La Maddalena Island is one of the most fascinating destinations in Sardinia, defined by breathtaking landscapes, inlets, coves and gentle hills. The archipelago it belongs to is a protected natural park and for many years served as a base for the Italian Navy, as shown by the Nino Lamboglia naval museum.

La Maddalena has an ancient history that adds even more charm to the island. Have you decided to visit it during your trip to Sardinia? In this article we explain how to explore it in one day and which beaches you shouldn’t miss.

But before we begin, to reach the island easily we recommend using your own vehicle. You can also rent a car or scooter in Sardinia to move freely, reach the port and explore every corner of the island.

What to see in La Maddalena in one day

Despite its small size — just 45 kilometers of coastline — La Maddalena offers many unmissable attractions. If you only have one day to visit the archipelago, here are the spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Start your tour in the beautiful historic center, walking along Via XX Settembre, Piazza Umberto I and Piazza Garibaldi. These are the most characteristic streets, ideal for discovering the authentic soul of this small town. To complete your visit, we also suggest stopping by the fish market, the town hall and the tourist port.

Continue with a visit to Sobborgo Moneta and Passo della Moneta. Here you’ll experience a truly authentic atmosphere and hear the island’s melodic dialect, a sound that enchants visitors. The Passo della Moneta is a scenic walkway that connects La Maddalena to Caprera Island, about 600 meters long and entirely surrounded by the sea. If you have time, we highly recommend exploring Caprera — it would be a shame to miss it!

Another stop you should definitely include in your short visit is the Porticciolo di Cala Gavetta, one of the most picturesque and charming corners of the island. It will amaze you — a place you’ll never forget.

And the beaches?

Arcipelago della Maddalena

The most beautiful beaches in La Maddalena

You can’t leave the island without swimming in one of its most stunning and crystal-clear beaches. Among the coves of the archipelago, we recommend:

  • Spiaggia di Testa del Polpo, a cove named after the shape of a rock near the shore. With fine white sand and transparent waters, it feels like a natural pool.
  • Cala Francese, known for its granite rocks, Mediterranean vegetation and turquoise sea. Fun fact: granite from the nearby quarry was reportedly used to build major monuments around the world, including the base of the Statue of Liberty and a monument in Ismailia on the Suez Canal.
  • Cala dello Spalmatore, with golden sand, shallow crystal-clear waters and a seabed perfect for children.

If you have extra time, we also recommend visiting the beaches on the neighbouring islands, such as the famous Pink Beach of Budelli, Cala Coticcio and the Relitto Beach on Caprera.

La Maddalena

Visiting La Maddalena in a single day is definitely possible, but with a few extra days you’ll be able to explore the entire archipelago and all the wonders it offers.

How to reach the island

Reaching La Maddalena is very simple. Once you arrive by car in Palau, you just need to take one of the ferries that connect the island with Sardinia every day.

Frequencies vary depending on the season. You can check updated timetables on the ferry company’s website.

La Maddalena: a bit of history

La Maddalena has a long history marked by significant events. Its strategic position in the Mediterranean made it a key location and strongly influenced the events that shaped its past.

In the Middle Ages, it was chosen by monks seeking solitude in the small church of Santa Maria, linked to Santa Maria Maggiore of Bonifacio. Traces of the church can still be found today inside a private home near the beach of the same name.

In 1793, Napoleon Bonaparte, leading the French army, attempted to invade the island but was stopped by the fleet commanded by local hero Domenico Millelire. During the Napoleonic wars, La Maddalena became the headquarters of the Sardinian navy, led by Baron Desgeneys. By the 1800s, military life merged with civilian life, shaping a well-structured society.

In 1849, Garibaldi arrived on the island after the fall of the Roman Republic. Six years later he settled on Caprera, where he founded his farm and withdrew from the events of the Italian Risorgimento. He died in his seaside home in 1882.

Feeling inspired to explore this extraordinary archipelago and need to rent a car? We can help you find exactly what you need — contact our team and choose your rental car!