La Maddalena, Italy

Cruises to La Maddalena

La Maddalena — the jewel of Sardinia and one of the most breathtaking island archipelagos in the Mediterranean. This is a place where granite rocks, smoothed by millennia of wind, plunge into emerald and turquoise waters, while the narrow alleyways of the archipelago's only real town are filled with the scent of fresh seafood and Sardinian myrtle. Nestled in the heart of the Bocche di Bonifacio — the strategic strait between Sardinia and Corsica — the La Maddalena Archipelago encompasses seven main islands and more than 60 smaller islets, all protected within the boundaries of a national park.
For the cruise traveller, La Maddalena is a uniquely intimate stop on the Tyrrhenian Sea itinerary: the port is a tender port, meaning ships anchor offshore and passengers are ferried ashore by small boats. It is precisely this logistics that underscores the secluded, almost untouched character of the place — large cruise ships cannot enter the harbour, giving the archipelago a particular appeal for travellers who value authenticity over mass tourism. 🚢

📋 Before going ashore in La Maddalena, here is what you need to know:
🇮🇹 Country: Italy
📍 Region: Sardinia (autonomous region)
🏛️ Province: Gallura, North-Eastern Sardinia (SS)
👥 Population: approximately 10,450 residents (as of 2026)
📐 Island area: 52 km²
🗣️ Language: Italian; English is spoken at tourist establishments; the local dialect is Maddalenino (a Sardinian-Corsican variety)
💶 Currency: euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: CET (UTC+1), summer CEST (UTC+2) — 1 hour behind Kyiv time
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean: mild winters (+10…+14 °C / 50…57 °F) and hot summers (+26…+32 °C / 79…90 °F); swimming season from May through October
✈️ Nearest airport: Olbia – Costa Smeralda (OLB) — approximately 50 km from La Maddalena (then by ferry from Palau)
⚓ Type of port call: tender port (ships anchor offshore; passengers are transported ashore by tender boats)
⚓ Official port name: Porto di La Maddalena
🗺️ National park area: over 20,000 hectares of land and sea; 180 km of coastline

🏛️ History of La Maddalena — from ancient seafarers to a NATO base
⏳ Through the millennia at the crossroads of two seas
The La Maddalena Archipelago is one of those rare places where geology, strategy and human destiny are woven into a single, inseparable story. The islands are essentially the peaks of a granite plateau that once connected Sardinia and Corsica: over time, rising sea levels split the landmass into an archipelago. As a result, the rock formations of La Maddalena are geologically identical to those of the Corsican islets of Cavallo and Lavezzi.
The earliest signs of human presence date back to the Neolithic period: ancient traces of settlements have been found on the islands of Santo Stefano and Spargi. With the fall of Rome, the islands were abandoned and became a refuge for pirates and small monastic communities seeking solitude. The first documented permanent settlements did not appear until the early 17th century — fishermen and their families.
⚔️ From a fortified garrison to the place chosen by Napoleon and Nelson
The real page in the history books was written in 1770, when the House of Savoy officially founded the town of La Maddalena and turned the island into a naval base. Its strategic position in the Strait of Bonifacio — a crossroads of Western Mediterranean trade routes — instantly made the archipelago an arena of great power politics.
In 1793, a young Corsican officer named Napoleon Bonaparte attempted to seize La Maddalena at the head of a French landing force, only to suffer the first defeat of his military career: the island's inhabitants, led by native son Domenico Millelire, repelled the attack. Millelire received for this the first gold medal for bravery ever awarded in Italy. 🥇
Less than a decade later, the archipelago was once again in the spotlight: British Admiral Horatio Nelson chose La Maddalena harbour as his fleet's base in 1803–1804 during the confrontation with France. According to tradition, Nelson declared this port “the most beautiful in the world” and presented the island's church with a crucifix and two candlesticks that are kept there to this day. ⚓
The most celebrated chapter in the archipelago's history, however, belongs to Giuseppe Garibaldi — the symbol of Italian unification. From 1856 until his death in 1882, the general and revolutionary spent the last 26 years of his life on the neighbouring island of Caprera. His home — the Compendio Garibaldino — survives to this day and is one of Sardinia's most important museums.
During the Cold War, the archipelago once again acquired strategic significance: from 1972 to 2008, the island of Santo Stefano hosted a NATO base for US Navy nuclear submarines (USS Simon Lake, USS Emory S. Land) — one of the alliance's most important facilities in the Mediterranean during the Cold War. Following the withdrawal of American forces in 2008, the island has been gradually redeveloped as a tourist and recreational destination.

⚓ The port of La Maddalena — a tender harbour amid crystal-clear waters
📊 Port characteristics and structure
The port of La Maddalena is not a modern cruise hub with terminals and bus bays. It is an authentic island harbour where yachts and tourist boats moor alongside fishing schooners and ferries bound for Palau, and the waterfront promenade of Cala Gavetta serves as the natural backdrop for evening aperitivo. Cruise ships typically anchor approximately 2 nautical miles to the north-west of the town and ferry passengers ashore by tender.
The harbour comprises Cala Gavetta (the central anchorage in the heart of town, home to the Garibaldi statue), the Porto Massimo berth (a modern marina near the town centre), and two jetties still used by the Italian Navy. The Palau — La Maddalena ferry links the island with the Sardinian mainland; the crossing takes about 15 minutes, and in season ferries depart almost every half hour.

