Explore the best of the picturesque Italian islands
You’ll find all you need to know about traveling to Sardinia in our Sardinia Edition of the Best Road Trips in 2021. Off of the northern coast, however, you’ll find the La Maddalena islands, and our previous guide didn’t give this beautiful area nearly enough attention. If you are traveling to Sardinia, two weeks is a perfect time to enjoy the island. However, if you travel to La Maddalena, reserve at least four more days for your Italian island adventure!
Getting to La Maddalena
From Cagliari, it is possible to get to the islands either by car or with the use of public transportation. To get there via public transport, you will have to take a train from Cagliari to Olbia, after which you’ll catch a bus from Olbia to the port in Palau. Because the island of Sardinia isn’t very big, this trip will take you about 4.5 hours in total. Of course, you can either enjoy Olbia or Palau by staying there the night before taking the ferry to La Maddalena. The ferry from Palau to La Maddalena goes every hour and takes about fifteen minutes. The entire trip will cost you about 45 euros.
If you choose to rent a car from Cagliari, the trip is around 300 kilometers and will take you approximately 3.5 hours. Here, you’ll also take the ferry with your vehicle from Palau.
What to see
The best thing to treat yourself to when in La Maddalena is to take an archipelago boat tour. The cost is around 50 euros for an adult, but well worth it. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the Sardinian sun while spotting all the beautiful islands of the area. Departures for these tours are from Palau. The beautiful rocky shorelines and crystal clear waters will make you want to jump right in!
Other activities to enjoy in La Maddalena include:
- Discover the life of Giuseppe Garibaldi at Isola Caprera (you can even find a beach in his name on the islands- Garibaldi Beach)
- Explore the National Park, Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena
- Indulge in Italian cocktails at Taverna Baro
- Take a 1 euro bus to the stunning Bassa Trinità Beach
Of course, take time to enjoy the Italian-Mediterranean cuisine in the many restaurants of La Maddalena, naturally paired with a glass of wine.
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Enjoy Italian cocktails -
The ultimate to-do in La Maddalena is an archipelago boat tour
Where to stay
Accommodation in La Maddalena is plenty, and you can be sure to find a place to fit your budget. Most accommodations are situated around the capital area, but it makes for a perfect base to set off on your day’s adventures.
- Budget stay: AHR Residence Leonis La Maddalena (70 euros/night)
- Middle-class stay: Hotel Miralonga (180 euros/night)
- High-end stay: Hotel Villa Del Parco (220 euros/night)
Prices are for two guests. In general, La Maddalena is quite expensive when it comes to accommodation, but prices in terms of transportation and food are considered quite average.
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The beaches are never far away -
La Maddalena
When to visit
The hottest months in the islands are from July to September. However, the ideal months for weather are actually in the shoulder seasons, from April to July or September to November. If you’re traveling on a budget, the cheapest month for travel is in December. You’ll find that in general, the weather on the islands is quite good throughout the year, the lowest temperatures being about 13 degrees in January.
It’s always the right season for traveling, though. Create an adventure with JoinMyTrip to share your favorite travel destinations with like-minded travel buddies!
The best beaches of La Maddalena
Especially if you travel during La Maddalena’s hottest months, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time on the beach. Beautiful beaches are everywhere on the islands, but some of the best you can find at:
- Cala Francese (a secluded getaway)
- Spiaggia testa di polpo (beautiful rock structures)
- Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore (ideal for snorkeling)
- Cala Coticcio (this one requires a bit of a hike, so bring your sneakers!)
These Italian islands are just one of those experiences to be had… With JoinMyTrip, you can create amazing experiences by leading a trip or joining one with like-minded travelers!
