La Maddalena archipelago: island guide
Published on September 29, 2026
North of Costa Smeralda, opposite the Gallura coast, lies the La Maddalena archipelago: over 60 islands, large and small, of granite and schist. Since 1994 they have been part of a national park that extends over land and sea for more than 20,000 hectares and covers 180 kilometres of coastline.
The main islands are Budelli, Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano and Spargi. La Maddalena, which gives the archipelago its name, is the only inhabited town and was founded in 1770. Budelli is known for its Pink Beach, while Spargi and Caprera are among the most frequent destinations for boat trips.
The park protects almost a thousand plant species, about fifty of them endemic, and is part of the European network of protected areas. For this reason boating, fishing and diving are allowed but must be authorised: before planning a day at sea it is worth checking the rules in force.