How to get to La Maddalena island in Sardinia

Sardinia is a land of unique charm and this makes it one of the main destinations of Italian tourism, also thanks to its natural and cultural attractions, able to satisfy anyone looking for a quiet stay on the beach or an outdoor adventure.

The island offers a range of enchanting and beautiful landscapes that differ in shape and colour despite being part of the same land. In fact, the island itself includes archipelagos of smaller islands that are definitely worth exploring during your sea holiday.

The La Maddalena Archipelago, which includes the island of the same name, is the largest in Sardinia and is located in the north-eastern area of the region, a few kilometres away from Olbia and the Costa Smeralda. The Archipelago is a National Park, thus a strictly protected area that aims to safeguard the local flora and fauna and does not allow anthropic interventions.

But what are the beaches that make La Maddalena so special? Read on to discover how to reach them!

Founded in 1770 as a naval base, the island was fought over by many historical figures because of its strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. First of all, the attempted invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte and the interest of Admiral Nelson, who is remembered for the crucifix donated to the church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the Nelson Bay of the same name. And then how could we not mention the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, who purchased the island of Caprera, one of the largest islands in the archipelago, to spend the last years of his life there. In fact, the two major islands of Maddalena and Caprera are connected by the 'Passo della Moneta', a bridge 50 metres long and 10 metres wide, so that pedestrians and cyclists can also pass through.

La Maddalena island is still the only inhabited centre of the archipelago with a population of about 12,000. Its approximately 50 kilometres long and indented coastline has created natural coves with an exotic look. It will not be difficult to find small, secluded bays to visit here: they can be reached by following the Mongiardino-Spalmatore road, which stretches for just over 20 km and offers a panoramic view of all the coves on the island.

Starting from the town and moving clockwise along the coast, we immediately find the beach of Punta Tegge, actually little sheltered from the winds but with spectacular crystal clear waters and a panoramic view of the island of Spargi, easily recognisable as it is surrounded by granite rocks.

Continuing along the coastline, we find Cala Francese, a beach with green and blue colours that line up next to the white and grey of the granite quarry that precedes it and makes it one of the main attractions for those who land on La Maddalena. Today it is possible to visit the ancient machinery of this mine, essential for the extraction of Sardinian granite, a precious material that during the 19th century was exported all over the world for the realisation of famous works, first and foremost the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

Further on, in the area of Cala Maiore, we find three coves with sparkling sea, shallow waters and granite rocks with a suggestive view of the islands of Spargi, Santa Maria and Budelli. Cala Maiore also includes the beach of Bassa Trinità from which it is possible to walk along the nature trail leading to the Trinity Church.

The most distinctive and most popular beach on the island is definitely that of Monte d'Arena, near the village of Punta Cannone. Monte d'Arena is famous for its landscape that includes the typical granite rocks populated by Mediterranean maquis, a turquoise sea and a high sand dune that converges directly into it.

The last two beaches worth mentioning in this guide are Cala Spalmatore and Testa di Polpo. The former is a natural cove divided by a long jetty. It is a very popular destination among tourists because of its numerous facilities, such as bars and restaurants, as well as a shallow sea bed suitable for children. Spiaggia Testa di Polpo is located on the islet of Giardinelli, connected with La Maddalena island by a bridge a few metres long. The beach, together with that of Bassa Trinità, is one of the most popular with visitors thanks to the transparency of its waters and the fine sand, which will surely leave you speechless.

How to get to La Maddalena? It is easy. All ferries to La Maddalena depart from the port of Palau in the direction of Cala Gavetta, the island's marina. The town of Palau can be easily reached from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in less than an hour.

While arriving from Cagliari Elmas Airport, it is necessary to drive along the state road 131 'Carlo Felice' and once in Olbia, continue along the state road 125 in the direction of Palau. This route takes about 4 hours by car and just under 5 hours if you choose to travel by train and take the bus from Olbia to Palau.

Once you arrive at the port of Palau, you only need to choose the right time to board. The frequency of the ferries varies depending on the period: normally it is every hour for a round trip, while in the summer period it increases to the point of allowing boarding even every half hour.

The price of the ticket is about 8 euros, but the fare is always subject to change depending on the period, time of day and attendance. However, the island is not equipped with public transport and it is therefore recommended to take your own car to get around in complete freedom once you reach your destination.

From the island of La Maddalena, it is also possible to reach the surrounding islands and islets such as Caprera, Santa Maria, Razzoli, or approach Budelli to admire the iconic Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), a nature reserve that owes its name to the characteristic pink sand that blends with the sea water.

If you are considering a stay near this stunning archipelago, we recommend some of our La Maddalena villas:

• Villa Carezza di Mare: a wonderful seaside villa in La Maddalena, perfect for accommodating up to 6 guests. Outside, it has both a private swimming pool and a harbour where small boats can be moored.
• Villetta Freesia: this holiday home in Baia Sardinia is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to reach the first beach with a walk of only 700 metres. The villa has a large garden and consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for small groups of 4 people.  
• Villetta Milla: This holiday villa in Cannigione is located in an excellent position, as it is only 50 metres in front of La Conia beach and at the same time only a few kilometres from La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda. Inside, Milla has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, as well as all the necessary comforts for a beach holiday.

Booking one of these villas in Sardinia is very easy: our Reservation department is available every day by phone (also on Whatsapp) or alternatively by e-mail to meet your every need.

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