Reasons to choose La Maddalena
EPISODE 1 - A home at La Maddalena: good reasons to live in this Island
In 1996, Fabrizio De André, the Italian singer-songwriter, wrote: “Life in Sardinia is possibly the best one could wish for forests, countryside, coastlines immersed in a miraculously beautiful sea that undoubtedly correspond with what I would suggest God presents us as paradise.”
It is true; Sardinia is a wonderful place, the Costa Smeralda is fantastic, and the Archipelago La Maddalena is paradise. The enchanting landscape of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, in the north of Sardinia, is a reference point for international tourism thanks to the uncontaminated beauty of the National Park of the Archipelago, the stunning coastline and the famous beaches.
La Maddalena is the largest of approximately 60 islands and islets that make up the archipelago to the north-east of Sardinia and is the only inhabited island within the National Park, with its historical town.
Since it would be impossible to describe La Maddalena in all its glory with just a few lines, we have decided to dedicate 2 articles of our blog to this incredible archipelago. Here is the first episode!
THE BEACHES
We will obviously start with the beaches; the archipelago is made up of bays, coves and more than 300 beaches with white, golden or pink sands. A landscape like no other on earth. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are here. The colours of the sea have made these places famous around the world.
It is not easy to find the right words to describe the beauty of these uncontaminated places, but we are sure that these fantastic beaches will enchant you with their colours. Some of the most famous spots offer refreshments or a small restaurant. Here are a number of the most beautiful, often the most famous, timeless places that have helped render this paradise on Earth famous.
Monti d’à Rena
This is a small beach, about 300 metres long, characterised by golden sands. Its particularity - from which it takes its name - is a high dune to the east of the bay
Testa di Polpo (“Capocchia d’ù Purpu”)
This beach is located to the south of La Maddalena. The name “Testa di Polpo” (Octopus Head) comes from the characteristic rock that overlooks this beach, with its fine sands and crystal waters. This bay is characterised by the presence of little coves with fine white sand, although once again it is the sea that really makes the difference; the waters are so clear that it looks like a swimming pool!
Cala Lunga
A beautiful cove situated to the north of La Maddalena, characterised by bright white sand and waters that are crystal clear, to say the least. The waters here are shallow and suited for children.
Spiaggia del relitto
This beach takes us to the wilder island of Caprera. The name comes from the presence of a real collier shipwreck on the shore. The sand is fine and bright white, and the waters are shallow for quite a way.
Cala Garibaldi
This beach is on Caprera, located on the right after the Moneta bridge, and is very easy to reach. It is characterised by a shady pine grove, golden sands and beautiful, shallow waters.
Tahiti Cala Coticcio
This beach, on the island of Caprera, can only be reached by sea or via a steep trek. It is known as the bay of lovers and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world.
However, if you think that La Maddalena is all sea and sand, we will make you reconsider!
ACTIVITIES
La Maddalena is a very popular destination for families, groups of friends and couples looking for relaxation, fun and excitement.
It takes 20 minutes to circumnavigate the island by car, and the drive offers breath-taking views! A panoramic organised tour is also possible, on a very particular “train”. Horseback rides are also available on Caprera, and there are also marked nature trails to be explored, with Park guides available. There is an extensive network of trails and treks suitable for all excursionists, offering pleasant walks or mountain-bike rides. You will find yourself immersed in a unique landscape.
One unmissable activity is snorkelling, to explore the underwater world. Extraordinary guided dives, some even at night, organised by the island’s various diving centres, to discover dolphins, turtles, sperm whales and baleen whales.
THE NATIONAL PARK
Another essential aspect when speaking about the Archipelago of La Maddalena is the fact that it is the most important National Park in Sardinia, as well as the only one in Italy to be occupied by a single municipality.
Living or staying in a national park means being able to enjoy its incredible natural beauty, at the same time respecting a number of fundamental rules aimed at preserving nature and the particular ecosystem. All we can say is that protecting and preserving the environment and the beautiful landscape is our duty to our children and to future generations.
Here are a few simple things to do:
- Properly separate waste.
- When visiting a beach, never leave waste behind, and above all pay attention to the use of plastics that - particularly in a wild environment like La Maddalena - causes serious harm to the local fauna.
- A local collection point has been set up in Borgo Punta Villa, where organic waste can be left to be carefully disposed of by specialised workers.
