"What has been your favorite place to visit?" is a question I get regularly but one I struggle to answer. There have been countless nearly perfect vacation days with my family, so it's difficult to narrow it down to one singular experience.
But I do have a list of my favorites. And our day on the La Maddalena archipelago is one of them.
La Maddalena is a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning sandy beaches, and unspoiled natural landscapes, I feel it's a must-visit for anyone traveling to Sardinia.
Why Sardinia? So many reasons:
Crystal clear water
White, soft, sandy beaches
Delightful food
Delicious wine
Easy driving -- although the area around the port and central La Maddalena is challenging
Relatively inexpensive (compared to other Mediterranean beach spots)
Beautiful surroundings
Buzzy towns
What makes La Maddalena so special?
Archipelago's Composition: La Maddalena is the largest town on the main island, also named La Maddalena, which is part of an archipelago that consists of over 60 islands and islets, including the famous Caprera and Spargi. The entire area is protected as the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena.
Beaches and Natural Beauty: The islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, such as Spiaggia Rosa, known for its distinctive pink sand, and Cala Corsara on Spargi Island, offering stunning views and crystal-clear water. The environmental preservation here means you'll experience nature at its most pristine.
Outdoor Activities: With the clear waters, snorkeling, and scuba diving are popular activities, offering a chance to explore the vibrant marine life. Kayaking and sailing around the islands provide another perspective of this beautiful archipelago. Trekking and biking on the islands, especially Caprera, also come highly recommended.
Historical Significance: The Archipelago has a rich history, including its significance during the Napoleonic Wars and as the final home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of Italy’s most important historical figures. His house, now a museum in Caprera, is open to visitors.
Accessibility and Transportation: La Maddalena is accessible by ferry from the port of Palau in Sardinia. Once on the island, a bridge connects La Maddalena to Caprera, making exploration easy. While renting a boat is a fantastic way to see the archipelago, there are also guided boat tours available that cater to families.
Local Cuisine: The local cuisine is a delightful exploration of Sardinian flavors, with seafood playing a prominent role. Don’t miss trying the local lobster, a specialty of the area.
Cultural Vibrancy: Despite its tranquility, La Maddalena features a lively town center with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The evening "passeggiata" is a lovely way to experience local life, with families strolling through the streets. In the summer, La Maddalena also hosts free concerts and other activities on its main piazza.
My personal favorites in La Maddalena:
Drinks at I Vittelloni: delicious wine, great snacks, and fun music made this one of our favorite spots
Spiaggia di Bassa Trinita: we only visited one beach, and while it was very crowded (high season trip) it was gorgeous.
So get out there! Get off the beaten path (this is relative as Sardinia is well-traveled by Europeans) and visit one of the most gorgeous places in Italy.
For trip planning help -- from itinerary brainstorming to a fully developed, custom holiday plan -- drop me a line at andiamokiddo@gmail.com.
Commentaires