Day Trip Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
The Maddalena Archipelago is renowned for its stunning beaches. During our trip through Sardinia, we decided to see it for ourselves and made a day trip to the Maddalena Archipelago from Palau. In this article you’ll find all the information you need for this trip!
General Information About the Maddalena Archipelago
The Maddalena Archipelago is part of a national park, located to the northwest of Sardinia. It consists of several islands, with Isola Maddalena being the largest. The neighboring island, Caprera, is connected to Isola Maddalena via a bridge. These two islands are the only ones accessible by car. We visited only Isola Maddalena and Caprera, and we found Caprera to be the most beautiful thanks to its pristine beaches.
How to Get to the Maddalena Archipelago
From Palau, ferries depart every half hour throughout the day. Purchasing tickets is straightforward, with at least two ticket offices located near the port. We bought our ticket at the office closest to the ferry and paid €40 for two people and a car (round trip, August 2022).
Exploring the Maddalena Archipelago by Car
We brought our own car for our day trip to the Maddalena Archipelago. While the archipelago is not particularly large, having a car makes it much easier to visit multiple beaches and villages in one day. Parking was generally not an issue, but do be prepared for the Italian driving style. Patience is often in short supply, and some roads on the archipelago are in poor condition, which can make driving a challenge!
Beaches on the Archipelago
The beaches of the Maddalena Archipelago are undeniably worth visiting. The countless coves feature crystal-clear waters that are simply breathtaking. However, we recommend visiting outside of August. During this peak season, the crowds were so overwhelming that we eventually decided to leave the beaches and look for a quiet nature walk instead.
Hiking on the Maddalena Archipelago
The crowds became too much for us at one point, so we opted for a short hike. In August, it can get quite hot, so keep this in mind when planning a walk. We chose to hike to Monte Tejalone, located on Caprera. There is a small parking area alongside the road where you can leave your car. Simply search for “Monte Tejalone” in Google Maps, and it will guide you there. Search for the woorden sign at the parking, this is the starting point of the track.
Although the hike is relatively short, it does involve some elevation gain. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of Caprera. From here, you can see Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio as well as the bridge connecting Isola Maddalena and Caprera.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Maddalena Archipelago offers a mix of incredible beaches, scenic drives, and rewarding hikes. While August may not be the ideal time due to the crowds, the islands’ beauty is undeniable. If you’re planning a trip, consider coming in the shoulder season for a more relaxed experience or check out one of the other places we visited during our trip through Italy.