🚢 How many ships the port can accommodate
Due to the constraints of the national park's waters and the tender nature of port calls, La Maddalena can typically handle 1–2 cruise ships at a time. It is a niche destination visited primarily by small and mid-size “boutique” and premium-segment vessels — Windstar Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Viking Ocean, as well as smaller Costa and MSC ships. Large mega-ships do not call here due to the restrictions of the national park's waters and its environmental requirements.

🏢 Which cruise lines call at La Maddalena
La Maddalena is a port exclusively for premium and luxury cruise lines: Windstar Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Viking Ocean Cruises, Azamara. Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises occasionally include it in special itineraries with smaller vessels. This makes La Maddalena incomparably less crowded than Olbia or Civitavecchia — which is why passengers who arrive here feel not like members of a crowd, but like personal guests of the island. 🌍

💡 Interesting facts about La Maddalena and its archipelago
Getting to know the island is richer when you know a few non-obvious details:
🌸 The Pink Beach exists in nature, not just on Instagram. Spiaggia Rosa on the island of Budelli is one of the few beaches in the world with pink sand, coloured by the microorganism Miniacina miniacea. Since 1998 the beach has been closed to visitors, but admiring it from the deck of a boat is an unforgettable experience.
🪖 Napoleon's first defeat happened here. In 1793, a young artillery officer named Bonaparte tried to capture La Maddalena, only to be repelled by the islanders under the command of Domenico Millelire — who earned the first gold medal for bravery in Italian history for this feat.
⚓ Nelson called this harbour “the most beautiful in the world.” The British admiral stationed his fleet here and, according to tradition, was so captivated by the archipelago that he personally presented the island's church with a crucifix — which remains there to this day.
🏡 Garibaldi chose Caprera deliberately. The legendary unifier of Italy spent 26 years here, farming the land and tending his livestock himself. His modest home is preserved as a museum, unchanged down to the finest detail of its furnishings.
☢️ Nuclear submarines behind these landscapes. From 1972 to 2008, behind the fairy-tale shores of the archipelago on Santo Stefano island, there was a NATO base housing American nuclear submarines — one of the alliance's key nodes in the Mediterranean during the Cold War.
🐟 An entire city lies underwater. On the seabed near Spargi lie the remains of an ancient Roman cargo vessel (circa 120 BC): more than 200 wine amphorae and sections of the hull have been recovered and are now displayed in the Nino Lamboglia Naval Museum in La Maddalena.
🌿 One-third of all of Sardinia's flora. The terrestrial section of the national park is home to more than 700 plant species, 50 of which are endemic to Sardinia — representing 25% of the island's total plant endemics.
🦟 An island without mosquitoes. Thanks to the constant winds — the famous maestrale — La Maddalena and Caprera are virtually mosquito-free throughout the entire season.
🎬 A film was shot here. Sequences from Michelangelo Antonioni's cult film “Red Desert” (1964) were filmed in the waters of the archipelago — including iconic shots of Budelli's Pink Beach. The beach became both a star and a victim of its own fame at the same time.

📍 Top sights of La Maddalena — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship's stay in La Maddalena typically lasts from 7 to 10 hours; factor in the tender transfer time (15–20 minutes each way). A detailed list with addresses, opening hours and routing tips can be found in the “Landmarks & Attractions” section; below is a brief overview of the key locations.
🏘️ The town of La Maddalena — the only real inhabited settlement in the archipelago. The hub of urban life is Piazza Umberto I and the waterfront promenade of Cala Gavetta. Here you will find cafes, seafood restaurants, small boutiques and the Garibaldi statue.
🏰 Forte di Monte Altura (Mondardino Fort) — a First World War-era cannon emplacement on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the entire archipelago; one of several surviving fortifications on the island.
🎸 Compendio Garibaldino on Caprera — the house-museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi, with original furniture, personal belongings and the hero of the Risorgimento's tomb. Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by the Passa della Moneta bridge — accessible on foot or by bicycle.
⚓ Museo Navale Nino Lamboglia — a naval archaeology museum housing the remains of an ancient Roman ship (120 BC) that sank near Spargi. A unique reconstruction of the vessel's hull and the amphorae recovered from the seabed.
🏖️ Beaches on the island of La Maddalena itself — Bassa Trinità, Spalmatore, Cala Lunga, Cala Francese — beautiful granite-framed coves with white sand, perfect for swimming right next to the town.
🚤 Island boat tour — the essential excursion: Budelli (the Pink Beach, viewed from on board), Spargi (Cala Corsara and Cala Granara), Santa Maria, Razzoli, the Madonna's natural pools. This voyage is the defining impression of La Maddalena.
🌊 Panoramic road around the island (45 km) — renting a bicycle or a scooter allows you to circle the entire perimeter of the island, discovering granite formations, quiet coves and several viewpoints with a view of Corsica.
🕊️ Church of Santa Maria Maddalena — an 18th-century parish church in the town centre, home to the gifts of Admiral Nelson: a crucifix and two silver candlesticks.

