There are places in Sardinia that feel special from the moment you arrive. La Maddalena is one of them. Reached by a short ferry crossing from Palau on the northeastern coast, this island and its surrounding archipelago offer the kind of granite coastline and turquoise water that make this corner of Sardinia so memorable, without requiring days of planning to enjoy.
The crossing itself takes around fifteen minutes, but standing on deck as the Sardinian coast slowly disappears behind you and La Maddalena comes into view ahead gives the journey an unmistakable feeling of beginning an island adventure, however brief the distance actually is.
Getting to La Maddalena from Palau
Palau is the main departure point for reaching La Maddalena by regular ferry, with services running throughout the day. The crossing is short enough to make the island a straightforward day trip, and Delcomar operates the La MaddalenaâPalau route, with current fares starting from around âŹ3.70. Prices vary depending on ticket type, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle, so it is worth checking the current timetable and fares before you set off.
Should you bring a car?
If you are visiting just for the day, leaving the car in Palau is a reasonable option. La Maddalena town is compact and pleasant to explore on foot, with cafés, small shops, restaurants and the waterfront all within easy walking distance of one another.
A car or scooter becomes more useful if you want to spend the day exploring different beaches and the quieter corners of the island, where distances between coves add up. If you are weighing up rental options for your wider Sardinia trip, our Rental12 ecosystem is a useful starting point for comparing cars and scooters across the island.
What to see in La Maddalena
The island itself is beautiful, but the real magic is the surrounding archipelago. One of the easiest places to start is La Maddalena town itself: walk along the waterfront, stop for a coffee and watch the boats moving in and out of the harbour. There is no need to rush here.
Crossing to Caprera
From La Maddalena, a bridge connects to nearby Caprera, one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. Caprera is known for its granite landscape and Mediterranean vegetation, and for its connection with Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose former home is preserved here. If you want to pair the crossing with some beach time, our guide to Cala Portese on Caprera covers a stretch of coast where two seas meet at a single beach.
Beaches worth your time
Spalmatore and Bassa TrinitĂ are two beaches worth considering if you want to spend a few hours by the sea. The combination of pale granite, Mediterranean scrub and clear water here is exactly what makes this part of Sardinia so memorable.
Cala Coticcio: beautiful, but check the current rules
Cala Coticcio on Caprera is often described as the âTahiti of Sardiniaâ, and it is easy to understand why when you see photographs of its tiny beach and luminous water. However, this is one place where it is important to check the regulations before planning your visit.
Access to the Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina trails is regulated by the La Maddalena National Park, with controlled access and authorised environmental hiking guides. The Park Authority introduced active monitoring of these trails in 2026 to protect these particularly fragile areas. Rather than simply arriving and following the trail, check the current access requirements before you go. It is a small extra step, but it helps protect one of the most delicate landscapes in the archipelago.
See La Maddalena from the sea
If you have more than one day, or simply want to experience the archipelago differently, consider a boat excursion. Trips commonly explore islands such as Spargi and Budelli, with stops or viewpoints around some of the most spectacular bays and beaches in the area.
Budelli's Pink Beach
Budelli's famous Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, is one of the places that needs particular care. The beach itself is protected and access to the shore is prohibited. The Park Authority has created a designated path from which visitors can admire the beach from a respectful distance. Seeing that extraordinary colour from the water, surrounded by shades of blue and the pale granite of the archipelago, is still an unforgettable experience.
When to visit La Maddalena
June and September are particularly enjoyable months to visit. The weather is usually ideal for spending time outdoors, while the atmosphere feels more relaxed than during the busiest weeks of July and August.
If you are visiting in summer, an early ferry is also a good idea. Starting the day early gives you more time to explore before the hottest hours and allows you to enjoy the island at a slower pace.
A different kind of island
âLa Maddalena is not an island you need to conquer in a day. It is an island you need to experience.â
Walk without a strict plan. Stop for lunch when you find somewhere inviting. Swim when the water looks too beautiful to resist. Sit by the harbour and watch the light change across the boats. That, perhaps, is the best advice for anyone heading to La Maddalena.
