Nature
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
La Maddalena
A geo-marine national park of 60 granite islands between Sardinia and Corsica.
Location
La Maddalena
Coordinates: 41.24580, 9.41190
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park covers around 60 islands and islets in the Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica. Wind and salt have sculpted the pink granite into rounded shapes and hollows, with low maquis and juniper between the rocks. Its waters belong to the international Pelagos sanctuary for marine mammals and hold extensive Posidonia meadows. Caprera, Spargi and Budelli are subject to strict access and anchoring rules depending on the zone.
Highlights
- Wind-sculpted pink granite formations
- 60 islands with graded protection zones
- Posidonia meadows in the Pelagos sanctuary
Tips
- Budelli may only be viewed from the boat – the pink beach is closed.
- Check the zoning before boat trips; anchoring is not allowed everywhere.
Best time
May/June and September – calmer sea and fewer boats.
Getting there
Ferry Palau–La Maddalena; Caprera via the causeway, other islands only by boat.