✨ Why choose a cruise with a call at La Maddalena
La Maddalena is a port that exists in an entirely different frame of reference from the well-trodden capital harbours of the Mediterranean.
First, this is nature that needs no publicity: crystal-clear water, granite cliffs, the absence of mass tourism and a national park with genuine environmental restrictions — it is impossible to do anything “wrong” here, because the island protects its own beauty. 🌿
Second, this is living authenticity: the town runs on its own rhythm — fishermen return in the morning, tourists wander the narrow streets, cafes open not on schedule but “when ready.”
Third, the archipelago reveals itself only from the water: the islands of Budelli, Spargi, Santa Maria and Razzoli are unreachable without a boat — which is precisely why the cruise passenger is in the most advantageous position of all: already at sea, with a tender boat ready to deliver them to the very heart of the archipelago. 🚤

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you select the ideal ship with a La Maddalena port call, advise on the right vessel size for this port (the tender call requires specific vessel dimensions), account for seasonality and weather risks, and offer exclusive fares from Windstar, Silversea, Seabourn and other premium brands. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference purposes only and is current as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Port of La Maddalena

La Maddalena — is one of the most enchanting tender ports in the Mediterranean: large cruise ships anchor amid the turquoise waters of the archipelago, and passengers reach the shore by small tender boats. The island has no airport or rail connection — the only link with Sardinia is the ferry from the town of Palau. Below you will find a tried-and-tested step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯

📍 Where Exactly Is the Cruise Port of La Maddalena
La Maddalena is a tender port: cruise ships anchor in a sheltered bay of the archipelago, and passengers are ferried ashore by tender boats. The landing point is the island's main harbour — Cala Gavetta.

⚓ Anchorage and Tender Landing Point:
• Ships anchor approximately 2–3 km offshore, in the sheltered waters between the island and Sardinia
• Tenders arrive at the Cala Gavetta pier — the island's main harbour, located right in the heart of the town
• Distance from tender pier to town centre: 2–5 minutes on foot; most attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within easy walking distance
• GPS address (tender landing): Cala Gavetta, 07024 La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy

🚢 How the Tender Transfer Works:
The tender transfer is an integral part of visiting La Maddalena. The whole process is well organised:
1️⃣ The ship drops anchor — usually between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.; the captain makes an announcement
2️⃣ Passengers on organised shore excursions have priority and board the first tender
3️⃣ Independent travellers receive tender tickets or sign up for a specific time at the guest services desk on board
4️⃣ The tender crossing takes 10–15 minutes and runs continuously throughout the ship's stay
5️⃣ The last tender from shore — usually 60–90 minutes before departure; the exact time is stated in the daily programme and on notice boards near the tender exit

❗ Important: La Maddalena operates exclusively as a port of call and is not an embarkation or disembarkation port. Check your cruise voucher: it states the exact start and end times of the tender service.

✈️ From Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) to the Cruise Port
The nearest airport to La Maddalena is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), located 45–50 km from the ferry port in Palau. The only way to reach La Maddalena itself is by ferry from Palau, so the route is always two-stage: airport → Palau → ferry → island.

🚕 Private Transfer — the Most Convenient Option
• Route: Olbia Airport → Palau Port (via the SS125 road) → ferry to La Maddalena
• Travel time to Palau: 45–50 minutes
• Cost of a private transfer to Palau: from 100 EUR to 160 EUR per vehicle (1–4 passengers), depending on the company and season
• Advantages: driver meets you in arrivals with a name board, fixed price, flight monitoring, luggage assistance
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚌 Turmo Travel Bus — Budget Option
A direct bus service from Olbia Airport to Palau is operated by Turmo Travel (stop just outside the terminal exit).
• Fare: 3.10 EUR one way (ticket purchased from the driver; small change recommended)
• Journey time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Frequency: up to 5 times daily in summer, considerably less outside the season
• Current timetable: check the official Turmo Travel website before travelling

🚌 ARST Bus Line 601 — Economy Option
• Route: from Olbia Airport to Olbia city centre (ASPO urban bus line 2 or 10, ~10 min, from 1 EUR), then ARST line 601 to Palau
• ARST 601 fare: 3–5 EUR, journey time ~1 hour
• Frequency: every 2 hours; check the current timetable on the ARST Sardegna website
⚠️ Important: Turmo Travel and ARST do not operate around the clock. If your flight arrives late in the evening, the only option is a private transfer to Palau.

🚂 From Palau Ferry Terminal and Bus Station to the Island
The town of Palau is the sole ferry “gateway” to La Maddalena. It is a compact seaside town on the northern coast of Sardinia, reachable by bus or car, from where you take the ferry across to the island.

Ferry services between Palau and La Maddalena are operated by two companies: Delcomar and Maddalena Lines.

