Travel Tips
December 19, 2025
Welcome to your essential La Maddalena Archipelago guide. If you are planning a trip to Northern Sardinia, you have probably heard rumors about an island group that looks like the Maldives but tastes like Italy. Those rumors are true.
But visiting this National Park can be confusing if you don’t know the logistics. This guide breaks it down simply so you don’t waste time.
First, geography. The archipelago is made of 7 main islands. La Maddalena is the only one with a real town. Caprera is famous for history (Garibaldi’s house) and hiking. The rest—Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria—are wild, uninhabited, and only reachable by boat.
You have two choices: public ferry or private boat.
As part of this La Maddalena Archipelago guide, we have to be honest: do not rent a boat yourself if you lack experience. The wind is strong here. We recommend booking a local professional. The team at Happy Sardinia Tours is our top recommendation. Their skipper knows every rock and current, ensuring you stay safe while finding the best spots.
To wrap up this La Maddalena Archipelago guide, let’s talk timing. June and September are the golden months. The water is warm, but the August crowds are gone. If you visit in August, book your tours weeks in advance, or you will be stuck on land.