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    La Maddalena

    Italy

    La Maddalena

    City

    La Maddalena is the main town of the archipelago of the same name off Sardinia's northeast coast. From Palau, you can reach the port by ferry in 15 to 20 minutes.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Sardinia
    9. La Maddalena
    La Maddalena is the main town of the archipelago of the same name off Sardinia's northeast coast. From Palau, you can reach the port by ferry in 15 to 20 minutes. The town is a starting point for boat tours through the National Park and for excursions to Caprera with Garibaldi's house.

    Sights in La Maddalena

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
    National Park

    1La Maddalena Archipelago National Park

    The National Park was established by law in 1994 and comprises the archipelago's islands along with the surrounding waters; the park administration is located in La Maddalena. Most coves can be reached by boat; excursion boats depart from La Maddalena and Palau. Parts of the park are strictly protected and only partially accessible; the park administration provides current rules.
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    Compendio Garibaldino (Caprera)
    Museum

    2Compendio Garibaldino (Caprera)

    Giuseppe Garibaldi lived on Caprera, connected to La Maddalena by a bridge, from 1856 until his death in 1882. The site, comprising the white residence Casa Bianca, his grave, and those of some family members, is owned by the Italian state and open as a museum.
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    Old Town of La Maddalena

    3Old Town of La Maddalena

    The town lies in the south of the island opposite Palau and grew from its first settlement at Cala Gavetta, beginning circa 1770. Ferries and many excursion boats dock here.
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    Spiaggia Rosa di Budelli

    4Spiaggia Rosa di Budelli

    Budelli Island's beach gets its reddish hue from crushed shells of the microorganism Miniacina miniacea, found on Posidonia meadows. Since 1998, it is fully protected: entering, swimming, boating, anchoring, and mooring of vessels in the adjacent water strip are prohibited. It is visible from excursion boats. Additionally, the park administration has built a boardwalk path, allowing distant viewing.
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    Cala Coticcio

    5Cala Coticcio

    The bay on Caprera's northeast coast is also known as 'Tahiti di Sardegna'. No road leads there: access by land is only possible with National Park-approved guides, subject to a daily quota, mandatory booking, and an environmental contribution; the walk over rocky terrain takes about 40 to 60 minutes each way. Excursion boats cruise past the coast. The National Park authority provides the current rules.
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    City walks in La Maddalena

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    La Maddalena: Historic Gems & Sea Breezes

    Discover the beauty of La Maddalena on this relaxed walk. From the lively harbours through historic squares and charming lanes to picturesque seafront promenades, experience authentic island life. Immerse yourself in the history and enjoy breathtaking views of the archipelago.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    Stazzo The Refuge of Sinners

    The restaurant lies just outside the city in a Stazzo, a traditional farmhouse of Gallura. The cuisine is Sardinian, featuring pasta and meat dishes. Without your own vehicle, you'll need a taxi.
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    2

    Zì Antò

    The venue is by Punta Tegge on the island's west side, minutes from the center. Its menu offers fish and seafood. Evenings, it's open as a bar too.
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    3

    Pizzeria Restaurant La Marachella

    Pizzeria and restaurant on Via Enrico Dandolo, a short walk from the port. In addition to pizza, they offer pasta and fish dishes. In summer, evening reservations are advisable.
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    4

    Pizzeria Civico 49

    Pizzeria on Via Garibaldi, the old town's main street. It's one of the island's top-rated spots and gets accordingly busy on summer evenings.
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    5

    The Narrow Gate

    Small bistro in an old town side street (Via Ferruccio). The menu is short and changes, with fish and pasta. Few tables, so better to reserve.
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    Food and Beverages

    La Maddalena's cuisine is heavily shaped by its island setting, offering fresh seafood and traditional Sardinian specialties. Many restaurants, such as Ristorante La Rocca, serve freshly caught fish, while Zì Antò offers authentic local cuisine and F.lli Gelato delights with handmade ice cream.

    Vermentino di Gallura

    The white wine of Gallura carries the DOCG designation.

    History and Culture

    Naval TownIn 1767, the Kingdom of Sardinia militarily occupied the island, and three years later, the first settlement was established at Cala Gavetta. On February 23, 1793, a French attack, involving the young Napoleon Bonaparte, failed. Early in the 19th century, Admiral Nelson used the archipelago as a base for the blockade against France.Garibaldi on CapreraIn 1855, Giuseppe Garibaldi bought half of Caprera, settled there in 1856, and lived there until his death on June 2, 1882. His estate, including his tomb, is now a state museum.Military and Present DayUntil January 25, 2008, the US Navy maintained a submarine base on the neighboring island of Santo Stefano. The Italian Navy continues to operate a non-commissioned officer school on the island.

    Nightlife

    1

    Vineria Ninì

    Wine bar with bistro cuisine on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. You'll find Sardinian wines by the glass and small plates, a good spot for aperitivo.
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    2

    The Duke Cocktail Lounge Bar

    Cocktail bar on Via Garibaldi, right in the old town. Evenings, sit outside in the pedestrian zone.
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    3

    Miro since 1891

    Wine bar and gourmet shop on Via Italia. Enjoy cold cuts and cheese from Sardinia with your wine.
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    Getting There and Around

    FerryLa Maddalena is solely reached by ferry from Palau. Maddalena Lines and Delcomar run daily all year; the crossing takes 15-20 minutes, with night services also available. Contact the ferry companies for schedules and prices.Boat TripsFrom La Maddalena and Palau, providers offer day trips through the archipelago, including Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria. Some National Park areas have access restrictions.

    Accommodations in La Maddalena

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    Campgrounds in La Maddalena

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      • 1La Maddalena Archipelago National Park3 days
      • 2Compendio Garibaldino (Caprera)4 days
      • 3Old Town of La Maddalena5 days
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    Nearby

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    Olbia

    Olbia

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    Porto-Vecchio

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    Ajaccio

    Ajaccio

    Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace, offers historical and cultural highlights. Visit the Maison Bonaparte and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. The Vieille Ville, with its market at Place Foch, invites you to stroll. The Musée Fesch presents a significant collection of Italian painting, bequeathed by Napoleon's uncle. The harbor promenade, with views of the Îles Sanguinaires, is particularly charming at sunset; avoid the summer high season.
    Corsica

    Corsica

    Corsica, the "Île de Beauté", is a mountainous Mediterranean island with its own administrative region within France, the Collectivité de Corse. It boasts rocky coasts, sandy coves, mountain villages, chestnut forests and high mountains with peaks over 2,700m. Featuring Genoese citadels, port cities like Ajaccio and Bastia, UNESCO World Heritage, Gulf of Porto, and a distinct culture with its own language.

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