What to do in La Maddalena: the 5 things not to miss

The Two Seas Maddalena Archipelago
Index

1. The Island: an ideal site for active tourism and boat trips

What To Do In La Maddalena Boat Tours
What To Do In La Maddalena Boat Tours

What to do in La Maddalena? If you are looking for a holiday that combines nature, sport, adventure and culture, the La Maddalena archipelago is the perfect destination.
Book your holiday by boat or motor vessel through the Consortium of the Wonders of the Archipelago, and you will enjoy a unique experience in the seas of our beloved Sardinia, surrounded by rocky coastlines, Mediterranean maquis and the typical scents of the local vegetation.
The opportunities are diverse: you can hire a dinghy exclusively or with up to nine people on board, if you prefer you can book a tour by boat or motorboat.

2. What to do in La Maddalena: Trekking

Active Tourism Sardinia Trekking
Active Tourism Sardinia: Trekking Routes

The archipelago of La Maddalena offers a vast network of trails in unique landscapes. Hiking here means crossing granite rocks, Mediterranean maquis and enjoying breathtaking views of the sea in the north-east of Sardinia.

What to do in La Maddalena: the best trekking routes

Cala Coticcio Active Tourism
The Splendid Cala Coticcio

Punta Rossa Battery Trail

Located on the main island of La Maddalena, this trail leads to a historic military battery. The trek is moderate, lasting about 2-3 hours, and offers spectacular views of the coastline and neighbouring islands.

Route of Monte Guardia Vecchia

Monte Guardia Vecchia is the highest point on the island of La Maddalena. A well-marked path leads to the summit, where you will find a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire archipelago and Corsica. The trek is short but intense, perfect for those seeking a challenge with great visual reward.

Island of Caprera: Path to Cala Coticcio

Discover the island of Caprera is a favourite with trekkers and adventure lovers.

The path to Cala Coticcio, also known as 'Tahiti', is one of the most famous. The path is challenging, with steep rocks and steep sections, but the beauty of the bay is unparalleled.

Useful tips for trekking

  • Bring suitable walking shoes and enough water.
  • Prefer spring or autumn months for milder temperatures.
  • Always check the weather conditions before setting off.

3. What to do in La Maddalena: diving

Active Tourism with Diving at La Maddalena
Active Tourism with Diving at La Maddalena

The transparent waters and seabed rich in marine life make La Maddalena a top destination for scuba diving.
Here you can discover wrecks, coral reefs and extraordinary biodiversity.

The best diving spots:

Wreck Angelika

This famous shipwreck that sank in 1982 lies at a depth of between 20 and 30 metres underwater and is located near the island of Spargi, at a depth accessible to moderately experienced divers. The merchant ship Angelika is surrounded by shoals of colourful fish and corals.

Washington Shoals

An unmissable site for diving enthusiasts. Located between the islands of Spargi and Budelli, this spot is known for its rocky walls rich in gorgonia and sea sponges.

Diving at Punta Tegge

Near La Maddalena, Punta Tegge is famous for its underwater caves and the incredible colours of the marine flora.

What to know before diving

  • Rely on a local dive centre to rent equipment and participate in guided excursions.
  • If you are a beginner, consider an introductory dive to learn the basics.
  • Respect the marine environment: avoid touching corals or disturbing the fauna.

4. What to do in La Maddalena: cycling excursions

Active Bicycle Tourism
Active Bicycle Tourism

Cycling enthusiasts will find routes suitable for all levels on La Maddalena. From leisurely rides along the coast to more technical trails inland, there is something for everyone. In fact, many tourists seek out routes along our coastline every year, and the island of La Maddalena lends itself well to this fast-growing market segment, eager to cycle miles and discover the territory and history.

Recommended bicycle routes in La Maddalena:

Tour of La Maddalena Island

A classic circular route that follows the island's main road. With a length of about 20 km, it is perfect for a scenic ride. Along the way, you can admire hidden coves and spectacular seascapes.

