Visiting La Maddalena Archipelago: practical guide 2026

La Maddalena Archipelago is one of Europe's most important marine national parks: 7 main islands (La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria) and over 50 islets, between north-eastern Sardinia and Corsica. Caribbean-clear water, white or pink sands, fish-rich seabeds. It is visited from Costa Smeralda — Palau is the main embarkation point. This practical guide explains how to visit the archipelago in 2026: ferries, boat trips, accessible islands, mandatory booking for certain beaches, real costs.

3 ways to visit the archipelago

1. Ferry + day on La Maddalena island (cheapest)

Departure from Palau with public ferries shuttling to La Maddalena every 30 minutes. Crossing time: 15-20 minutes. 2026 costs: €5-8/person return (foot passenger); €25-50 return car + passengers.

Once on La Maddalena island, you have 2 sub-options:

• Visit only La Maddalena town: old town, Piazza Garibaldi, Cala Gavetta, naval museum. Food and shopping
• Hire a small car on the island (or use yours off the ferry) to tour the coves: Spalmatore, Bassa Trinita, Monti d'Arena, Cala Lunga, Punta Tegge

Pros: cheap, autonomous, freedom of timing. Cons: you only see La Maddalena (most "civilised"), you don't see Spargi, Budelli, deep Caprera.

2. Organised boat trip (most complete)

Board a tourist boat from Palau or Cannigione that takes you on a day trip visiting 3-5 islands with stops at enchanting beaches. Time: about 8 hours (09:00-17:00).

2026 costs: €40-90 per person (includes lunch on board or beach stop). Some companies offer family discount packages.

Typical itinerary:

1. Departure from Palau at 09:00
2. Stop at Spiaggia Rosa di Budelli (view from boat, landing prohibited since 1994 to protect the sand)
3. Stop at Cala Corsara di Spargi: swim + lunch on board
4. Stop at Cala Granara or Cala Lunga di Spargi: snorkelling
5. Possible stop at Santa Maria (crystal waters)
6. Return to Palau at 17:00-17:30

Pros: see the most iconic spots in 1 day. Cons: rigid timing, brief stops at each beach, many people on board.

3. Private skippered charter (most exclusive)

You hire a private boat (motor boat, sailboat) with professional skipper. You decide the route, timing, where to stop.

2026 costs:

• Self-drive 6m motorboat (4 people): €250-450/day + fuel
• 8-10m motorboat with skipper (6-8 people): €600-1,200/day + fuel
• 10-12m sailboat with skipper: €800-1,500/day
• 15m+ yacht with skipper + hostess: €2,000-5,000/day

Main islands to know

La Maddalena (the only inhabited)

Population: ~10,000 inhabitants. The only one with developed tourist services: hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, hospital, police. Top beaches: Spalmatore, Bassa Trinita, Monti d'Arena.

Caprera

Connected to La Maddalena by a road bridge (15 min by car). Famous as Garibaldi's residence: his house is now a national museum. Top beaches: Cala Coticcio "Tahiti", Spiaggia del Relitto, Cala Brigantina, Cala Andreani. Note: Cala Coticcio requires mandatory booking with environmental guide (2 shifts/day, 50 people/shift, ~€25/person).

Spargi

Uninhabited. Cala Corsara is its most famous beach, with a natural granite block shaped like a "Deer" (icon). Cala Granara and Cala Lunga are other enchanting beaches. Visited only by boat.

Budelli

Uninhabited. Famous for Spiaggia Rosa, with pink sand from marine microorganisms. Landing prohibited since 1994 to protect the sand: visible only from boats. National Park integral reserve.

Razzoli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria

Smaller, less touristy. Razzoli has a historic lighthouse near Corsica border. Santa Maria has top snorkelling. Visited mostly by private charter.

Cala Coticcio: the most desired beach (with booking)

Cala Coticcio on Caprera is nicknamed "Tahiti of Sardinia". Intensely emerald water, finest white sand, gradually descending seabed. Reachable only on foot from a trail (~45 minutes).

Since 2021 access is regulated:

• Mandatory booking on the National Park portal
• Only with authorised environmental hiking guide
• 2 shifts/day: morning (09:00-13:00) and afternoon (14:30-18:30)
• Maximum 50 people/shift
• Cost: ~€25/person
• In high season slots sell out 7-15 days in advance

Tip: if you can't book Cala Coticcio, try Spiaggia del Relitto on Caprera (free, direct trail access 45 minutes, similar water quality, less crowded).

How to reach Palau (embarkation point)

Palau is at:

• 50 minutes from Olbia (50 km via SS125)
• 50 minutes from Olbia OLB Airport
• 15 minutes from Cannigione
• 20 minutes from Baja Sardinia
• 30 minutes from Porto Cervo

Parking in Palau: the port has several paid car parks (€8-15/day). In high season arrive early (by 08:30) or use peripheral car parks 5-10 minutes walk from the port.

To reach Palau from Olbia with a rental vehicle, ideal is a Mercedes A-Class or Jeep Avenger. The Palau car hire page details the area delivery service.

Daily cost at La Maddalena

"Low budget" (ferry + La Maddalena on foot)

• Return ferry passenger: €8
• Local trattoria lunch: €25-40
• Snack/coffee: €10
• Total per person: ~€50

"Complete" (boat trip all-inclusive)

• Boat trip with lunch on board: €60-90/person
• Palau parking: €10-15 (per vehicle)
• Extra water/snacks: €10
• Total per person: ~€80-115

"Exclusive" (private charter)

• 10m motorboat charter with skipper: €600-1,200/day
• Fuel: €200-400
• Lunch on board (catering or restaurant): €50-100/person
• Total: €1,000-2,000 total for couple/small group

Best times to visit

• May - early June: perfect season. Water already 19-22°C, no crowds, reduced tour prices
• September: perfect season. Water 23-25°C, average prices, calm atmosphere
• July - August: top for swimming (water 25-27°C) but tours are full, queues, high prices
• October: still possible. Reduced services but guaranteed tranquility
• November - April: many tourist services closed, regular ferries but very limited tours

Practical tips

• Book ferries online in high season: in August you risk no spot
• Bring your own snacks/water: lunch is included on tours but extras cost
• 50+ waterproof sunscreen: easy to burn from boat reflection
• Hat and sunglasses: constant wind
• Mask + snorkel: fantastic snorkelling everywhere, especially Cala Granara and Spargi
• Anti-seasickness: if sensitive, take 1 hour before departure
• Phone: in some archipelago areas there is no signal
• Respect the Park: no litter, don't move sand/shells, no drones without authorisation

Combining La Maddalena with the rest of the holiday

The day at La Maddalena combines perfectly with a stay in:

• Palau: for those who want to be near the embarkation port
• Cannigione: for excellent fish restaurants, 15 min from Palau
• Baja Sardinia: nightlife, 20 min from Palau
• Porto Cervo: luxury, 30 min from Palau

For a complete itinerary, see our 7-day Costa Smeralda itinerary which dedicates a whole day to La Maddalena.

In summary

• La Maddalena Archipelago deserves 1 full day of your Costa Smeralda holiday
• Most recommended mode: organised boat trip (€60-90/person) to see Spargi + Budelli + Santa Maria
• Embarkation point: Palau (50 min from Olbia)
• Cala Coticcio (Caprera): book in advance if you want to visit
• Ideal season: May-June or September

To organise car hire from Olbia to Palau coordinated with the ferry time, contact Francesco and Salvatore Milo via WhatsApp +39 344 6107071.