• Foot passenger fare: from 5.50 EUR to 10.50 EUR one way (depending on season and company)
• Municipal landing fee: 2.50 EUR (added to the ticket price)
• Crossing time: 15–20 minutes
• Summer timetable (April–October): hourly or more frequently; first sailing at 8:15 a.m., last sailing around 7:45 p.m.
• Off-season timetable (November–March): significantly fewer sailings; check the current schedule at delcomar.it and maddalenalines.it
• With a vehicle: the ferry carries cars and motorbikes; booking in advance is recommended during peak season
• Pets: permitted on a lead or in a carrier; small surcharge applies

💡 Tip: if you are travelling to La Maddalena independently (not from a cruise ship), leave your car in Palau — the island is small and all key sights are easily reached on foot. Parking on the island itself is extremely limited in summer.

🏙️ From Other Towns in Sardinia to La Maddalena
If you have arrived in Sardinia early and are staying in one of the resort towns, here are the options for getting to Palau to catch the ferry.

🚕 Taxi or Private Transfer:
The most comfortable option for families or groups with luggage. The driver will take you directly to the ferry terminal in Palau.
• From Olbia: approximately 40–45 km, 40–50 minutes, from 60 EUR per vehicle
• From Porto Cervo / Costa Smeralda: 35–40 km, approximately 40 minutes, from 70 EUR
• From Olbia Airport: private transfer from 100 EUR to 160 EUR (with flight monitoring and luggage assistance)

🚌 ARST Bus Line 601 (Olbia → Palau) — Budget Option
• Departure point: from the stop in Olbia city centre (Corso Vittorio Veneto)
• Fare: 3–5 EUR, journey time ~1 hour
• Frequency: every 2 hours throughout the day

🚗 By Private or Rental Car:
• From Olbia: take the SS125 towards Arzachena and Palau, approximately 40 minutes
• From Costa Smeralda / Porto Cervo: SS125 northbound to Palau, approximately 35–40 minutes
• From Alghero: SS597 to Olbia, then SS125 to Palau, approximately 2 hours in total
• From Cagliari: SS131 to Sassari, then via Tempio to Palau, approximately 4 hours

💡 Tip: if you are travelling with heavy luggage or as a group, a taxi or private transfer to Palau is considerably more convenient than the bus.

🚗 By Private Car — Parking in Palau and on La Maddalena
If you are driving to the ferry terminal in Palau in your own or a rental car, you will need a parking space — it is best to leave the car in Palau while you are on the island.

🅿️ Car Parks in Palau (near the ferry terminal):
• Parcheggio Palau Porto — closest to the pier, 5–10 minutes on foot
• Cost: approximately 10–15 EUR per day, from 50–70 EUR per week
• In summer spaces near the port fill up quickly — arrive early or look for paid car parks on the town streets

🅿️ Car Parks on La Maddalena Island:
• The island has several paid car parks in the centre, but they are constantly full in summer
• On-island rate: from 1.50 EUR to 2.50 EUR per hour
• Four Gates tip: if you are arriving by tender from the ship, parking is not your concern — the car stays in Palau or at the airport

🛣️ GPS route to the ferry terminal: Via Nazionale, 07020 Palau, SS, Italy — the ferry pier is right in the town centre, close to the waterfront.

♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
As a tender port, La Maddalena has significant implications for passengers with limited mobility:

⚠️ Tender boats have limited accessibility — boarding a tender requires taking a few steps unaided or accepting crew assistance. Motorised wheelchairs and scooters are generally not permitted on tenders without a dedicated roll-on facility
✅ Delcomar and Maddalena Lines ferries between Palau and La Maddalena are equipped for passengers with reduced mobility
✅ Cala Gavetta harbour and the town centre are accessible: flat promenade, ramps in most establishments
⚠️ Some streets and natural beaches may be difficult to navigate due to cobblestones or uneven terrain
⚠️ In rough sea conditions the tender service may be cancelled, leaving passengers ashore at risk of missing the ship

❗ Recommendation: if you use a wheelchair or have significant difficulty walking, contact your cruise line in advance regarding the possibility of going ashore in La Maddalena. Inform the line of your needs ahead of time — the ship's crew will provide personalised assistance.

⏰ When to Arrive at the Tender Terminal
Unlike ports with a berth, in La Maddalena your schedule is governed by your ship's tender timetable. Below are general guidelines:

🕐 Ship's time in port: usually 8–10 hours depending on the cruise line and itinerary
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian: first tender typically at 8:30–9:00 a.m.; organised shore excursions have priority
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises: tender time slots booked via the mobile app or guest services desk; recommended to book the evening before
🕐 Independent travellers: take the first or second tender — this gives you time to explore the town and join an island boat tour before the crowds arrive

❗ All-aboard deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before the ship sails — this is the time the last tender departs from shore. Missing it means watching the ship sail away from the pier. The exact time is posted in the daily programme on board and on notice boards at the tender pier. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the precise timing for your specific cruise.

