Are you in Sardinia or planning your next holiday? One experience you should definitely
try is visiting the Maddalena Archipelago! We’ll tell you what to do and what to see in
this fantastic land to make the most of your holiday!
The Maddalena Archipelago
The Maddalena Archipelago is located north of the Gallura coast and is part of the immense territory of Sassari.
It is famous for its beaches, but among the many islands and islets that make it up, it hides much more than landscapes that look like something out of a painter’s canvas.
Because of its immense naturalistic value, the Maddalena archipelago was even declared a National Park in 1994 and a geomarine protected area.
At the time, it was made up of uninhabited islands, except for Caprera and Santa Maria, which housed small settlements, and this has not changed!
The great thing about visiting the archipelago is just bathing in one of the most beautiful seas in the world, surrounded by nature that reigns wild and unchallenged!
Islands of the Maddalena Archipelago
Which islands are worth seeing among those in the archipelago?
All of them!
But since there are so many of them, we’ll tell you about some of the best-known ones and some of the lesser-known but, in our opinion, really must-see ones!
Island of La Maddalena
Let us begin immediately with the “main” one, which gives its name to the archipelago and is generally always the starting point for both boat tours and excursions.
One reason for this is certainly the fact that, apart from the small settlements of Caprera and Santa Maria, it is the only inhabited one.
The layout of its town centre is very romantic with its lovely heart, narrow streets leading to the town’s many squares and enchanting palaces.
In fact, in the distant past, it was also known as “Little Paris”.
Among the things to do in the archipelago of La Maddalena is definitely a pleasant walk in the centre and, of course, bathing on the beach!
Island of Caprera
Many people know it as ‘”Garibaldi’s island” because of its important history.
The island offers many trekking routes that we suggest you take if you visit the Maddalena archipelago.
They are a succession of breathtaking landscapes through Mediterranean maquis, pine forests and fragrant woods full of junipers and holm oaks.
A very special fact is that Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a bridge!
Among the things to do and see in Caprera are the Garibaldi Compendium, the world-famous Cala Coticcio, and many breathtaking coves.
Other islands to see and visit in the Maddalena archipelago
⦁ Spargi – famous for its incredible white sandy beaches washed by deep emerald waters on the eastern side.
⦁ If you decide to pay a visit, remember that Spargi is only accessible by sea.
⦁ The beaches you should not miss are Cala Corsara, Cala Granara and Cala Conneri.
⦁ Budelli – It is named after Mount Budello, which is also the highest point on the entire archipelago.
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, it offers spectacular beaches, such as the world-famous Pink Beach, which is pink indeed!
It owes its colour to the fragments of the microorganism Miniacina miniacea that are mixed into the sand.
The Pink Beach is not always accessible, but can be admired from the sea with a nice boat tour!
⦁ Razzoli and Santa Maria – The two islands are separated by the Passo degli Asinelli (Donkeys’ Pass), which can be explored on foot to enjoy a picturesque walk from one to the other.
Razzoli is famous for its impressive cliffs and iconic wind-smoothed rocks.
Razzoli’s most famous beaches are certainly Cala Lunga, Cala Cappello and Cala Noce.
Among the island’s attractions is an ancient Benedictine monastery.
With a nice walk along the panoramic path, you can also reach the lighthouse of Punta Filetto.
Beaches not to be missed are Cala di Fosso and Cala Santa Maria.
⦁ Nibani, Mortorio, Camere and Soffi – We mention these small islets last, although they are by no means last in beauty!
They are located opposite the Costa Smeralda in the southeast of the archipelago.
Unfortunately, they are not accessible because they are protected areas, but they are definitely worth seeing, even if only from a distance via boat tours.
The most beautiful beaches in the Maddalena Archipelago
True, it is almost impossible to choose. But we have selected 6 beaches scattered around the Maddalena archipelago that are true paradises on earth.
Let’s start with Cala Coticcio.
Cala Coticcio
Because of its beauty, we have reserved an entire article for Cala Coticcio with all the info on the beach, how to get there, equipment and a few spoilers on what it is like to swim there!
Here the article:
Cala Spalmatore
What a curious name, why is it called that?
The name derives from the fact that this beach was somewhat of a base for fishermen who used to stop here to smear their boats with pitch.
The beach itself is quite small and the bay is protected by granite rocks.
But despite its size, it is one of the most popular beaches.
The seabed gradually slopes down, which is why it is also chosen by families with children for swimming.
The place is also perfect for snorkelling, a highly recommended activity among the things to do in the Maddalena archipelago.
Goldfinch Beach
It is quite ironic, but Goldfinch beach is not on Goldfinch Island!
