Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park Park

Website: https://www.parcimaddalena.it/

Admission: No general admission to the national park; boat/ferry fees or access rules may apply

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.

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is reached from northern Sardinia. The usual route is to drive to Palau on the Sardinian mainland (Palau is about 45-60 minutes’ drive from Olbia, depending on traffic) and take the short car/passenger ferry from Palau to La Maddalena (ferry crossings typically 15-20 minutes and run frequently).

Public transport: regional buses connect Olbia and other Sardinian towns to Palau; once on La Maddalena, the main town and beaches are reachable on foot, by local bus or by taxi.

• Take the early ferry from Palau to La Maddalena town to beat day-trip boat crowds and get first choice on island rental cars or scooters.
• Don't expect to walk onto Budelli's famous pink beach-landings there are prohibited to protect the shoreline; instead, plan boat stops at permitted coves like Cala Coticcio or Spiaggia del Cavaliere.
• If you're bringing a private boat, reserve moorings or a berth in advance during July-August and respect the marine park's restricted zones and anchoring rules to avoid fines.