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La Maddalena

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City
—°7
La Maddalena (Italy)
ℹ️

Practical info — La Maddalena

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Renting a dinghy (gommone) at the port is the best way to see hidden coves without a boat license.
  • Buy ferry tickets from Palau in advance during the summer to avoid long waits.
  • Drive the scenic Strada Panoramica for incredible elevated views of the archipelago and Corsica.
  • Cross the road bridge to the neighboring island of Caprera for wilder landscapes and history.
  • Head to Piazza Umberto I in the evening for a lively stroll and people-watching.

🍽 Food

🍽
Spaghetti ai ricci di mare

Look for it at a seafood restaurant along the main harbor when in season.

🍽
Seadas

Enjoy this fried pastry with cheese and honey as dessert at a traditional Sardinian restaurant in the old town.

🍽
Porceddu

Try this roast suckling pig at an agriturismo slightly inland or on nearby Caprera.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Coral jewelry

Find traditional Sardinian coral pieces in the boutiques along Via Garibaldi.

🛍
Mirto liqueur

Buy a bottle of this classic Sardinian myrtle berry digestif from an enoteca in the center.

🧘
Caprera Pine Forests

Just across the bridge, these woods offer shaded paths and a tranquil atmosphere.

🧘
Cala Trinita

A beautiful beach backed by dunes, very peaceful early in the morning before day-trippers arrive.

La Maddalena is the only inhabited town in the Maddalena Archipelago in northern Sardinia. The town captivates with its bustling atmosphere, pastel-colored houses, and an appealing harbor where ferries from Palau dock. The entire archipelago is protected as a national park and gives some of Europe's most spectacular swimming coves with crystal-clear, turquoise water and white sandy beaches. La Maddalena is connected via a bridge to the neighboring island of Caprera, home to the house and tomb of Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. The 'Strada Panoramica' coastal road encircles the island, offering panoramic views of the neighboring islands of Spargi, Budelli, and Razzoli. Beaches like Bassa Trinita or Cala Francese are natural gems. In the town itself, narrow alleys with small boutiques and restaurants invite visitors to linger, with seafood and Sardinian specialties dominating the menus. La Maddalena was a significant naval base for a long time, giving the town a cosmopolitan flair. A boat trip through the archipelago is an absolute must to see the more remote coves and Budelli's famous pink sand beach.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C9911141822252622181411
Rain mm64494948411771249609168

Live webcam – La Maddalena

See what it looks like near La Maddalena right now.

La Maddalena · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
10,297
Coordinates
41.21424, 9.40833

Facts

  • Only town in the archipelago
  • Part of a National Park
  • Connected to Caprera by bridge
  • Former naval military base
  • Caribbean-style beaches
  • Colorful old town by the port
  • Ferry access from Palau
  • Center for sailing and yachting

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town La Maddalena (7)

Cippo Corazzata Roma🏺 historical

A stone monument commemorating the battleship Roma on the coast of La Maddalena.

Forte San Giorgio🏺 historical

Forte San Giorgio consists of the historic ruins of an old fortress in La Maddalena.

Piramide (Tegge)🏺 historical

A granite pyramid monument near the beach of Tegge on La Maddalena.

Guardia Vecchia🌿 nature

Guardia Vecchia is a mountain peak offering scenic views over La Maddalena.

Cave di granito di Cala Francese📍 landmark

The granite quarries of Cala Francese are a fascinating attraction in La Maddalena.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena⛪ religious

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is a neoclassical church on the main square of La Maddalena.

Teatro Primo Longobardo🎭 culture

A small theater named after the sailor Primo Longobardo in La Maddalena.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to La Maddalena?
Take the ferry from Palau; the crossing takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
When is the best time to visit?
From June to September weather is good for swimming, but May and October are quieter.
What is a typical local dish to try?
Try fresh seafood or 'Culurgiones', a type of Sardinian stuffed pasta.
Is the island family-friendly?
Yes, there are many sheltered bays with shallow water that are handy for children.
How many days should I stay?
At least 2-3 days to explore both La Maddalena and the neighboring island of Caprera.
La Maddalena: where is it located?
La Maddalena is located in Italy.
La Maddalena: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cippo Corazzata Roma, Forte San Giorgio, Piramide (Tegge).
La Maddalena: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
La Maddalena: why is it worth visiting?
La Maddalena is the only inhabited town in the Maddalena Archipelago in northern Sardinia.
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