La Maddalena
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in La Maddalena

From Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour

From Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour

Start your trip at Palau or La Maddalena port, where the crew will meet you and make sure you get comfortable on board. Choose from a variety of drinks and food available for purchase as you enjoy the sea breeze. Take a swim during the first stop at Budelli island, known for its turquoise waters. Stop at Santa Maria to lie on the sand or swim in the natural pools. Once back to the boat, admire the Spiaggia Rosa and its unique pink sand. Visit Spargi to discover its white sandy beaches, rocky coasts, and turquoise waters. Go snorkeling in calm waters or lounge on the beach of Cala Granara. Along the way, see the Island of Santo Stefano, Caprera, and the Bear Rock of Palau from the boat. Listen to a multilingual explanation from your expert guide about the history of the archipelago. If you departed from Palau, have 1 hour of free time to shop for souvenirs or Vermentino wine in traditional Sardinian shops. Take a walk around the charming town. Admire the port of Cala Gavetta and the picturesque church of Santa Maria Maddalena before you get dropped off at Palau. If your journey started at La Maddalena, end your trip here.

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch

Cruise between the islands of the Maddalena Archipelago on a sailing tour from Palau. Treat yourself to a day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the coves by boat, complete with lunch and wine. Set off in the morning directly from Palau and cruise to the archipelago of La Maddalena. Listen to insightful commentary from your captain and even take the helm for a few minutes if you're feeling brave. Choose from over seven islands, including Razzoli, Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Caprera, and Santo Stefano. Your captain will navigate to the most beautiful coves based on wind and sea traffic, where you will have the chance to swim and snorkel in the glittering water or take time to sunbathe. During the day, savor a traditional Sardinian aperitif, and enjoy lunch consisting of gnocchi in sausage sauce with a sprinkling of pecorino (Sardinian cheese), along with snacks, fruit, and white wine. Wash down your aperitif with a glass of prosecco. Conclude your meal with Mirto, a typical Sardinian liqueur, and then sail back to the departure point in the evening after a day of adventure.

From Cannigione: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Trip

From Cannigione: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Trip

A tailored experience just for you The Virginia offers a new way to experience the sea, without disembarking on the islands, but with stops at exclusive and spectacular locations. The first swimming stop is Cala dell'Amore, on the Island of Spargi, a private bay perfect for enjoying a peaceful swim. The journey continues towards the enchanting Piscine Naturali, where you can immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful water mirrors in the Mediterranean. After relaxing in the sea, the trip continues with a stop in the charming town of La Maddalena, where you can stroll through its picturesque streets, discover local shops, and savor the island's authentic atmosphere. Onboard the Virginia, you can enrich your excursion with optional experiences, such as the Mini Tour by zodiac to the Piscine Naturali, an exclusive location with clear and shallow water, or the Mini Tour to Caprera Island, with its wild coasts and secret coves, offering an intimate and suggestive experience. With its three decks, the Virginia ensures an unparalleled navigation experience, offering each guest the opportunity to choose the area that best suits their needs: **Standard Deck**: Perfect for those who love freedom of movement, with ample spaces, individual seats, and a 360-degree panoramic view. Ideal for families, groups of friends, and couples. **VIP Deck**: An oasis of relaxation and privacy. Located on the third deck, it features 50 reserved chaise lounges, offering an elegant and relaxing atmosphere exclusively for adults. Perfect for couples and travelers seeking a refined and uncompromising experience. **Privé**: An exclusive space with a table and sofas for up to 6 people. With reserved access and an elegant design, it is the ideal place to celebrate special occasions, such as anniversaries, exclusive meetings, or simply to experience the tour in total privacy. **Virginia Sea Shuttle** For those who want a more dynamic experience, Virginia offers Sea Adventure, a zodiac tour that takes you first to exclusive spots like Cala dell'Amore and the Piscine Naturali, with extended stops and a bonus stop at Caprera Island. Ideal for dynamic, adventurous people, nature lovers, and snorkeling enthusiasts. Not suitable for children, people with mobility difficulties, or non-swimmers. No canopy is present. **Eco-sustainability and respect for the sea** The Virginia is committed to protecting the marine environment and, therefore, does not disembark on the beaches. Thanks to special buoys placed just a few meters from the shore, you can still reach the beach with a few strokes or swim freely in safe and private waters. Choose the area that best suits your needs and let yourself be carried away on a unique journey, designed to surprise and gift you moments of pure well-being. The sea is our home, and you are the honored guest.