💡 Tips from Four Gates Group Experts
After years of working with Sardinian itineraries, our cruise specialists have compiled a set of tips to save you time, money, and stress:

🌅 Take the first tender — the island is small but gets busy fast. La Maddalena is compact: an early tender means you can explore the town centre and still join an archipelago boat tour before the crowds from other ships arrive.

🎟️ Sign up for the tender in advance. On most cruise lines, tender time slots open the evening before — use the cruise line's mobile app or visit guest services the night before port arrival.

💶 Carry cash in EUR. La Maddalena is a small island where not all establishments accept card payments, particularly beach kiosks, small shops, and boat tour operators. Withdraw cash on board or in Olbia.

🌊 Keep an eye on the weather. The tender service can be suspended due to rough seas. If the wind is above the safety threshold, the captain may halt the transfer entirely. This is rare, but it does happen in spring and autumn.

🏖️ Don't linger by the pier — venture further into the island. The Cala Gavetta waterfront right by the tender landing is very busy when a ship is in port. Walk 10–15 minutes in either direction and you will find quiet lanes and calmer coves.

⛵ Book your archipelago boat tour in advance. Day trips to Budelli, Spargi, and Caprera depart in the morning from La Maddalena and Palau and sell out quickly, especially in peak season. Online booking is cheaper than buying at the pier.

📱 Download an offline map of the island. Wi-Fi is available in only a handful of places, and mobile data can be slow on busy tourist days. Maps.me or Google Maps offline is the most reliable way to navigate the streets of La Maddalena.

🏨 Arrived in Sardinia early? If your cruise departs from another port (Olbia, Civitavecchia, Barcelona) and La Maddalena is a port of call, check in advance how long the ship spends there and plan excursions around the tender schedule.

📞 Port and Service Contacts in La Maddalena
La Maddalena Harbour Master (Guardia Costiera): +39 0789 736 600
Ferry company Delcomar: +39 0789 708 666
Ferry company Maddalena Lines: +39 0789 792 244
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB): +39 0789 563 444
Italian emergency services: 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

Getting to La Maddalena from a cruise ship is straightforward once you know the key rules: watch the last tender time, go ashore on an early boat, and balance your time between the town and the archipelago's waters. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group are always on hand to help with transfer arrangements, excursion bookings, and any questions about your itinerary. Contact our manager — and this island will become one of the brightest memories of your entire cruise. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and is accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant services.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Sights and Attractions of La Maddalena: A Complete Guide for Cruise Passengers

La Maddalena — the jewel of northern Sardinia, where nature has been preserved in an almost pristine state. It is the only town among the seven main islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park — a marine nature reserve established in 1994. Here you will find 180 km of coastline, more than 60 islands and islets, turquoise waters, pink-granite cliffs and beaches that would make the Caribbean envious. For a cruise passenger, this port is a true gift: a compact Mediterranean town perfect for exploring on foot, with the full beauty of the archipelago just steps away. 🎯

🏛️ 1. La Maddalena Town Centre: Cala Gavetta, Piazza Umberto I and the Historic Centre
💡 Interesting Facts & Information:
La Maddalena is one of the few Sardinian towns that grew directly from the sea. Founded in 1767 by Piedmontese shepherds and fishermen, it transformed into a strategic port and naval garrison in fewer than 250 years. Today it is a small but extraordinarily atmospheric town, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d'Italia). 🌊
🔹 Cala Gavetta — the main tourist marina of the town: yachts, restaurants, street cafes and a panorama of the island of Santo Stefano right before your eyes.
🔹 Piazza Umberto I — the heart of island life. Here stand the bust of Anita Garibaldi, a monument to sailors and the elegant Admiralty Palace, built in the late 19th century.
🔹 The Garibaldi Granite Column, 17 metres tall (Piazza XXI Aprile) — erected in 1907 to mark the 100th anniversary of the hero's birth. Funding was provided by King Vittorio Emanuele III, the municipality and local merchants.
🔹 The seafront promenade along Cala Gavetta is lined with palm trees and pastel-coloured buildings from the 18th–19th centuries — an architectural style found nowhere else in Gallura.
🔹 The locals speak a unique Sardo-Corsican dialect called Maddalenino — a vernacular that survives only here.

📜 History:
In 1767, the House of Savoy — the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont — officially occupied the La Maddalena archipelago and built the first fortified port here. Its strategic location in the Strait of Bonifacio, between Sardinia and Corsica, made the island key to naval control over the entire central Mediterranean.
In 1793, a young Napoleon Bonaparte attempted to seize the archipelago — and suffered his first military defeat: the local defenders repelled the assault. Later, in 1803–1804, Admiral Horatio Nelson himself used the bay of Cala Gavetta as a base for the British fleet ahead of the Battle of Trafalgar. As a token of gratitude, he donated a silver crucifix and two candlesticks to the local church — they are preserved to this day. In 1887, a base of the Royal Italian Navy was established here. In August 1943, Benito Mussolini was held prisoner on the island.

🚢 Getting There from the Tender Pier:
• On foot: from the tender landing point to the centre — 5–10 minutes along the waterfront. The town is compact and perfect for walking.
• Taxi or local bus: available right at the pier. The Turmo Travel bus service covers the island and connects it to Caprera.

💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Town centre stroll: free of charge
• Waterfront and squares: open around the clock

⛪ 2. Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the Diocesan Museum
💡 Interesting Facts & Information:
The parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena is the spiritual heart of the island and one of La Maddalena's most treasured landmarks. Built in the late 18th century to the design of Piedmontese military engineer Giacinto Marciot, it preserves a unique relic — a gift from Admiral Nelson himself. ⛵
🔹 The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the rooms adjoining the church, holds a silver crucifix and two silver candlesticks donated by Nelson in 1804, along with a handwritten letter of thanks signed by the admiral himself. 🏺
🔹 The church is the principal place of veneration of the town's patron saint — Saint Mary Magdalene (feast day: 22 July).
🔹 The modest exterior facade conceals an elegant interior: a marble altar, wooden statues and sacred furnishings reflecting the maritime character of the town.
🔹 The first documented church on the island dates from 1768, in the locality of Collo Piano — established simultaneously with the founding of the settlement.

📜 History:
When, in the late 18th century, the population gradually moved from the interior of the island closer to Cala Gavetta, the need arose for a new church in the town centre. Construction began after 1780, and the new church became the parish hub, successor to the original church at Collo Piano. Nelson, whose fleet regularly anchored in the harbour, held the local community in high regard and left a precious gift before sailing to Trafalgar.

🚢 Getting There from the Tender Pier:
• On foot: 5–7 minutes from the central waterfront; the church stands near Piazza Santa Maria Maddalena, close to Cala Gavetta.

💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Church: free admission; open to visitors outside service times (approximately 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m.)
• Diocesan Museum: small admission fee; confirm opening hours on site

🏠 3. Compendio Garibaldino and the Garibaldi Memorial (Caprera Island)
💡 Interesting Facts & Information:
Caprera is a legendary island connected to La Maddalena by a road bridge. This is where Giuseppe Garibaldi — the hero who united Italy — spent the last 26 years of his life. He worked the land himself, grew grapes and vegetables, planted trees. And here he is buried. 🌿
🔹 The Compendio Garibaldino is a house-museum preserving the hero's furniture and personal belongings: a leather armchair and writing desk gifted by Queen Margherita; the “death room” with a bed facing the window through which Corsica is visible; Garibaldi's grave and a small family cemetery.
🔹 The Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial is a multimedia museum located in Fort Arbuticci, featuring interactive installations about the life of the Hero of Two Worlds and a breathtaking panorama over the entire archipelago.
🔹 Garibaldi lived on Caprera from 1856 to 1882. Hundreds of admirers, friends and comrades from around the world came to visit him here.
🔹 The “White House” (Casa Bianca) — a modest two-storey house with a terrace — has become one of the most visited Risorgimento memorial sites in all of Italy.
🔹 Caprera forms part of the Archipelago National Park, so car parking is restricted. Entry is regulated: groups of no more than 20 people are admitted every 15 minutes.

📜 History:
Garibaldi first settled on Caprera in 1856, having purchased half the island. Over the following decades he reorganised not only his estate but half of Europe — leading legendary campaigns to Naples and Sicily (1860) and liberation campaigns in South America from this very base. Between battles, he always returned to the island — “to his goats and his stars.” The state museum complex of Caprera is today one of the most important sites of national memory in Italy.

🚢 Getting There from the Tender Pier:
• Bus (Turmo Travel): the local route with a stop at the port reaches the Compendio. Travel time ~20–30 min, ticket EUR 1.50–2.50
• Scooter/bike: rental available right at the pier; the inter-island bridge is easily crossed in 5 min
• Taxi: ~EUR 15–20 to the Compendio
• On foot: the bridge is walkable, but from the pier to the museum is about 6 km — best to use transport

💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Compendio Garibaldino: EUR 8 (full price), free for under-18s. Entry every 15 min, max 20 people
• Garibaldi Memorial (Fort Arbuticci): EUR 6 (full price)
• Combined ticket (both sites): EUR 10 (full price), EUR 5 (concession)
• Opening hours: Mon–Wed and Fri until 6:30 p.m., Sat–Sun last admission at 1:00 p.m. (check the official website). First Sunday of the month — free admission
⚠️ Important: entry is only permitted with staff escort. Entry in swimwear or tight-fitting clothing is not allowed.

🏖️ 4. Beaches of La Maddalena Island: Spalmatore, Testa del Polpo, Monte d'Arena
💡 Interesting Facts & Information:
La Maddalena island is not only a town — it is also a ring of stunning beaches, each with its own character. A road running around the entire island allows you to visit them all in a few hours by scooter or bicycle. 🌊
🔹 Cala Spalmatore — the best-equipped beach on the island, situated on the north-eastern coast. A wide sandy bay between pink-granite rocks, clear water ranging from turquoise to deep blue, several beach bars and equipment rental points. Perfect for families. Awarded the Blue Flag. 🏖️
🔹 Testa del Polpo (Capocchia du Purpu) — a beach on the western side of the island, named for the resemblance of its coastal rocks to an octopus. Shallow water is ideal for children. Wild and unspoilt.
🔹 Monte d'Arena — a secluded beach on the northern tip of the island, perfect for those who love untamed spaces and strong winds. A haven for true nature lovers.
🔹 Bassa Trinità — a shallow beach popular with families with young children, thanks to its gently sloping entry into the water.
🔹 Punta Tegge on the western side of the island — the best spot for watching the sunset. From here, the sun drops directly into the sea.

