La Maddalena Sardinia: Best Beaches & Things to Do 🏝️

La Maddalena Sardinia is one of those places that makes you slow down the moment you arrive. Between its pastel harbour town, mirror-clear sea, and the gentle hum of boats rocking at the marina, it feels like you’ve slipped into a slower rhythm – the kind that’s all about sunshine, swims, and long lunches.

Part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, this cluster of islands off Sardinia’s north coast is the Mediterranean at its most dazzling: bright, wild, and impossibly blue.

I visited La Maddalena as part of a northern Sardinia itinerary, and it quickly became one of my favourite places on the island.

Here’s a guide to the best things to do on La Maddalena Sardinia, from wandering its colourful town to discovering the beaches, viewpoints, and nearby islets that make this archipelago unforgettable.

Explore La Maddalena Town 🌆

The main town, La Maddalena, is a tangle of narrow streets, pastel houses, and seaside cafés that spill out onto cobbled lanes. It’s lively without being hectic, with that perfect small-island balance between bustle and calm.

Stroll along Via Garibaldi and Via XX Settembre for boutiques, ice cream shops, and the kind of nautical souvenirs you’ll probably convince yourself you need.

You can’t beat grabbing a seat by the marina for lunch – fresh seafood, crisp Vermentino, and a front-row view of the boats.

👉 Hungry? Read more about Sardinian cuisine in Food in Sardinia: 11 Traditional Dishes You Have to Try.

Don’t miss the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, a pretty baroque church tucked in the old town, or the views from the upper streets looking back towards Palau.

Relax on the Beaches 🏖️

The coastline around La Maddalena is pure magic.

Pale sand, wild granite rocks, and every shade of turquoise you can imagine.

Even a short drive from the town brings you to beaches straight off a postcard.

☀️ Bassa Trinità Beach – Wide, soft, and dazzlingly blue. Great for an easy swim or lazy afternoon.

🌿 Spalmatore Beach – A calm, family-friendly bay with crystal shallows and cafés nearby.

💎 Cala Lunga (on Caprera) – Just over the bridge, a sheltered bay framed by cliffs and pines.

Every turn of the road seems to reveal another hidden cove. The water here is so clear you can see tiny fish darting around your ankles.

👉 If you’re exploring northern Sardinia, you might also like my guide to La Pelosa Beach in Stintino.

Take a Boat Trip Around the Archipelago 🚤

The surrounding islands – Budelli, Spargi, Santa Maria, and Razzoli – are even wilder and more beautiful, most reachable only by boat.

A day tour by boat is the best way to see them, and most include swim stops in coves that look almost tropical.

Highlights include:

🌸 Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli) – The famous pink-sand beach (you can’t walk on it, but you can admire it from the water).

🐚 Cala Granara (Spargi) – Bright white sand and water that glows like glass.

🐠 Cala Coticcio (Caprera) – Nicknamed “Tahiti Beach,” and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

💡 Bring reef shoes, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera. It’s that kind of place where every photo looks unreal!

Visit Caprera Island 🪸

Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a bridge, making it an easy addition to your visit. It’s quieter, more rugged, and known for its pine forests and historic sites.

🏛️ Garibaldi’s House Museum – The home of Italy’s national hero, beautifully preserved.

🌲 Hiking trails – Perfect for a breezy coastal walk with panoramic views of the archipelago.

💦 Cala Napoletana – A small cove with water so clear you’ll forget what the word “filter” means.

It’s easy to see why Caprera often feels like La Maddalena’s wild little sister.

Getting to La Maddalena ⚓

⛴️ Ferries run regularly from Palau, every 20-30 minutes in summer. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and costs roughly €5-€7 per person or €15-€20 if you bring a car. Book tickets here.

🚗 The island is easy to explore by car or scooter. There’s one scenic circular road that loops around the main viewpoints and beaches.

💡 Tip: Book ferry tickets ahead in summer, or arrive early to avoid queues at Palau’s port.