A Weekend in La Maddalena: the Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
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Even with just two days, La Maddalena can be discovered well: the secret is to alternate the sea, the old town and a boat trip, without trying to see everything at all costs. Here is an itinerary designed for a weekend. If you are arriving from Olbia, you will find all the directions in our guide on how to get to La Maddalena from Olbia.
Day 1: arrival, old town and first beach
If you arrive in the morning, spend the first hours getting your bearings: a walk through the old town of La Maddalena, between the harbour, the streets and a coffee in the square, is the best way to tune into the island's rhythm.
In the afternoon, head to a beach that is easy to reach by car for your first swim: ideal for relaxing after the journey without organising complicated transfers.
In the evening, have dinner at one of the restaurants in the centre: the harbour area offers several options with seafood specialities and traditional Gallura dishes.
Day 2: boat trip around the archipelago
The second day is the one to dedicate to the open sea: a boat or dinghy trip between the archipelago's most beautiful coves (we cover them in detail in our article on the most beautiful coves to see by boat) lets you see some of the most spectacular spots in a few hours, such as Cala Corsara or the stretch of water between Budelli and Santa Maria.
If you would rather stay on land, an alternative is to spend the day on Caprera: between scenic trails and wilder beaches such as Cava Francese and Testa di Polpo, you can enjoy a different but equally memorable experience.
Before you leave
If you have time before departure, a last swim at a beach near the centre or an aperitif overlooking the harbour is the right way to end the weekend.
Practical tips for planning the weekend
Book any dinghy rental in advance: on high-season weekends availability runs out quickly.
Choose accommodation near the harbour: it cuts travel time and leaves more hours for the sea and the old town.
If the weekend is short, a few relaxed stops are better than an overly packed itinerary.
The ideal starting point: Il Maestrale
Our apartment is a few minutes from the port of La Maddalena, the starting point for almost every stop on this itinerary: its central location lets you make the most of even a short weekend. Contact us to check availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit La Maddalena in a weekend?+
Yes. By alternating a day for the old town and an easy beach with a day for a boat trip around the archipelago, you can enjoy the island well even in two days.
What should you not miss on a weekend in La Maddalena?+
A boat trip between the archipelago's coves (such as Cala Corsara or the stretch of water between Budelli and Santa Maria) is the experience we recommend not skipping.
Should you book a dinghy rental in advance for a weekend?+
Yes, especially on high-season weekends, when availability runs out faster than on weekdays.
Where is best to stay for a weekend in La Maddalena?+
Accommodation near the harbour cuts travel time and lets you make the most of the few hours available.
Written by Francesco
Host of Il Maestrale
Has been coming to La Maddalena since 2004 and still discovers something new every year. These guides collect the tips Francesco gives the guests of Il Maestrale.
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