Less Crowded Beaches in La Maddalena: Where to Go in September
In this guide
Alongside the archipelago's most famous beaches, the ones you see on every postcard, there are others that are just as beautiful but far less visited. With the arrival of September, and with a little care in choosing even in high summer, it is easier to find a stretch of sea all to yourself.
Why some beaches stay less crowded
It is often a question of access: beaches reachable only by sea or on foot naturally filter out casual visitors. Other times it is simply a question of fame: being photographed less on social media does not make them any less beautiful.
Cava Francese and Testa di Polpo (La Maddalena)
On the less-visited side of the island, these coves stay quieter even on high-season weekends. We describe them in detail in our guide to Testa di Polpo and Cava Francese.
Beaches reachable only by boat
Many of the archipelago's most secluded coves, such as Cala Coticcio, are hard to reach by land: those with a dinghy can get there easily, while they remain out of reach for most day visitors. They all lie within the Archipelago National Park.
The timing factor
Even the most famous beaches offer a completely different experience if you get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon rather than in the middle of the day.
September, your best ally
As we explain in our article on La Maddalena in September, the natural drop in visitors makes even the usually busiest beaches easy to enjoy in peace: it is probably the best time to explore the archipelago without rushing.
Where to stay to explore at your own pace
From Il Maestrale you are a few minutes from the port of La Maddalena, the ideal starting point both for beaches you can reach by car and for those by sea: the central location lets you plan your days without time constraints.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the least crowded beaches in the La Maddalena archipelago?+
Cava Francese and Testa di Polpo on La Maddalena, as well as several coves that are hard to reach by land such as Cala Coticcio, are generally quieter than the most famous beaches.
When is the best time to avoid crowds on the beaches?+
September, or the early morning hours in high season, when even the most famous beaches are less busy.
Do the lesser-known beaches have facilities (bars, umbrellas)?+
Generally not: being less visited, they are almost always free beaches without beach clubs, so bring everything you need.
How do you reach beaches without land access?+
By sea, with a dinghy or a boat: that is one of the reasons they stay quieter than the beaches you can reach by car.
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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