Although it owes its name to the island, it is located just in front of it.
Here, the calm waters vary between blue and green and the beach consists of very light sand with very fine grains.
This beach is also very suitable for families with children and is surrounded by fragrant, lush local vegetation.
Cala Francese
You have to walk a bit to reach it, but it really is one of the most beautiful!
There is a car park on the road and then a walk of about 800 metres, which we suggest you do equipped with water and a hat to protect yourself from the heat and the sun.
It is best to do this very early in the morning when the air is still cool and the sun is not yet high in the sky and to return shortly after sunset.
Once you reach the cove, you will find a white sandy beach with azure blue water waiting for you. The beach is actually quite small, but if necessary, you can find a place on the rocks. It is definitely worth it.
Curiosities about Cala Francese
South of the beach is the old French Quarry.
It is particularly important from a historical point of view because it was from here that the granite used in the construction of important works all over the world was extracted, including none other than the Statue of Liberty in New York!
Cala Napoletana
A spectacle! Cala Napoletana has azure waters, truly like few other beaches, or perhaps like no other. The sand is fine and pure white, while looking out to sea, you can see the splendid granite rocks that enliven the landscape.
The beach is accessed by a very small trekking path that starts from Garibaldi’s Mausoleum.
Beach of the Two Seas
The beautiful beach of the two seas is among those open-access beaches that are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
Incredibly turquoise waters with a predominantly sandy seabed that slopes down very, very gently.
The sand on the beach is very white and here, too, it is surrounded by lush vegetation with fresh, intense colours and scents..
What to do and see in the Maddalena archipelago
In addition to bathing on the beach, the Maddalena archipelago offers many things to do and see, suitable for those who like to keep on the move, or even for those who prefer a relaxing holiday, discovering the local culture with visits to museums and monuments or through walks in the centre.
For sports enthusiasts, let’s start with trekking.
Trekking and trails in the Maddalena archipelago
The islands of the Maddalena archipelago offer countless paths and trekking routes to reach the varied beaches.
Among the most beautiful to put on your list, we recommend:
⦁ La Maddalena: Spiaggia dello Strangolato – Guardia Vecchia
⦁ Cala Francese – La Madonnetta
⦁ La Maddalena – Cala Granara
⦁ Island of Spargi
⦁ Giuseppe Garibaldi Museum via Cala Garibaldi
Truly unique routes alternating rocky areas, woods, expanses of flowers and sandy stretches.
A mix of views and sensations that can only be found here!
Boat tours to the Maddalena archipelago
There are several agencies that offer boat tours to the Maddalena archipelago, with an infinite number of options to choose from.
The tour proceeds from island to island, allowing you to admire from the sea even those that are not accessible.
Depending on the different formulas, which may include aperitifs and specialised guides, there are different price ranges.Generally, it varies, depending on the service required, between €55 and €200/person.
Not only sea: what to visit in La Maddalena
For a full immersion in the local culture, we also suggest you experience strolls in the centre visiting monuments, chatting with locals and perhaps shopping in the delightful little shops scattered among the romantic alleys of La Maddalena.
Among other things, the city holds precious buildings and places that are particularly relevant to the history of the country.
Historic Centre of La Maddalena
In between strolls through the historic centre, we come across the Garibaldi Column, Casa Zicavo, the Garibaldi Square, the Town Hall building, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which is worth a visit for its small diocesan museum, and the Umberto I Square.
But we also recommend a trip to the upper part of the historic centre.
After a few steps, in fact, there’s a spot with a privileged view, where you can admire the beauty of the small houses and relax in the communal areas and small squares.
Garibaldi Museum Compendium at Caprera
A must for anyone landing on the island of Caprera, is definitely the Garibaldi Compendium.
Here is a bit of history useful to understand the importance and charm of the place: Giuseppe Garibaldi bought the whole island half at a time.
The first half in 1855, to make it his residence, the ‘”home” to return to after his adventurous military campaigns to defend freedom.
The other half was purchased 10 years later.
While his residence, also known as the White House, was being built, Garibaldi lived in a wooden hut that still stands in the courtyard of the house itself.
Today, the Garibaldi Compendium is a popular destination for tourists and can only be accessed by booking a guided tour.
The tour of the White House starts from the atrium, where a portrait of the condottiere is immediately noticeable together with a flag that saw its moments of glory in the distant past, and a wheelchair that was given to Garibaldi.
During the tour, visitors discover rooms furnished in a simple and elegant style, family tombs and a collection of memorabilia.
And one cannot but be fascinated by this unique experience!
Would you like to organise a holiday in Sassari?
Stay at Domus 81 and discover all the immense beauty of this magical land!
