Isola Caprera Island
Mediterranean island off Sardinia, Garibaldi's former residence
Part of La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia, Caprera draws boaters and walkers to granite coves, clear bays and the Casa Museo of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived on the island in the 19th century.
Isola Caprera at a Glance#
Address: Isola Caprera, Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia, Italy
Admission: No general island admission; Caprera is part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park - park fees or ferry charges may apply
About Isola Caprera#
Isola Caprera is an island in the La Maddalena Archipelago off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy, noted for its granite coastline, sheltered coves and maritime vegetation. It is part of a national park that protects terrestrial and marine environments.
Visitors come for short walks, beaches such as Cala Coticcio, snorkeling in clear coastal waters and visits to the preserved house of Giuseppe Garibaldi. The island’s low road network and trails make it suitable for cycling and hiking between beaches and historic sites.
In the 19th century Giuseppe Garibaldi lived on Caprera and his house is preserved as a museum, reflecting his association with the island. The island has been managed for conservation and low-impact tourism in recent decades.
Caprera lies adjacent to the larger island of La Maddalena and is connected by a short causeway, forming part of the La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia’s northeastern coast. The group is accessible by ferry from Palau on Sardinia.
- Protected area status: Part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, so visitor numbers and activities are regulated to protect coastal and marine habitats.
What to See#
- Garibaldi’s house (Casa Museo): Casa Museo di Giuseppe Garibaldi - the house and museum where the 19th-century Italian general lived for periods and which preserves personal artifacts and memorabilia.
- Cala Coticcio and coastal coves: Cala Coticcio and other granite coves - small bays with clear water and rocky shores that are popular with visitors for swimming and snorkeling.
- Trails and coastal roads: Trails and rural roads across the island linking historic sites, beaches and observation points within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
How to Get to Isola Caprera#
Ferries to the Maddalena archipelago depart from Palau (near Olbia). From La Maddalena island, a short bridge or ferry connects to Caprera; local boats also run in summer.
Tips for Visiting Isola Caprera#
- Take the short ferry from Palau (Olbia area) - the crossing is brief and frequent in summer.
- Cycle the island's quiet roads to see Garibaldi's house (Casa di Garibaldi) and hidden coves; bike rentals are available on the Maddalena main island.
- Bring snorkeling gear - the north-eastern shores of Caprera have clear water and rocky reefs.
Best Time to Visit Isola Caprera#
Late spring through early autumn is best for sea access and island services.
Weather & Climate near Isola Caprera#
Isola Caprera's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 8° - 13° | 11° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Good | 8° - 13° | 11° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.2h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 21° | 17° | 24 mm | some cloud | 71% | 4.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 25° | 21° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 4.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 25° | 7 mm | clear | 61% | 4.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.7h |
| August | Ideal | 22° - 28° | 25° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 4.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 25° | 22° | 28 mm | some cloud | 69% | 4.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Good | 9° - 14° | 12° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
