If you are looking for information on what to see during a boat trip to La Maddalena, you have probably already read the names of Spargi, Santa Maria e Natural Pools. But what is the difference between these three destinations? And which one is really worth a stop?
This guide explains exactly what you will find at each of these stops, why they are considered among the most beautiful in the Maddalena Archipelago and how Petagus includes them in the 7-hour tour departing from Palau.
1. Island of Spargi: the Cavaliere Beach and Cala Corsara
The island of Spargi is often the first stop of the day. Why? Because its waters are calm from the early hours of the morning and the white sand creates an immediate visual contrast that strikes you as soon as you arrive.
What exactly will you see at Spargi
The Cavaliere Beach is the most famous beach on the island. It is so called because of the shape of the rock above the inlet, resembling the profile of a knight on horseback. The beach is characterised by:
Fine, white sand, different from the coarser sand on other islands of Sardinia
Gradually sloping seabed, ideal for those unfamiliar with swimming
Two rock arms enclose the cove, protecting it from the mistral wind
Who is Spargi suitable for
Families with small children (shallow water near shore)
Those looking for a relaxing break without a lot of swimming
Photography enthusiasts (the contrast between pale rock, white sand and turquoise water is unique)
Typical stop with Petagusabout 60 minutes, with the possibility of going ashore and access to the beach.
2. Santa Maria Island: Cala Santa Maria and the quietest beach in the archipelago
Santa Maria is the northernmost island in the Maddalena Archipelago. It is also the least frequented compared to Spargi and Budelli, which makes it valuable during the high season.
What makes Santa Maria special
Cala Santa Maria is a crescent-shaped beach about 200 metres long. Its distinctive features:
The Mediterranean vegetation almost reaches the sea, with junipers and mastic trees providing natural shade
The water has an emerald green hue, different from the deep turquoise of Spargi
The seabed is mixed: sand near the shore, small rocks further offshore
To whom Santa Maria is suited
Those looking for a less crowded stop (boats tend to stop less here)
Light snorkelling enthusiasts (starfish and small fish are easily seen)
Those who want to take a longer swim without straying too far from the boat
Typical stop with Petagusabout 50 minutes. The stop in Santa Maria is often planned in the middle of the day, after the Natural Pools.
3. Piscine Naturali: the clearest water in the Maddalena Archipelago
The Piscine Naturali are not an island. They are a stretch of sea between the island of Spargi and the island of Budelli, characterised by a rocky and sandy seabed that creates natural pools of shallow, transparent water.
Why Natural Pools are so popular on Instagram and TikTok
The reason is simple: the water reaches such levels of transparency that the boat seems to float in the air. This effect occurs because:
The seabed is predominantly light sandy, reflecting the light
The depth varies between 1 and 3 metres in much of the area
Currents keep the water constantly clean and oxygenated
What you do at the Natural Pools
Unlike Spargi and Santa Maria, here you do not go ashore. The stop is a “diving stop”: you jump directly into the water from the boat. It is the most popular stop for:
Teenagers and young adults
Groups of friends
Who wants to take spectacular photos and videos (the water is so transparent that you can see your feet on the seabed even from above)
Typical stop with Petagusapproximately 45 minutes, exclusively in the water, without landing on land.
Comparison table: Spargi vs Santa Maria vs Piscine Naturali
| Feature | Spargi Island | St. Mary's Island | Natural Pools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Going ashore | Yes | Yes | No (diving stop) |
| Type of seabed | Fine sand | Sand + rocks | Light sand |
| Typical depth | 0.5 - 3 metres | 1 - 4 metres | 1 - 3 metres |
| Suitable for children | Excellent | Good | Excellent with armrests |
| Wind protection | High | Media | Low |
| Best time of day | Morning | Afternoon | Noon |
Frequently asked questions about Spargi, Santa Maria and the Natural Pools
Which of the three stages has the hottest water?
Natural pools, because the water is shallow and heats up faster. Spargi has slightly cooler water because of the currents.
Can all three be seen on the same day?
Yes, the standard Petagus itinerary includes all three stages in the seven-hour excursion, subject to weather and sea conditions.
Which stage to avoid if you get seasick?
None of the three are particularly exposed, but the Natural Pools are the most protected in the event of a south-westerly wind. In the event of rough seas, the Petagus crew alters the itinerary.
Do you need a wetsuit for swimming?
From June to September, no. In May and October the water can be cool (18-20°C), a light wetsuit can be comfortable but not essential.
How long do you stay in each stage with Petagus?
Approximately 45-60 minutes per leg, for a total of 7 hours of excursion. Times may vary depending on sea conditions and the number of boats present.
Why these three stops are the most searched for “boat trip La Maddalena” on Google”
The Maddalena Archipelago has over 60 islets and reefs. However, online searches consistently focus on Spargi, Santa Maria and Piscine Naturali for three reasons:
Accessibility - They can be reached in a day without too long journeys
Varieties - They offer three different experiences: beach (Spargi), nature (Santa Maria), diving (Piscine Naturali)
Photogenicity - They are the most widely filmed and shared on social media, fuelling demand
By booking with Petagus, you are guaranteed to visit all three stages in one go, with departure at 10.30am from the port of Palau and return between 5.30pm and 6pm.