📜 A note worth knowing:
The beaches of La Maddalena island, unlike those of the neighbouring archipelago islands, are accessible without National Park permits and require no boat transport. They are perfectly suited to cruise passengers with just a few hours ashore.

🚢 Getting There from the Tender Pier:
• Scooter or e-bike (best option): rental available directly opposite the terminal exit. EUR 30–55 per day for a scooter, EUR 20–35 for an e-bike. The ring road around the island is approximately 20 km
• Bicycle: EUR 15–25 per day
• Local bus: several Turmo Travel routes depart from the stop near the port and reach the main beaches
• Taxi: to Cala Spalmatore — ~EUR 10–15

💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Beaches: free access (most beaches on the island are public)
• Sun lounger and umbrella (at Spalmatore): approximately EUR 10–20 per set per day, depending on the season

🌊 5. Archipelago Boat Tour: Budelli Pink Beach, Cala Corsara, Cala Coticcio and Other Islands
💡 Interesting Facts & Information:
For those who want to experience a true paradise, the essential activity on La Maddalena is a full-day boat tour of the archipelago. The Park encompasses 60 islands and islets, but there are a handful of genuine gems that are worth every effort. 🚤
🔹 The Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) on the island of Budelli — famous pink sand coloured by microscopic fragments of coral and shells. Filmed by Michelangelo Antonioni in “Red Desert” (1964). Today the beach is closed to visitors and can only be admired from the water — the Park protects it from being destroyed by tourism. Viewing is permitted; landing on the shore is prohibited. 🔴
🔹 Cala Corsara (Spargi Island) — a classic Mediterranean cove with crystal-clear water and golden sand. One of the best snorkelling spots in the entire Mediterranean Sea.
🔹 Cala Coticcio (Caprera Island) — a picturesque little cove known as “Tahiti” for its breathtaking beauty. Located in a zone of enhanced Park protection: access only with Park authorisation (a hiking trail leads to it, or boat stops on guided tours).
🔹 Santa Maria Island — extended swimming stops in a lagoon with a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere.
🔹 The Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica — one of the most spectacular straits in the Mediterranean, where winds and currents create an unforgettable seascape.

📜 About the Park:
The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is Sardinia's first national marine park, established in 1994. It covers more than 20,000 hectares of sea and 180 km of coastline. The Posidonia meadows (underwater sea grass beds) are protected and serve as spawning grounds for hundreds of fish species. The Park has been cooperating with Corsica on environmental protection for over 10 years.

🚢 Getting There & Booking a Tour:
• Organised group excursion: departures from La Maddalena port or Palau port (on the Sardinian mainland). Duration — 7–8 hours, including 3–5 swimming stops. Price from EUR 52 to EUR 75 per person and above depending on the type of vessel and services included. Park mooring fees are usually included in the price
• Private inflatable motor boat or motor yacht: EUR 75–180 per person depending on the company and number of participants
• Self-drive motor boat rental: available for those holding a boat licence
⚠️ For cruise passengers: check the departure and return times of any excursion against your ship's “all aboard” time. Choose a tour with a guaranteed return time to port.

💶 Cost:
• Group archipelago tour: from EUR 52–55 (entry-level price), EUR 75 and above (full programme with lunch)
• Park mooring fees (extra, if not included): EUR 2.50 (May, September, October) — EUR 5 (June–August) per person; children under 6 — free

🎨 6. Other Places & Activities Worth Your Time
• 🚲 Bicycle or scooter ride around the island — a ring road of ~20 km: viewpoints, beaches, climbs up granite hills with panoramic views over the entire archipelago. Scooter rental — EUR 30–55 per day, e-bike — EUR 20–35. Rental outlets are located right at the pier.
• 🤿 Snorkelling and diving — crystal-clear water with visibility of up to 30 metres, Posidonia sea grass meadows, shoals of fish and colourful marine life. Dive centres offer single dives from EUR 50.
• 🛶 Kayaking and SUP boarding — kayak and SUP board rental is available in town. Ideal for independently exploring coastal rocks and secluded coves.
• 🍽️ Local cuisine in Cala Gavetta's restaurants — authentic Sardinian food: culurgiones pasta (dumplings filled with potato and mint), grilled fish, lobster, mixed seafood platters, pecorino and ricotta cheeses with fresh bread. A menù del giorno lunch at a local ristorante — EUR 15–25.
• 🛍️ Souvenir shops and boutiques along the waterfront offer cork products (a uniquely Sardinian craft), coral jewellery, ceramic ware, local Vermentino wine and flavoured salts.

