La Maddalena
ItalyCsa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
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Why visit
It's the launchpad for one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful island groups, boat tours of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park reach the famous Spiaggia Rosa (the protected pink-sand beach on Budelli island), the turquoise lagoons of Spargi, and the granite cathedral cliffs of Razzoli. Walk the bridge to Caprera island for Garibaldi's house museum and pristine cove beaches. The town itself has a compact pedestrianised center with seafood restaurants on Piazza Garibaldi.
When to avoid
August is rammed, ferries from Palau across the strait queue for hours and beach prices triple. Cruise-ship day trips can overwhelm the town center. The protected Spiaggia Rosa is no-landing since 1994, you can only view it from a boat at distance. Many island businesses close November through Easter. Strong winds (mistral) periodically cancel ferry runs. Italian high-summer driving on the narrow island roads is hair-raising.