From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

Depart from La Maddalena or Palau to discover the beautiful National Park of the archipelago of La Maddalena, the crew will be at your disposal and thanks to our expert multilingual guide you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this archipelago. In less than 15 minutes of navigation we will arrive at the island of Spargi, an unspoilt paradise and one of the pearls of the archipelago. Enjoy the beaches, crystal clear water and pristine nature or you can also explore the historical features found in the bay of Cala Corsara. On your return to the boat, there is the possibility of having some lunch or snacks while continuing to cruise the various coves of Spargi island. Admiring its fantastic eastern coast full of coves, we will cruise to the island of Budelli to go and photograph (from the boat) the famous Spiaggia Rosa and the Natural Pools of Porto Della Madonna, where the emerald color of the water will take your breath away. Continuing we will cruise to the island of Santa Maria (Cala Santa Maria) to make our second stop on the beach. Also here you can easily get off via the dock to reach the large beach or, if you want, you can go for a walk to the old lighthouse (1km). Depending on the day you choose (Monday-Tuesday-Friday) for the tour, we will cruise to the island of Caprera for the last swim stop from the boat in the bay of Cala Coticcio, known for its exotic characterists has taken over the years also the name of Tahiti and since it is a real Natural Aquarium, for this last stop we strongly recommend to take with you a snorkelling mask. During your return to Palau you can admire the island of Santo Stefano, former NATO base, Napoleon’s fort and the G8 works. While the remaining days (Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday-Sunday) we will make the last stop in the historic center of La Maddalena, where you can discover the characteristic streets, visit the church of Santa Maria Maddalena or go shopping. While cruising towards La Maddalena you will discover the old granite quarries of Cala Francese, the weather station of Guardia Vecchia, Villa Webber where Benito Mussolini was imprisoned and finally the historic port of Cala Gavetta.

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Day Tour by Boat

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Day Tour by Boat

Our journey starts from the port of Palau at 10:30 First stop: this will take place on the beach of Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi, this island is striking for its rounded shape which offers a wild and uncontaminated nature to the eye, on the coast stand out granite cliffs sculpted by the wind, the island of Spargi is the ideal place for sports lovers, in fact, snorkelling is very widespread but it also presents the ideal panorama to linger and enjoy the beauties of nature. once back on the boat after swimming, relaxing or walking on the incredible island of Spargi there will be a stop for lunch. Lunch is not included in the ticket price. Second stop: On the Island of Santa Maria, the purity of the light, the crystal clear sea and the white beaches will conquer you. Third stop: The tour continues with a stop at the Natural Pools. A dip in the Natural Pools of the La Maddalena National Park restores body and spirit and feeds energy reserves. These natural pools are found on the island of Budelli and are truly known and renowned all over the world. After that we will have a panoramic visit to the famous Rosa beach, one of the most important and well-known symbols of the La Maddalena Archipelago, closed to all since 1993 to protect and give time to the ecosystem that allows you to give this fantastic color to the sand, to recreate yourself. Fourth stop: Leaving the Piscine Naturali we will sail towards La Maddalena. We will finally land in the characteristic historic center of Cala Gavetta, a settlement chosen by the first inhabitants, the Corsican shepherds, as it is more sheltered from the famous prevailing Maddalenian wind, the "mistral or mistral". This stop is ideal for enjoying the wonders of the ancient island, full of history and wonderful views. Leaving the island of La Maddalena we will resume navigation for the return to the port of Palau. The arrival at the port of Palau is estimated between 17:45

Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat

Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat

Enjoy an unforgettable 7-hour boat trip to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago. You will visit all the most beautiful islands: Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and La Maddalena in a unique and informal setting. On board you will appreciate a bar-restaurant service with many typical Sardinian products. We guarantee new boats with large spaces and the highest standards of safety and comfort. A highly qualified crew, friendly and always caring of every need to offer a top experience. We are equipped with international quality certifications ISO. A multilingual audio guide (Italian, English, French, Spanish and German) on board. It's recommended to bring your own earphones. Daily departures from both port of Palau and La Maddalena. Discover the historic center of La Maddalena with the church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the "Caruggi", the characteristic streets of the island. Use the Elena Tour card for your purchases in the traditional shops of the island. Stop on the soft white sandy beaches of Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi for a swim in its crystal-clear waters. After skirting the east coast of Spargi, admire the Island of Budelli with its Pink Beach and swim in the natural pools from the boat and on the beach of the isle of Santa Maria. After skirting Punta Sardegna and Porto Rafael with its small square, the boat returns to the ports of Palau 17:00 and La Maddalena at 17:15 pm. In case of a bad weather or for directive of the National Park the itineraries might be changed. In high season, on Tuesday it is possible that in Spargi you go to a cove other than Cala Corsara.

Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Comfort Boat Tour with Stops

Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Comfort Boat Tour with Stops

Book a boat tour to the archipelago of La Maddalena: an authentic experience of contact with the beauty of the sea and nature. Choose our comfortable and never crowded ship. Are you looking for the best way to get to know the islands of La Maddalena, Spargi, Budelli, Santo Stefano and Caprera ( panoramic navigation ) and the coast in all its splendor? Book a relaxing excursion that can satisfy the desire to see with your own eyes how much the Sardinian sea shines in the most pristine and renowned places on the island. We leave every day from the port of Palau at 10.30 am with return expected at 5.30 pm, the tour takes over 7 hours. The itinerary is complete and full of magical moments, wonders to see and immortalize. You can dive into the most evocative waters in the world. Our boat excursion to La Maddalena depart from Palau. From here we set sail for the island of Spargi, the island of Budelli, the island of Santa Maria, and finally La Maddalena. The La Maddalena tour moves between the various islands. During the trip there are many stops: significant, unforgettable places, chosen for their rare beauty and for the importance they have at a naturalistic and historical level. The tour sails enjoying the panoramic view of the other smaller islands of the archipelago. When the sky is clear you can also see Corsica, the horizon is a breathtaking blue and it seems to touch the concrete image of an earthly paradise. It is difficult to describe, impossible to forget. We have reserved various special stops for you, to celebrate so much beauty with swimming in the best places. *The excursion First STOP - island of Spargi with the wonderful inlet of Cala Corsara, you will admire the famous rocks of the Head of the Witch, the Bulldog Dog and Italy in miniature. Second STOP - Natural pools-Island of Budelli. We will reach the Port of the Madonna, the famous natural pools known for the color, the slums and the transparency of the water: you will dive from the boat in front of the coast. Third STOP - Island of Santa Maria to the delight of young people and children, you will make a long stop for visit the omonimus beach Cala Santa Maria. Looking up, you will be able to admire the beauty of the bay. Fourth STOP - Maddalena historical center Our boat is very large, but we only carry only 80 passengers, much less passengers out of 250 of maximum capacity to make your trip unique and with the highest comforts on board, with us you will also visit this part of the archipelago, very suggestive, we will soon arrive at the center of La Maddalena. You can go down for a walk, enjoy an excellent ice cream and freely enjoy the town by shopping through the streets of the historic center and the alleys, the typical alleys of La Maddalena. *The itinerary may be subject to change without notice and according to the directives of the La Maddalena national park authority or the coast guard. The beaches are CROWDED during high season.

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with Pasta

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with Pasta

Spend the day exploring the archipelago of La Maddalena on a relaxing boat trip from Palau. Stroll through the quaint town of La Maddalena, swim at Cala Corsara on the Island of Spargi, marvel at the clear waters of Budelli's natural pools, and cruise past fascinating rock formations. Board your cruise in the morning in Palau and begin your adventure. Sail to Santa Maria Island and stop for 2 hours to sunbathe, swim, and relax on beautiful Santa Maria Beach. Next, cruise to the Island of Budelli where we stop for lunch. Before leaving Budelli, stop for photos at Rosa Beach. Continue your cruise to the picturesque Island of Spargi. Spend 1.5 hours swimming and relaxing at Cala Corsara, surrounded by fascinating rock formations, including The Bulldog, the Head of the Witch, and Italy. Finish your cruise with a stop at La Maddalena Island. Stroll through the historic center, down old and narrow streets. Stop to buy a souvenir or relax in one of the many bars and ice cream parlors. During your cruise, enjoy a plate of pasta with mussels and prawns. If you wish, purchase a drink from the onboard bar to enjoy as you sail.

