La Maddalena Beaches

Overview

The La Maddalena archipelago is a world-renowned beach paradise, celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and wild, natural beauty. Many visitors wonder if a boat is essential to experience the best shores. While boat trips are the only way to reach secluded coves on islands like Spargi and Budelli, you don't need one for a fantastic holiday. The main islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, connected by a bridge, host dozens of breathtaking beaches that are easily accessible by car or scooter.

Our editor's picks showcase the archipelago's incredible diversity. This includes the Insta-famous Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, a stunning cove on Caprera so beautiful it’s nicknamed 'Tahiti'. For ultimate convenience, Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore on the main island is a popular and fully equipped choice. No trip is complete without viewing the iconic Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli island; its legendary pink sands are so precious that the beach is now a protected area you can only admire from a boat.

Beyond our top picks, the coastline is dotted with countless other gems, like the beautiful dunes at Spiaggia di Bassa Trinità. The entire archipelago is a protected national park, offering a more rugged and authentic experience than the glitzy resorts of the nearby Costa Smeralda. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, our complete guide will help you discover the perfect stretch of sand for your trip.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Do I need a boat to visit the best beaches in La Maddalena?

While many of the most famous coves in the archipelago, such as those on Spargi and Budelli islands, are only accessible by boat, you don't necessarily need one for a fantastic beach holiday. The main islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, connected by a bridge, host numerous stunning beaches you can reach by car, scooter, or even public bus. Many visitors explore the land-accessible beaches for a few days and then take a day-long boat tour to see the more remote spots.

Spargi La Maddalena SS

Can you actually go on the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa)?

No, you cannot walk on Spiaggia Rosa or swim in its waters. Due to damage from past tourism where visitors took the sand, the beach is now a highly protected area within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Access is strictly forbidden to preserve its unique pink sand, which is colored by microscopic organisms. Boat tours will take you close enough to admire and photograph it from a distance, but you cannot set foot on it.

What's the best time to visit La Maddalena for a beach holiday?

For the best beach weather with fewer crowds, the ideal times to visit are June and September. During these months, the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the summer crowds of July and August have not yet peaked or have started to dissipate. While July and August offer the hottest weather, the beaches and the town can be extremely crowded.

Is La Maddalena suitable for a family beach holiday?

Yes, La Maddalena is very family-friendly. Many beaches on the main island and Caprera, like Cala Spalmatore and Monti d'Arena, have shallow, calm waters and sandy areas perfect for children. Some, like Punta Tegge, are easily reachable and have amenities nearby. The overall atmosphere is more relaxed and nature-focused compared to party destinations.

Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore

Spiaggia Monti D'A Rena

How do you get around La Maddalena and Caprera to reach the beaches?

The most flexible way to explore the beaches on La Maddalena and Caprera is by renting a car or a scooter, which allows you to visit more remote spots. However, a public bus service (Linea 1 and Linea 2) operates and connects the main town with several popular beaches on both islands during the summer season. This is a good option if you don't want to drive.

Are the beaches in La Maddalena very crowded?

Crowds depend heavily on the season and the specific beach. In July and August, popular and easily accessible beaches like Bassa Trinità and Cala Spalmatore can get very crowded. However, even in peak season, you can find quieter spots, especially if you're willing to walk a short trail or visit beaches on the smaller, boat-access-only islands. Visiting in the shoulder seasons of June or September is the best way to avoid large crowds.

Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore

What are the beaches like in La Maddalena? Is the water cold?

The beaches in the La Maddalena archipelago are famous for their fine white or golden sand, stunning granite rock formations, and incredibly clear, turquoise water. The sea is generally calm, especially in the many sheltered coves. The water temperature is refreshing, becoming pleasantly warm for swimming from June through September. It is not considered uncomfortably cold during the main summer season.

Which is better for beaches: staying in La Maddalena town or on Caprera?

Staying in La Maddalena town offers convenience, with more restaurants, shops, and services, and it's the hub for ferries and boat tours. You can easily drive to beaches on both islands from there. Caprera is much wilder and less developed, offering a closer-to-nature experience with direct access to its rugged coastline and famous beaches like Cala Coticcio (accessible via a hike). The choice depends on whether you prefer convenience and amenities or a quieter, more rustic vibe.

Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio

People Also Ask

How do La Maddalena's beaches compare to the Costa Smeralda?

While both boast stunning turquoise waters, they offer different experiences. The Costa Smeralda is known for its luxury resorts, high-end beach clubs, and glamorous atmosphere. La Maddalena's beaches are part of a protected national park, offering a more natural, wild, and less developed feel. While some beaches have services, many are pristine coves accessible only by boat or trail, appealing to those seeking nature over nightlife.

Do you have to pay to access the beaches in La Maddalena?

Most beaches themselves are free to access. However, if you arrive by ferry with a vehicle, you will need to pay a municipal landing tax, which varies by season. Additionally, some popular beaches on La Maddalena and Caprera have paid parking lots. If you visit the other islands with a private or rented boat, you must purchase a permit from the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.

What should I do on a windy day in La Maddalena?

The Mistral wind can be strong in this part of Sardinia. On windy days, it's best to choose beaches that are sheltered. Cala Spalmatore and Cala Lunga on La Maddalena island are known for being well-protected. Beaches on the eastern side of Caprera are also good options when a westerly wind is blowing. Alternatively, a windy day is a great opportunity to explore the charming town of La Maddalena or visit the Garibaldi museum on Caprera.

Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore

Spiaggia di Cala Lunga

Are there beach clubs in La Maddalena?

La Maddalena is not known for the large, party-style beach clubs found in other destinations like the Costa Smeralda. The vibe is more natural and relaxed. However, some beaches, like Cala Spalmatore or Punta Tegge, have kiosks or small bar-restaurants where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. There are also a few more stylish, low-key beach clubs, such as Ma&Ma Beach Club, that offer a more exclusive experience.

Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore

Is it difficult to get to Cala Coticcio on Caprera?

Yes, reaching Cala Coticcio, often called 'Tahiti,' requires some effort. Access by land involves a challenging 40-45 minute hike over rocky and uneven terrain. It is mandatory to go with a licensed guide, and you must book in advance. The alternative is to visit by boat, though boats must anchor away from the shore, and you will need to swim to the beach. Due to its popularity and protected status, access is regulated.

Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio

Can I rent my own boat without a license?

Yes, it is possible to rent a small inflatable boat (gommone) without a boating license in La Maddalena, as long as the engine is 40 horsepower or less. This is a very popular way to explore the nearby coves and islands at your own pace. Rental agencies provide a brief training session and instructions on navigating the park's rules and protected zones.

Where are the best spots to watch the sunset on a beach?

Punta Tegge and Cala Francese on the main island of La Maddalena are two of the most popular and spectacular spots for watching the sunset. Punta Tegge features unique granite rock formations and a cocktail bar, and it's within walking distance of the main town. Cala Carlotto is another excellent choice, offering views from a wilder cape with a small chapel.

Spiaggia Cala Francese