Caprera Trail: Mount Tejalone Trail

For those looking for a challenge, the trail to Monte Tejalone on the island of Caprera is a must. This route is suitable for experienced mountain bikers, with technical sections and exciting descents.

Costa Serena Route

A quiet, flat route, ideal for families or beginners. This route runs along one of the quietest areas of the island, offering relaxing views.

Advice for cyclists

  • Rent a bicycle at one of the island's centres.
  • Bring a repair kit and a helmet.
  • Avoid the hottest hours of the day and wear breathable clothing.

5. What to do in La Maddalena: birdwatching

Active Tourism Heron
Sardinian Heron sighting

For birdwatchers, the Maddalena archipelago is an extraordinary place to observe rare and migratory birds. Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, the area is home to a rich variety of species.

The best places for birdwatching:

Cala Napoletana Pond (Caprera)

This small pond is a hotspot for many species of migratory birds, including herons and flamingos. Take binoculars with you and get ready to capture incredible images.

St Stephen's Island

With a boat tour you can arrive at a lesser-known but ideal place for birdwatching. Here you can observe herring gulls, cormorants and other marine species as you look out over the cove towards the horizon.

Caprera Nature Reserve

The National Park Reserve offers perfect habitats for birds such as peregrine falcons, buzzards and owls. Follow the marked trails to find ideal observation points.

Birdwatching tips

  • Bring good quality binoculars and a guide to identify species.
  • Respect the silence and keep your distance so as not to disturb the animals.
  • Early morning and sunset are the best times to spot birds.

What to do in La Maddalena: not only sport and nature but also culture and tradition on the island

Active tourism is not limited to sportbut also includes experiences that allow one to immerse oneself in the culture, traditions and particularities of the area. This is how these aspects enrich the idea of active tourism:

1. Culture and History

  • Guided tours to historical sites, such as the military forts and structures of the La Maddalena archipelago, which tell of the island's past.
  • Museum explorationsuch as the Garibaldi Museum in Caprera, to discover the area's connection with historical figures.
  • Participation in local eventssuch as traditional festivals or fairs, to experience authentic traditions.

2. Gastronomy and Culinary Traditions

  • Tasting of typical productssuch as pecorino cheese, honey, carasau bread and vermentino, a popular local wine.
  • Traditional cooking workshopsto learn how to prepare local dishes such as culurgiones or Sardinian sweets.
  • Visiting farms or wineries, to discover production processes linked to the territory.

3. Knowledge of the Territory

  • Experiential tours with local guides explaining the flora, fauna and geological peculiarities of the archipelago.
  • Ecological activitiessuch as gathering herbs or cleaning beaches, to get in tune with nature and contribute to its protection.
  • Nature photographyto capture the scenic beauty and share the experience.

FAQ for the island of La Maddalena, geared towards those who enjoy active tourism:

  1. What are the best outdoor activities to do on La Maddalena Island?
    The island offers numerous opportunities for active tourism: hiking on scenic trails, snorkelling and diving in the crystal-clear waters, kayaking along the coast and cycling on scenic roads. There is no shortage of activities such as windsurfing and sailing for sea lovers.
  2. Are there any recommended trekking routes to explore the island?
    Yes, some of the most popular trails include the route to Punta Tegge and the one leading to Monte Guardia Vecchia, from where you can admire spectacular views of the archipelago. Many trails are well signposted and suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  3. Where can I hire equipment for activities such as kayaking, biking or snorkelling?
    On the island of La Maddalena you will find various rental outlets near the harbour and the main beaches. Some operators also offer packages that include guided excursions with equipment.
  4. Are there guided excursions to explore the La Maddalena archipelago?
    Absolutely! Many tour operators organise excursions by boat, kayak or on foot to discover the natural and historical beauty of the island and its neighbours, such as Caprera. Some tours also include stops for snorkelling in remote places.
  5. What is the best period for active tourism on the island?
    The best months are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and locations less crowded. During this period, it is possible to fully enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.

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