La Maddalena & Isola Caprera: 360° Guide.
map view
Stunning coastlines and Garibaldi's house
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| Beach near Monti Della Rena | Ferry to Isola Maddalena | Maddalena Port | Church Santa Maria |
The “Archipelago La Maddalena” (in Roman times known as “Cuniculariae”; rabbit islands) has been a National Park since 1996, and is made up of seven islands with “Isola della Maddalena” itself the largest and easily accessible, by ferry from Palau. The regular ferry crossing is a pleasant trip of about.20 minutes. You arrive in the town of Maddalena which has plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars around the port area. Boat trips can be taken from here to the other islands of the archipelago. Just off the port area you will find the “Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena”, built in 1814 and has two candelabras and silver cross given to the people of the island by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Behind is the “Museo Diocesano” featuring religious artefacts and paintings.
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| Porto Massimo | Cove near the Port | Bassa Trinita | Cala Spalmatore |
Not surprisingly the whole area is a favourite for those who like to spend their time on (or under) water. The Island is of outstanding beauty, with its panoramic views, beautiful beaches and coves all around its coast amongst them “Nido d’Aquila”, “Bassa Trinita”, “Porto Massimo” and Cala Spalmatore”. Take the c.20km route around the island and you will see stunning scenery, just pick the spot that suits you best.
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| Maddalena Port | Cove near the Port | Caprera Island Harbour | Due Mari |
Caprera is accessed via a bridge from La Maddalena and is smaller but boasts 34km of coastline and is an unspoilt nature reserve. The main attraction (certainly for Italians) is Garibaldi’s “Casa Bianca” which is effectively a shrine to this most famous of Italian independence fighter who acquired half the island in 1856, with the balance given to him subsequently. On Caprera beaches include “Due Mari” (2 beaches separated by a narrow causeway) Cala Naploetana”, “Cala Garibaldi” and “Cala Brigantina”. From “Monte Teialone” you can get a superb panorama of the whole island.
