National Park Archipelago di La Maddalena (Boat trip)
map of the National Park Archipelago di La Maddalena
Isola Spargi, Cala Corsara
Most of the excursion boats leave the harbor of Palau for approaching the islands of the archipelago. You can book these excursions not only in Palau, but also in many other holiday resorts. In the tourist season, the stalls of the agents for “Escursioni” are located at central points. These tours also include the bus transfer to Palau and back.
Children often get a price reduction of 50%. The service on board is excellent, you’ll get lunch and numerous informative explanations by loudspeakers.
If you would like to get your own or a rented boat to the bays of the individual islands, please note that it isn’t allowed to enter the bays by them.
Cala Corsara is located on the southern side of the island Spargi and forms a large semicircle among reddish granite and green bushes.
The bay is mostly very shallow, the water crystal clear and full of fish.
At the eastern end, a narrow path leads up to a viewpoint from which you can overlook the whole bay.
At the western end there are some interesting rock weatherings in the shape of a witch, a dog and the peninsula of Italy.
The tourist boats pass very nearby, so you can calmly contemplate everything from board.
Isola Budelli, Spiaggia Rosa
The pink beach on the island Budelli is very famous and also decorates many postcards, posters and calendars.
However, the pink tinct is not always equally intense. During our visit, the sand was rather pale.
For a long period, the colour was thought to derive from red crushed corals.
Today it is known, that foraminiferal limestone and microorganisms produce the colour. These micro-organisms are washed onto the beach from greater depths by the waves and get pulverized.
According to the captain of our trip boat, he had only twice seen a strong pink colouration in all those years.
It is now forbidden to tread this beach, because visitors used to take away sand in the past.
This is why today you can either watch the Spiaggia Rosa from the boat or else you can take part in a guided tour through the national park.
Isola Budelli, Spiaggia del Cavaliere
This beach is the only official coastal section of this island.
A great natural swimming pool has come up between the islands Budelli, Santa Maria, Carpa and a few rocks, where ships and tourist boats aren’t allowed to enter. The tourists are brought to the landing stage by small barges.
The narrow beach is completely overcrowded during the high season. The clear water invites to snorkel and is mostly very shallow.
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Cala Santa Maria
Even though the tourist boats arrive at the bay of the same named island, they often only anchor shortly. You can jump into the water, do some snorkelling or swimming and then get back to the ship by climbing a ladder.
The islands of this archipelago, with their small, imbedded between rocks and macchia beaches, belong to the most beautiful landscapes of Sardinia.
The beaches are extremely crowded especially during the high season, because the trips to this area are not an insider tip any more.
Despite the hustle and bustle, a day trip here can be highly recommended.
It will surely be an unforgettable experience for families with children. The water at these beaches is very shallow and very excellent for snorkeling.
Please don’t forget to bring enough water for drinking, sun cream and a sun parasol with you! There is almost no shadow on the islands.
La Maddalena
The main town of the archipelago is usually the last stop of the day trip.
With its narrow, shady alleys and beautiful, quiet atmosphere, the small town invites you to take a stroll.
Especially the pedestrian zone of the old harbour district is worth seeing. There you’ll find numerous bars, ice cream parlours and small shops.
A palm-lined promenade runs along the shore.
In the heart of the city there is the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.
Next to it is a museum where, among other things, a document written by Admiral Nelson is exhibited.
Nearby there is also the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi with the town hall (photo).