In the stretch of sea between Sardinia and Corsica, known as Bocche di Bonifacio, there is a group of 62 islands surrounded by a turquoise sea: the Archipelago of La Maddalena, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, which thanks to its natural value, is under special protection. The main and bigger islands are seven: La Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Razzoli and Santa Maria.
A vacation in La Maddalena is certainly a suitable choice for anyone who loves the sea, but it is also the ideal place to appreciate the history, culture and unspoiled nature.
By reading my article, you'll get to know what are the attractions of the main islands, the ones that absolutely should not be missed, characterized by their unique beauty, which makes the archipelago wonderful.
The only one among the seven main islands to have a constant number of residents all year round, La Maddalena is definitely the bigger island. Covering a road of about 45 km, you will have the opportunity to admire breathtaking views. The historical center is characterized by a few main streets and squares: Via Garibaldi, Piazza Umberto I and Via XX Settembre. Don’t miss the marina, where, as tradition dictates, and for every self-respecting seaside resort, there is a fish market. From here, you can reach the characteristic Sobborgo Moneta, a place where the most popular and authentic local dialect echoes. Lastly, there are stores where you can find artifacts, handmade carpets and souvenirs worked with coral.
The second largest island of the archipelago, as well as a completely protected area, Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a 600-meter bridge. The island is famous not only for its beauty, but especially for having been the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi for 27 years. It is right here, in the White House, that the personal effects, goods and relics of the Hero of the Two Worlds are kept, making it one of the most visited museums in Italy. What is absolutely worth visiting are the numerous coves present on this island: Cala Coticcio, Cala Portese, Cala Garibaldi and the beach of the Relitto.
Inaccessible paradise, Budelli is a protected area, defended by landscape constraints, and it can only be visited if accompanied by authorized park guides. It is not possible to anchor or swim, but even at a distance, you can admire the beauty of the famous Rosa beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean and beyond. To reach Budelli you will have to participate in guided tours departing from La Maddalena. If you prefer to spend a day without constraints and in total privacy, my advice is to rent a boat that will allow you to do diving, admiring the seabed and the fascinating "shoal of Washington".
Spargi, also reachable by private or rented boats, is considered the wildest among the islands of the Archipelago. The most fascinating part is certainly the southern side, characterized by white sandy beaches and inlets rich in vegetation. Among the most beautiful coves, there are Cala Corsara, Cala Granara and Cala Soraya, although my favorite is Cala dell'Amore. The latter is a beach with very fine white sand framed by beautiful reddish rocks ending in a low and sandy bottom, ideal for a bath in total relaxation!
With its historical character and fourth for extension, Santo Stefano is the only island of the Archipelago that has traces dating back to prehistoric times. You can visit it by foot in about 2 hours. Do not miss the breathtaking views from the highest point: the summit of Mount Sugar, about 101 meters high. Here, you will also find several coves surrounded by turquoise sea, such as Cala Levante and Punta Santo Stefano overlooking the coast of Palau and Cala Villamarina, characterized by golden sand and small granite pebbles.
One idea might be to stay in Santo Stefano, booking a sea view room in the only accommodation on the island. Moreover, thanks to a Spa in the Santo Stefano Resort, you can enjoy in total relax the environment and the colors of the uncontaminated nature of this wonderful place.
At the border with Corsica, there are the twin islands of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, Razzoli and Santa Maria. Separated by a narrow channel called "Passo degli Asinelli", which can be covered on foot, it is a tongue of sand submerged by just half a meter of water. Their unmistakable feature is the jagged coastline, very different from the rest of the islands. What is most fascinating is their history, among abandoned monasteries and uninhabited houses. In Santa Maria, there is an old monastery that seems to have once been a place of isolation and prayer for monks, which was later abandoned and turned into a shepherd’s home.
Today on the island there are several summer homes, especially owned by celebrities who choose it precisely to enjoy the privacy. If you want to live your Sardinian vacation in absolute tranquility, you just have to make a detour to this corner of paradise.
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