Insider Tips: Planning a trip to La Maddalena
Claudia Tavani is the mastermind behind Strictly Sardinia, a Sardinia focused blog where she shares all her knowledge about her beloved island.
What should I do on my first trip to La Maddalena?
If it's your first time visiting La Maddalena, you really need to do a boat tour around the archipelago. There are many to choose from, and they depart regularly from the harbor. Look for smaller boat tours as they are a bit faster, you get to see more as there's less time navigating and more time enjoying the clear waters of the national park. Make sure to also hike to Cala Coticcio Beach, the most precious beach in the archipelago. You will need to hire a guide from the national park's website for that.
What are some hidden gems to see in La Maddalena?
You will find many great hiking trails in Caprera, a smaller island connected to La Maddalena by a bridge. For a unique experience, hike to the Fortificazione Candeo, a hidden fort that was built into the rock in the Interwar period. You will find a small bay that is a wonderful snorkeling spot. If you are looking for a secluded beach, hike to Cala Brigantina. This is a protected beach, and you will need to hire a guide from the national park's website, but once there, you're likely to have the beach to yourself.
How much time should I spend in La Maddalena?
La Maddalena has a lot to offer. Plan to spend a minimum of three days there — one to enjoy a full-day boat tour, one to hike to Cala Coticcio, and one to drive around La Maddalena Island. A week is an ideal amount of time to take in what the archipelago has to offer: gorgeous beaches, historical sites and fortifications, hiking trails, and more.
What is the best way to get around La Maddalena?
Having your own wheels is a great idea for your trip to La Maddalena; you can rent a car in Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, the best place to fly to when you visit. Having a car lets you move around at your own pace. Alternatively, you can also get around by bike — though the island is very hilly — or by moped. Buses connect La Maddalena town to the main beaches on Caprera island.
What are the best months to visit La Maddalena?
Visit La Maddalena from April to October — the spring and fall months are the best to enjoy the hikes without the strong heat of the summer months and to see the islands in bloom. If you want to enjoy swimming in the sea and relaxing on the beach, a trip in July or September is great too. Avoid visiting in August as that's the peak month, and the islands will be crowded and can be too hot.
What are the best neighborhoods to visit in La Maddalena?
Caprera Island is probably the most interesting island of the archipelago. Here you can visit the house of Italy unification hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, now turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work, and several forts built between the late 19th and the early 20th century. You can hike to the highest peak in Caprera, Mount Tejalone, for a fantastic sunset. You will have bird's-eye views of Cala Coticcio on one side and of the entire archipelago on the other.
What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit La Maddalena?
Various islands in the La Maddalena archipelago have beautiful resorts, but independent travelers should plan to stay in La Maddalena town. You can opt to stay in one of the many small hotels or apartments in the center of town, but if you have your own car, you will be better off opting for something less central, but within walking distance of the center. Look closer to Punta Tegge, which is actually the best sunset spot in La Maddalena.
What's are 4 best tips for a person traveling to La Maddalena?
1. Give yourself enough time on the island: Yes, you can visit on day trips from mainland Sardinia (there are boat tours departing from Palau, Cannigione, and even Santa Teresa di Gallura), but a more in-depth visit is recommended.
2. Bring your hiking shoes: The best beaches can only be reached via a hike, and the terrain is such that you will need proper shoes to walk.
3. Get a map of the beaches: A good map will point the direction of the beach and will suggest which beach to visit or avoid based on the wind.
4. Respect the delicate environment: Don't leave any garbage behind. You will see that most beaches don't have a garbage can. That's because they are too secluded and would never be emptied. Plan to take any garbage back home with you.
What should people avoid doing in La Maddalena?
Do not take sand, shells, or pebbles with you, and leave starfish and jellyfish in the water, no matter how beautiful it is or how worried you are about getting stung by it. Taking sand is forbidden in Sardinia — airport and harbor staff are trained to catch anyone that has even a small quantity of it in their luggage, and you may get a fine if you are caught with it. Likewise, starfish, jellyfish, and other marine creatures are protected.
What are your top 5 favourite GetYourGuide experiences in La Maddalena?
Sardinia: Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour with Lunch
From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Day Tour by Boat
Northern Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Trip
Maddalena Archipelago: Island-Hopping Sailing Tour and Lunch
La Maddalena Archipelago: Double Dive with Scuba Point
What is one thing that surprised you about La Maddalena?
What's striking about La Maddalena is the incredible variety of activities on offer. You visit thinking it will mostly be a beach vacation, but you will end up hiking, visiting forts, sipping cocktails while the sun goes down, and learning about the local history.
What is the best family-friendly thing to do in La Maddalena?
A boat tour. If your kids enjoy swimming, they will love the chance of jumping on and off the boat.
What is the best thing to do in La Maddalena for solo travelers?
A small group boat tour gives you the chance to meet other travelers. La Maddalena is a very safe place to visit alone.
What is the best thing to do in La Maddalena for couples?
Hike to Mount Teialone for the best sunset views in the archipelago. Bring your own wine and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area. Just make sure to have a torch for the walk back down.
What are the best annual events in La Maddalena?
Each year, on July 22, a large parade is held in the streets of the town center to celebrate Santa Maria Maddalena, the patron saint of the island. Fireworks follow the parade. It's a very traditional festival that can be interesting for international travelers.
What are the best areas for outdoor activities around La Maddalena?
La Maddalena Archipelago is one of the Italian national parks in Sardinia. You will be spending much of your time outdoors when visiting — whether hanging out at the beach, snorkeling and swimming, or enjoying a hike to the beach or one of the many forts scattered across the archipelago.
What are the best beaches around La Maddalena?
Cala Coticcio, Cala Napoletana, and Cala Brigantina are all located on Caprera Island, connected to La Maddalena by a bridge. You will have to hike to get there, but the stunning scenery will pay off the effort. Another incredible beach is the Pink Beach in Budelli Island; you can only visit on guided tours with a local guide from the national park, as the stunning beach is protected. Cala Granara on Spargi island is another beautiful beach, but you can only get there by boat.
What are the best food/drink spots in neighborhood La Maddalena?
In the center of La Maddalena, Puffer Fish is an easygoing fish and seafood restaurant with quick service and locally caught fish. In front of it, you will find L'Alternativa, a great steakhouse perfect for meat lovers. The best cocktails are at the Punta Tegge kiosk. Grab a pillow and sit on the rocks as you enjoy a wonderful sunset.