La Maddalena Archipelago

Arcipelago di La Maddalena

A stunning national park of granite islands with crystalline turquoise waters off northeastern Sardinia. The main island La Maddalena has a charming harbor town and ferry links to the smaller islets.

Things to do

• Island-hop by boat tour — Book a full-day giro in barca to visit Budelli's pink beach and Spargi's coves.
• See Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli — Admire the famous pink sand beach from the water; landing is restricted to protect it.
• Visit Compendio Garibaldino on Caprera — Tour the home and tomb of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi on the connected island of Caprera.
• Snorkel at Cala Corsara — One of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, ideal for spotting sea bass and octopus.
• Stroll La Maddalena harbor — Browse the waterfront piazza, enjoy a gelato, and watch the luxury yachts sail in.

Food to try

• Aragosta alla Catalana — Lobster served Catalan-style with tomatoes and onions, a classic of northern Sardinian coast.
• Bottarga — Dried and cured mullet roe grated over pasta or eaten in thin slices with olive oil.
• Porceddu — Whole suckling pig slow-roasted over myrtle wood, supremely tender and smoky.
• Mirto Liquore — A deep-red digestif made from wild myrtle berries, served chilled after meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Park regulations are strict — Collecting sand, shells, or rocks in the national park is illegal and fined heavily.
• Book boats in advance — In July and August boat tours sell out days ahead; reserve online early.
• Garibaldi is a national icon — Locals take great pride in Caprera's connection to Italian unification; show respect at the museum.