La Maddalena

Day Trips

Ferry from Palau delivers you to La Maddalena where you settle into your accommodation and enjoy a fresh cappuccino by the harbor. You take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets admiring bougainvillea-draped balconies. The salty sea breeze sets the perfect tone for your island adventure.

After lunch at a local trattoria, explore the historic center with its pastel buildings and artisan shops. Drop into small galleries and pick up handmade souvenirs. Wander along the waterfront to catch glimpses of traditional fishing boats returning with their daily catch.

Dine at a seaside restaurant specializing in freshly caught fish and Sardinian specialties. Watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and gold. Cap the night with a gelato as you wander back to your lodging under starlit skies.

Join a guided walking tour to uncover the island’s history, stopping at the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. Your guide shares tales of pirates, fishermen, and noble families who once called this place home. Enjoy espresso and pasticciotto in a quaint café near Piazza Garibaldi.

Visit the Naval Museum to learn about the archipelago’s maritime heritage and browse an artisan workshop creating traditional filigree jewelry. Sample local olive oil and wine at a nearby tasting room. Take a break along the seafront promenade while people-watching.

Sip a spritz in the lively main square as locals gather for the evening passeggiata. Move on to a family-run osteria for homemade pasta and regional wines. End the night with a moonlit walk along the harbor, listening to the gentle lapping of waves.

Catch the morning ferry to Caprera and visit Casa Rosa, Garibaldi’s former home, now a fascinating museum. Stroll through the lush gardens and admire the rugged granite landscape. Enjoy a picnic breakfast under shade trees overlooking the sea.

Hike a short trail to Cala Coticcio, nicknamed ‘Tahiti’ for its turquoise waters, and cool off with a refreshing swim. Stop by the Museo Nazionale Giangiacomo Feltrinelli to explore natural and cultural exhibits. Return to your boat for a light seafood lunch on board.

Sail back to La Maddalena just in time for sunset views from the pier. Choose a beachfront café for grilled calamari and local wine. Relax on a bench as the harbor lights flicker on and lullaby you into vacation mode.

Board a private boat for a day cruising the archipelago, heading first to Spargi Island’s crystal-clear coves. Dive in for snorkeling among colorful fish and sea fans. Your skipper points out hidden grottoes and secluded beach spots.

Land at Budelli to discover the famed Pink Beach, its sand tinged blush by microscopic shells. Capture photos and savor a packed lunch on the shore while feeling like you’re on a deserted isle. Swim in shallow, warm waters before reboarding your vessel.

Enjoy a leisurely sail back, sipping prosecco on deck as the sky turns amber. Drop anchor near Santo Stefano to watch local fishermen haul in their nets. Disembark in Maddalena for a late dinner at a chiringuito, reminiscing about the day’s nautical highlights.

Head to Spalmatore Beach where soft white sands and calm waters invite you to unwind. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, then dive into the clear sea for a morning swim. Read a book or nap under your shade as gulls call overhead.

Grab a light lunch from the beach bar—panini, fresh fruit, and gelato to keep you cool. Go for a leisurely paddle or snorkel around the rocky outcrops just offshore. Soak up the sun and collect seashells along the waterline.

Return to town for a casual aperitivo at a seaside lounge. Enjoy bruschetta topped with local tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. As the sky darkens, savor a simple seafood picnic on the waterfront, listening to distant laughter.

Drive or take the public bus to Palau and begin with a tour of the Capichera Winery, sampling Vermentino and Cannonau wines. Wander through vine-covered terraces overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio. Pick up a bottle to share later on your trip.

Visit the archaeological site of Li Mizzani to see ancient Roman ruins set among pine trees. Pause for a gelato in Palau’s piazza before browsing local boutiques for artisanal crafts. Return to La Maddalena mid-afternoon for a refreshing swim back at your hotel pool or nearby beach.

Back in Maddalena, dine at a trattoria known for its homemade culurgiones, Sardinian stuffed pasta. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and friendly chatter of the locals. Finish the night with a limoncello toast under the stars.

Rent sea kayaks and launch from the main harbor, paddling past historic forts and hidden coves. Feel the calm rhythms of the water as you glide along granite cliffs. Stop to snorkel in a sheltered inlet bursting with marine life.

Land on a small, uninhabited islet for a packed picnic of bread, cheese, prosciutto, and fresh fruit. Explore tidal pools and gather a few unique pebbles as keepsakes. Continue your paddle toward lesser-known beaches, reveling in peaceful solitude.

Return your kayaks and unwind with cocktails at a harbor-front bar. Share your kayak route and highlights with fellow travelers. Enjoy a casual dinner of wood-fired pizza while lights twinkle on the water.

Set out early for a guided hike up Monte Tejalone, the highest point on La Maddalena, for panoramic views of the archipelago. Trek through fragrant Mediterranean scrub and rocky pathways. Pause at scenic overlooks to photograph islands glittering below.

Reach the summit in time for a packed lunch in the cool mountain breeze. On your descent, spot lizards and rare birds among juniper bushes. Return to town for a restorative gelato and a dip in the sea.

Freshen up before heading out to a cozy enoteca for tasting platters of local cheeses and charcuterie. Pair your meal with a robust Sardinian red wine. Cap off the night with a digestivo at a quiet café near the waterfront.

Hire bicycles and pedal along the scenic coastal road toward the island’s eastern tip. Stop at small beaches en route for quick swims and photo ops. Admire the rugged shoreline dotted with hidden bays.

Return to town for a leisurely lunch in a garden courtyard, sampling seadas, a traditional honey-drizzled dessert. Spend a lazy afternoon browsing local markets for linen clothing and handmade ceramics. Rest at your hotel in the shade before heading out again.

Make your way to the Belvedere viewpoint overlooking the gulf, arriving in time for a dramatic sunset. Sip a chilled Vermentino as the sun sinks into the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Celebrate with dinner at a panoramic restaurant, toasting an unforgettable evening.

Savor a final cappuccino at your favorite café and wander through the morning market picking up last-minute souvenirs. Snap a few photos of familiar corners that have become dear to you. Return to your lodging to pack and check out.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch of spaghetti allo scoglio at a waterfront trattoria, reminiscing about your favorite moments. Board the ferry back to Palau in the early afternoon, watching Maddalena’s silhouette fade into the distance. Reflect on the turquoise waters and rugged landscapes that made this trip so special.

Arrive in Palau and prepare for your onward journey, whether by plane, train, or car. Share photos and stories with fellow travelers as you depart. Carry the memories of La Maddalena’s beauty and charm with you until you return.