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for La Maddalena During Your Port Call
A cruise ship's port call at La Maddalena typically lasts 7–10 hours. The town and island beaches are compact — it is entirely feasible to combine a stroll, time at the beach and a museum visit. Below are three options depending on your budget and preferences.

🥉 Itinerary No. 1. Budget — up to EUR 20 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 15–20 + meals

🕘 9:00 a.m. — Tender ashore
Landing in the central part of La Maddalena.

🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Walk along the waterfront and town centre
Cala Gavetta → Piazza Umberto I → Garibaldi Column → Via Garibaldi with its shops and cafes.

🕙 10:00–10:30 a.m. — Church of Santa Maria Maddalena
Free admission. Visit the interior and the Diocesan Museum with Nelson's relics.

🕚 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Cala Spalmatore Beach
Local bus or a 20-minute walk. Swimming, snorkelling.

🕐 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Lunch at a Cala Gavetta restaurant
Three-course set menu — EUR 13–18.

🕝 2:00–4:00 p.m. — Stroll through the island streets
Free self-guided walk through the old town or more time at the beach.

🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Return tender to the ship

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Bus (return): EUR 3–5
• Lunch: EUR 13–18
• Reserve: EUR 5–10
💸 TOTAL: EUR 21–33 per person (museum tickets not included)

🥈 Itinerary No. 2. Optimal — EUR 70–100 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 80 + meals

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Tender ashore
Rent a scooter or e-bike straight away (EUR 30–55).

🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Compendio Garibaldino (Caprera)
Drive across the bridge ~10 min. Ticket EUR 8. Visit the house-museum and Garibaldi's tomb.

🕙 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Ring road around the island
Stops at Testa del Polpo and Monte d'Arena. Swimming and photos.

🕧 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Cala Spalmatore
The island's best-equipped beach; sun loungers EUR 10–20.

🕐 1:00–2:30 p.m. — Lunch in a town centre restaurant
EUR 15–25 for a main course with a drink.

🕝 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Stroll along the waterfront and town centre
Church, Piazza Umberto I, souvenirs.

🕓 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Return tender

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Scooter: EUR 35–55
• Compendio Garibaldino: EUR 8
• Beach service: EUR 15
• Lunch: EUR 15–25
💸 TOTAL: EUR 73–103 per person

🥇 Itinerary No. 3. Premium — Private Tour from EUR 300 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 300–500 + tickets

🏆 What is included:
• ✅ Private driver or transfer from the tender pier
• ✅ Private archipelago tour by yacht or comfortable motor boat
• ✅ Stops at the most beautiful bays: Cala Corsara, Piscine Naturale, view of the Pink Beach from the water
• ✅ Professional English-speaking or Ukrainian-speaking licensed guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line ticket to the Compendio Garibaldino
• ✅ Lunch with fresh fish on board or at a Cala Gavetta restaurant
• ✅ Flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences

You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us in any convenient way:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

Write to us by e-mail

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🕘 8:30 a.m. — Meeting with the guide and yacht captain at the tender pier

🕘 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Private archipelago boat tour
Spargi Island (Cala Corsara — snorkelling) → Santa Maria Island (lagoon swimming) → Budelli (Pink Beach viewed from the water) → Piscine Naturale.

🕐 1:00–2:30 p.m. — Lunch on board or at a waterfront restaurant
Fresh fish, seafood, local Vermentino wine. From EUR 30–60 per person.

🕝 3:00–4:00 p.m. — Compendio Garibaldino (Caprera)
Private guided visit, no queuing.

🕓 4:15–5:00 p.m. — Return tender to the ship

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private yacht (half-day for 2–4 people): from EUR 400–600 per group
• Guide (4–8 hrs): from EUR 150–250
• Compendio Garibaldino: EUR 8
• Lunch: from EUR 30–60 per person
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 280–400 per person (for groups of 2+, the cost is calculated per group, not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of La Maddalena with licensed guides, boat excursions and a guaranteed on-time return to the tender pier. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day on the archipelago will be perfectly tailored to your tastes. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important Information Before Going Ashore
🕐 “All aboard” rule: return to the tender boat well in advance — as a rule, 30–60 minutes before the last sailing. If you miss it — the ship will leave without you, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💶 Cash: keep EUR 50–100 in cash — some shops and beach establishments do not accept cards.
👟 Footwear and clothing: comfortable shoes for walking on granite paths; shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting the church and the Compendio.
☀️ Sun protection: in summer temperatures reach 32°C (90°F). A hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen are essential. The island heat dehydrates quickly.
🌊 Snorkelling: if you plan to snorkel, it is better to bring your own mask — the quality of rental equipment can vary.
🏝️ Park and restricted zones: swimming and going ashore in maximum-protection zones (Ma) of the Park is prohibited. Violations are subject to fines. The Budelli Pink Beach — viewing from the water only.
🔐 Safety: La Maddalena is an exceptionally safe town. However, in summer there are many tourists — keep your belongings close.
🚌 Transport: if you rent a scooter or e-bike, always check the charge level or fuel before leaving town.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date details, please contact your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or check the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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