Seven Islands and a Boating Trip

The Maddalena Archipelago is located along the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Aside its numerous rocks and islets, the archipelago comprises 7 main islands which are split into 2 groups: La Maddalena (after which the archipelago is named and the largest island of the archipelago), Caprera and Santo Stefano to the northeast, and Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria to the northwest.

These islands are famous for their Mediterranean vegetation, crystal clear waters, pink sand and wind-blown granite coastlines. The archipelago is also a designated National Reserve and regarded as one of the world’s most striking landscapes. The area has also played witness to some memorable events. Nelson, Napoleon and Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the fathers of the Italian independence, all spent time on the windswept rocks of Caprera island.

A ferry boat connects Maddalena island, the largest of the archipelago islands, to Sardinia every half-hour from Palau and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. The Maddalena and Caprera Islands are connected via a bridge known as the Passo della Moneta that joins the two islands. Bus and taxi services are available along this route. All the other islands can be reached by rented boats or organised tours from Maddalena island. During August visitors are advised to book in advance and bring along a camera, sun tan lotion, dark glasses and a hat. Points of interest include: Punta Sardegna and its lighthouse; the spectacular Cala Corsara beach on the isolated Spargi island; Budelli island, famous for its pink sand and the jagged coastline of Razzoli island, with its enchanting coves.

Boating tourists can also admire the coastline, characterised by jagged cliffs and fjord-like coves, sculpted by the wind that generate a wide variety of shapes and forms in its rocks. The most famous is the Roccia dell'Orso, the Rock of the Bear. Over thousands of years, the wind and sea have amazingly transformed this rock to unmistakably appear like a bear looming out at sea, 122 metres high. The tour costs around 30 euro and includes lunch on board. Make sure that the tour guide speaks your language before buying a ticket!