La Maddalena islands

It doesn’t feel like the Mediterranean here. It feels like the Caribbean

The Maddalena Archipelago to give its official title. A group of sixty islands situated in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia. It became a National Park in 1994 and has been shortlisted to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before I visited Sardinia, I had never heard of the Maddalena Islands. There is a good reason for this as they have only recently started to become a popular location. They have some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy 🇮🇹 and some of the cleanest clear water.

The La Maddelena islands are commonly publicised, as a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. If the reality matched the online portrayal of this location it was worth a visit.

With plenty of ferries operating to the islands and regular boat trips available, it’s not a difficult location to get to and explore. On the main inhabited island La Maddalena, you can even take your car on the ferry.

We decided on a day’s boat trip from Baja Sardina on the Costa Smeralda, as this was the most convenient and cost-effective option for us, rather than having to get to a ferry terminal as public transportation is not really a viable option.

Isola di La Maddalena

Our first stop was Maddalena Island. Which is the largest and the only island which has a permanent population. It will be the only island with proper infrastructure, with shops, cafes, and hotels.

After a short 20 minutes boat ride from Baja Sardina, we arrived at Maddalena Island. It wasn’t what I had initially envisaged. There we docked at the small port of Cala Gavetta. The deep blue waters and colourful buildings were certainly pleasing to the eye.

Once off the boat, we were able to explore the town after first navigating the surprisingly busy port. There are lots to see and do but unfortunately for us time was limited and we decided to explore the town. Perhaps an overnight stay wouldn’t have been such a bad option after all.

Once past the main square, we entered the old town. Here we discovered narrow streets and traditional alleys. There are lots of cafes and shops within the old town where you can enjoy a coffee, ice cream or a delicious pastry, luckily for my waistline, I was still full from breakfast.

For such a small place there is lots to do. There is a Baroque church of Santa Marina of Maddelena, Sant Andrea Fort and there is even a small museum to visit.

We had an interesting visit on this island. I just wished we had more time and booked a hotel stay, as there was plenty to see and do and that’s without factoring in the beautiful beaches. All on an island of 20 Square kilometres, but it was time to get back on the boat and visit another island.

Islola di Spargi

An uninhibited round island, full of granite rock with little shade. Doesn’t sound that great but appearances can be very deceptive, this is certainly a very captivating location.

Our next stop was the beautiful island of Spargi. I couldn’t believe the colour of the sea. Different shades of turquoise blue and emerald with crystalline waters, white sand, rocks and vegetation surrounding it.

It lies west of Maddelena Island. It is necklaced by sandy coves and inlets. With 11 kilometres of coastline, it’s the third largest island in the archipelago and is uninhabited.

It was very different to Maddalena Island. Spargi is very often described as the jewel within the Maddelena Islands and I would not disagree with that. The white beaches seemed to have stood still intact and uncontaminated by the modern world

It’s the perfect location to have a swim and satisfy the senses by caressing pristine white sand as you enter the crystal-clear water

On Spargi there is a wild beauty of granite rocks with high and jagged coast, intertwined with perfectly formed beaches which put a lot of Caribbean beaches to shame.

There was certainly a lot of natural wonderment to see at Spargi. A short stay really didn’t do it justice. However, it was still an unforgettable experience relaxing in one of the beautiful bays on this island, with views I will find very difficult to forget.

Isola di Santa Maria

Our final stop for the day was Santa Maria Island. It differs completely from Spargi island as it’s not made of granite. It has a lush green appearance. It can only be reached by boat.

Small and green Santa Maria is not strictly uninhabited as a few houses were built before it had strict planning restrictions imposed by the local government due to its ecological importance and its UNESCO status.

It was first settled by Benedictine monks who were escaping from Corsica and seeking refuge on the island. Being a UNESCO-protected area with lush vegetation it is an important location for wildlife and it’s renowned for having mesmerizing seascapes.

The most popular beach is Grande Cala di Santa Maria, which is also the nearest to where the boats dock. It doesn’t have the dramatic impact of the beaches on Spargi island but is still a very pretty beach, its only downside is that it’s very busy.

Nonetheless, the water is still very clear. The warm sea is unbelievably transparent due to the slowly sloping seabed creating a large natural pool. The vibrancy of colours which can range from light blue to turquoise we’re certainly an extraordinarily beautiful sight. A unique natural spectacle.

All too soon our island-hopping adventure come to an end. It was time to get back on the boat and back to Costa Smeralda which is only 20 minutes away.

On the way back there was still one more treat in store for us. The Porto Della Madonna is a natural lagoon enclosed by the islands. The name Porto Della Madonna derives from the intensity of the blue sea and the incredible transparency of the waters.