before returning to Palau or La Maddalena.

Cruise in catamaran

Would you like to visit the Maddalena Archipelago in an original way? So opt for this catamaran tour! For about 10 hours, starting from Palau, you will start walking along the northern coast of Sardinia before going through the most beautiful views and beaches of the Maddalena.

The main contribution of the catamaran to visit the archipelago of Maddalena is to be able to discover places where the most imposing boats do not go. You will discover wild islands and islets, without any visitors, where nature is queen. Of course, it is close to these places that biodiversity and the ecosystem are best preserved. The beaches are sublime and the panorama is unforgettable!

The first stop on board is near the island of Spargi to enjoy its magnificent crystal clear waters of the beach of Cala Soraya. The rest of the program takes you to Razzoli, an unknown island of the archipelago overlooking its lighthouse, Santa Maria and the island of Maddalena. On the programme of the latter: visit to the city of La Maddalena, restaurants, local shops and shopping!

During one of your many stops, you will have the opportunity to make snorkeling to admire the marine biodiversity of the archipelago. Know that drinks, including wine for those who wish, and lunch are included in the rate. So you don’t need to take your snacks!

How to go to Sardinia to visit the Maddalena Archipelago?

If you want to visit the archipelago of Maddalena, you must of course go to Sardinia! From France, you have a choice between the plane and the boat.

By plane

There are three airports in Sardinia: Olbia, Cagliari and Alghero. Olbia is the one that is closest to the Maddalena Archipelago and is rather well served from France by low-cost companies... in high season.

It is indeed a little the problem of the plane, since, to our knowledge, there is no direct flight in the low season for the entire Sardinia. But after all, why not a small stopover Rome In winter?

Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Ulysses to find the right combination.

By boat

The main advantage of the boat is to come vehiculated to visit the archipelago of the Maddalena and Sardinia in all tranquility.

Ferries leave Toulon , Marseille , Nice or Genoa in Italy towards Porto Torres, Olbia or Cagliari.

Whether you land by plane or by boat, it is necessary to go to the north of the island to the port of Palau. It is from here that ferries leave to reach the city of La Maddalena.

Are there combined visits?

The Maddalena is an archipelago and, if the main island is still visited, it is not the case of the other islands. So you should choose a trip according to your preferences.

For example, if you want to discover an exceptional and unspoiled beach, learn upstream if the tour provides a detour by Spaggia Rosa. For those wishing to visit such an iconic place as an abandoned prison, the tour must stop in Santo Stefano. Also the island of Caprera is often left aside, because too large, and you will only make a simple stop on one of its beaches.

The right addresses

Loger

To visit the archipelago of Maddalena, the choice of your accommodation is based on the desire or not to spend a night on the archipelago. If you prefer to stay in Sardinia, many accommodations Airbnb are available and you will necessarily find your happiness there! You can call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

If, on the contrary, you want to spend one or more nights on the archipelago, here are two accommodations selected for you.

Nice tavern in La Maddalena

This small tavern is located in the main city of the archipelago. It is located by the sea and is a private outbuilding of the owners' house. Very well located, it is close to downtown.

The interior is simple and chichi-free, perfect for a pleasant stay. The accommodation can accommodate up to four passengers.

Small functional apartment in La Maddalena

This apartment in La Maddalena is located close to the previous one. It is very appreciated for its side both modern and old, with its beautiful stone walls. In terms of equipment, nothing to say, everything is present for a successful stay.

Ideal for a couple, this accommodation has a nice terrace with a view of the roofs of La Maddalena.

Restaurants

On the archipelago, almost all restaurants are located in La Maddalena. If you want to venture to another island, your taste buds will thank you if you have a lunch break at I Mille Bar Paninoteca on the island of Caprera. It may be the most famous restaurant in the archipelago! In addition to unbeatable prices and excellent local dishes, there are even hammocks and a little shade for a little nap in the summer!

In La Maddalena, there are so many choices that it is difficult to find one another. For pizza lovers, you'll enjoy Sergeant Pepper’s. For those who want fish in the morning, choose a lunch or dinner at Puffer Fish.

The spots

You will find dozens of spots by visiting the Maddalena Archipelago. Here are the three most beautiful according to Génération Voyage.

First, the beach of Cala Coticcio, a cove hidden on the island of Caprera. A true wonder of natural swimming pool as we do little! You can't miss her if you're on the spot.

The second spot is another beach, the Spiaggia Rosa. As previously noted, Budelli Island is protected and the beach is inaccessible, making it even more beautiful. The only flat is that Budelli is an outdated island and that all cruises do not go there.

Finally, you were waiting for it since the introductory paragraph! The third spot is no other than the view from the Monte Tejalone tower, the famous peak point of La Maddalena at 212 meters above sea level located on the island of Caprera. From above, the panorama is superb and you can see the majority of islands composing the archipelago!