La Maddalena Archipelago by Boat: The Definitive 2026 Guide
The La Maddalena Archipelago is a treasure chest of natural beauty in northern Sardinia. Composed of seven main islands and over sixty islets, this marine national park guards some of the most crystal-clear waters in the Mediterranean.
The Main Islands
La Maddalena
The largest island and the only one permanently inhabited. The historic center offers excellent restaurants, artisan shops, and a vibrant summer nightlife. The port is the ideal starting point for exploring the entire archipelago.Caprera
Connected to La Maddalena by a bridge, Caprera is famous for Garibaldi's house-museum and spectacular beaches. Cala Coticcio, nicknamed the "Tahiti of the Mediterranean," is one of Italy's most photographed coves.Budelli
The island of the legendary Pink Beach, whose color derives from fragments of coral, shells, and marine microorganisms. Landing on the beach has been prohibited since 1994, but it can be admired from the boat: a spectacle worth the trip.Spargi
A completely uninhabited island, Spargi offers some of the archipelago's most beautiful beaches. Cala Corsara is a natural amphitheater of pristine white sand surrounded by pink granite.National Park Regulations
Navigating the archipelago requires adherence to specific rules. Anchoring is only allowed in designated areas, and the use of anchors is prohibited in posidonia zones. Our vessels are equipped with ecological mooring buoys.
The maximum speed in park waters is 10 knots, and in some particularly sensitive zones it drops to 5 knots. Our crew knows all zones and their respective restrictions perfectly.
Tips from Our Captains
The best time to visit the archipelago is early morning, when the beaches are still deserted and sunlight creates incredible color patterns on the waters. We recommend bringing snorkeling gear: the archipelago's seabeds are among the richest in the Mediterranean.
For those staying multiple days, we suggest alternating beach visits with land excursions: Caprera's trails through the Mediterranean scrubland offer unforgettable panoramas.