Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park

The Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park is a protected marine and island park off the northeast coast of Sardinia, Italy. It comprises La Maddalena and dozens of smaller islands and islets noted for clear waters and distinctive coastal habitats.

Tourists use La Maddalena as a base to explore nearby islands by boat, visit beaches and coves, and see historical sites such as Casa di Garibaldi on Caprera. Several islands feature highly regarded beaches and snorkeling sites, while some, including Budelli’s Spiaggia Rosa, are closed or restricted to protect their natural features.

The park was created to safeguard the region’s marine biodiversity, coastal landscapes, and cultural heritage, combining local management with national protections. Over time it has become an important site for conservation and regulated tourism in the Strait of Bonifacio.

Situated in the Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica, the park lies off Sardinia’s northeast coast and is typically accessed from the ferry port at Palau.

• Access and conservation: The archipelago is reached by regular ferries from Palau on Sardinia and many of the smaller islands have restricted access to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.

What to See #

• La Maddalena: La Maddalena is the main inhabited island and town center, serving as the ferry and visitor hub for the park and archipelago.
• Caprera and Casa di Garibaldi: Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by bridge and is known for **Casa di Garibaldi**, the residence of Giuseppe Garibaldi now preserved as a museum.
• Budelli and other islands: Notable uninhabited islands include Budelli, famous for the 'Pink Beach' (Spiaggia Rosa) which is closed to general public access, and Spargi and Santo Stefano which feature important coastal habitats.