Maddalena Archipelago: Island-Hopping Sailing Tour and Lunch

Maddalena Archipelago: Island-Hopping Sailing Tour and Lunch

Explore the Maddalena Archipelago on a sailboat trip, and enjoy a provided lunch and drinks. Stop at the islands of Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria, and enjoy stops for swimming and snorkeling on this daytime sailing tour. Enjoy a journey in a comfortable yacht that departs from the Marina Cala Camiciotto. Leave the marina, and relax while the boat sails for over an hour until Isola Spargi, Isola Budelli, and Isola Santa Maria. Admire a beautiful and unique view of the coastline during the trip to the islands, before dropping anchor in Cala Santa Maria, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters. Then, take an aperitif with snacks, beer, and cold fresh drinks. Savor lunch on board and try pasta, bruschetta, bread, and local sausage and cheeses with a glass of wine. Next, move on to visit the Spiaggia Rosa on Isola Budelli and stop for two hours, where you will travel by dinghy to Isola Budeli and walk at Spiaggia Rosa. Take time to enjoy a delicious lunch with wine, beer, and cold fresh drinks. Sail to Cala Granara, Isola Spargi, and take some free time to swim from the deck or snorkel. Back to starting point of the tour.

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago 4 Stops Boat Tour

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago 4 Stops Boat Tour

Explore the beauty of North Sardinia on a 4 stops full-day boat cruise of the La Maddalena archipelago. Sailing onboard the Lady Luna 3, the most modern ship in the fleet that sails in the Maddalena archipelago, built in 2025, with the highest comfort and greater safety standards. Visit with us the most beautiful islands of a magnificent natural park, stop to swim on sandy beaches, and more. Depart from the harbor in Palau for the short, 35-minute sail to Budelli. Marvel at the pink sand of Spiaggia Rosa, the dramatic rock formation of Roccia del Coccodrillo, and splash in the sea from Piscine Naturali. Continue to Santa Maria island and feel the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea. Make a long stop at the beach there to sunbathe and relax. After the stop, take a break for lunch, and if you wish, you can buy typical Sardinian dishes on board or bring your own food. Arrive next at Spargi island, where the beaches of Cala Granara or Cala Ferrigno ( Exclusively for our customers ) are lapped by emerald waters and protected from the wind to create perfect conditions for sunbathing. End the tour with a stop at La Maddalena island and visit the town of La Maddalena. Wander the colorful streets to find souvenir shops or gaze at the boats in the Cala Gavetta marina. En route back to Palau, sail past Santo Stefano and Caprera islands (visible from afar while sailing) for the last look at the high life of the seas. Choose us, we have over 35 years of experience and our speaker explains the history of the La Maddalena archipelago live in 4 different languages.

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Frequently asked questions about La Maddalena

What are the best day trips and excursions from La Maddalena?

The best day trips and excursions from La Maddalena are:

See all day trips and excursions from La Maddalena on GetYourGuide

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.

Other Sightseeing Options in La Maddalena

Want to discover all there is to do in La Maddalena? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about La Maddalena

Overall rating

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
(5,561 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Super team!! Excellent catamaran, delicious food, awesome wine!! And stunning views of the reserve! And how great that it is warm to swim there in November!! Very beautiful Very cool!

5 out of 5 stars

It was a wonderful tour, just relaxing. Of course we were lucky that we had great weather. We had small snacks after each visit to the beach. We enjoyed the day.

5 out of 5 stars

We had an amazing time onboard La Maddalena. Dmitri and Lorenzo were wonderful. We went to some incredible beaches, and I would absolutely recommend this trip!

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent! Food and drinks kept flowing! Beautiful spots and great crew :)

5 out of 5 stars

Loved it! Great guides and fun times. Worth the money. Great lunch too!