The Most Beautiful Coves to See by Boat in La Maddalena
In this guide
One of the best ways to discover the La Maddalena archipelago is from the sea: many of the most beautiful coves cannot be reached by car, and seeing them one after another during a day on a boat is a different experience from any beach on land. Here is an ideal tour of the most striking spots, all within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
Cala Corsara (Spargi)
One of the most photographed beaches in the whole archipelago: very pale sand, granite rocks shaped by the wind and a gently sloping seabed, ideal for a midday stop.
Porto della Madonna and Budelli
The stretch of water between Budelli and Santa Maria Island is one of the clearest in the area, with shallow seabeds that create almost Caribbean colours. It is a classic stop on every boat trip around the archipelago.
Passo del Topo
A narrow channel between the islands with currents and seabeds that constantly change colour: a favourite spot for snorkellers, as well as one of the most spectacular views in the park.
Cava Francese and Testa di Polpo (La Maddalena)
On the island of La Maddalena, these two wilder and less-visited coves offer a different atmosphere. We cover them in detail in the article on Testa di Polpo and Cava Francese. If you are also looking for Cala Coticcio, we describe it in a complete dedicated guide.
How to plan the day
Set off early: the most famous coves (Cala Corsara, Budelli) fill up quickly in the middle of the day in summer.
Bring a mask and snorkel: many of the most beautiful spots are just as rewarding underwater as from the beach.
Always check sea conditions and any regulated navigation areas on the official website of the National Park before you leave.
Explore the archipelago from Il Maestrale
For our guests we offer a reserved dinghy rental service, subject to booking and availability: the freest way to build your own itinerary between the archipelago's coves, without the fixed times of an organised tour. Also discover our apartment a few minutes from the harbour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous cove to see by boat in La Maddalena?+
Cala Corsara, on the island of Spargi, is one of the most photographed beaches in the archipelago thanks to its pale sand and wind-sculpted rocks.
Do you need a boating licence to rent a dinghy in the archipelago?+
It depends on the boat's power: many dinghies up to a certain engine size can be driven without a licence. Always check the specific conditions with the rental provider.
Which are the least crowded coves to see by boat?+
Cava Francese and Testa di Polpo, on the island of La Maddalena, are generally quieter than better-known stops such as Cala Corsara or Budelli.
When is the best time for a boat trip around the archipelago?+
Setting off early in the morning lets you enjoy the most famous coves before organised groups arrive.
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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