ITINERARY
Discover the stops, times and beaches seen during the boat tour
Our journey begins at the port of Palau, a mythical place for all Sardinians. History tells us that Admiral Nelson also docked here and stayed from 1 November 1803 to 11 January 1805 before setting sail again aboard the Victory and accompanied by the thirteen ships of his retinue.
First stop on our journey is the beach of Cala Corsara at the island of Spargi.
What is striking about the island of Spargi is its rounded shape, which offers a wild and unspoilt nature to the eye.
Already in the distance you can admire the unspoilt vegetation, which especially in the hinterland becomes dense Mediterranean scrub.
Wind-sculpted granite cliffs stand out on the coast.
Amidst the jagged rocks, visitors recognise the action of the wind, which as a skilled stonemason has reproduced the physiognomy of a dog, a witch, a Dutch clog, the outline of the Italian peninsula and even that of Elvis that fascinate observers and trigger the imagination.
The island of Spargi is the ideal place for sports enthusiasts. In fact, snorkelling is very popular, but it also presents the ideal landscape to linger and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Lunch break. The captain will choose the most suitable place for the lunch break in relation to the marine weather conditions.
On the island of Budelli we can admire the pink beach which is one of the most important and well-known symbols of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
In the early 1960s, Michelangelo Antonioni shot the film Deserto Rosso starring Monica Vitti in this unspoilt area.
The second stop is scheduled on the island of Santa Maria. The excursion cannot do without this stop: the purity of the light, the crystal-clear sea and the white beaches will captivate you.
The beach of the same name, named after the Benedictine convent built on the small island, welcomes travellers seeking relaxation and distraction.
The tour continues with a stop at the Natural Pools. A swim in the Natural Pools of the La Maddalena National Park refreshes body and soul and replenishes energy reserves.
These natural pools are located on the island of Budelli and are truly known and renowned throughout the world.
Leaving the Piscine Naturali we will sail towards La Maddalena. We will sail past Cala d'Inferno, the Fishermen's Church built by Uncle Giacomo Scotto devoted to the Virgin Mary for saving him from several shipwrecks.
We shall see French Cove, the island's most important granite quarry that employed more than 400 stonemasons and contributed to the social and economic development of the island so much so that in the early 19th century La Maddalena was known as Little Paris.
Finally, we arrive in the characteristic old town in Cala Gavetta, settlement chosen by the first inhabitants, the Corsican shepherds, as it was more sheltered from the prevailing “mistral” wind.
Shopping stop in the historic centre of La Maddalena. A bit of history... On 23 February 1723, Napoleon sought to annex the Archipelago to France as it had always been considered militarily strategic.
Miraculous was the island's defence, which, with far fewer and better equipped men, succeeded in making the French desist. For this reason, a young islander, Domenico Millelire, at the head of the island garrison was awarded the 1st Military Valour Medal of the Royal Sardinian Navy.
Sailing back to port in Palau. Leaving the historic centre we will sail along theSt. Stephen's Islandthe islet of Fear with the monument in memory of the battleship Roma.
Just before returning to port, Aeolus surprises us again with the most beautiful rock in Gallura, the symbol of Palau and a national monument: the Bear Rock. Don't miss the incredible sunset at its feet!
Arrival at the marina in Palau
IMPORTANT
Monday - Saturday: Spargi, Santa Maria, Natural Pools, La Maddalena
Sunday: Caprera, Natural Pools, Spargi
(as per the Park Authority's instructions, on Sundays there are no stops at Santa Maria Island and La Maddalena Island)
L’archipelago of La Maddalena is a jewel of the National Park, with pristine islands and crystal clear waters. Our La Maddalena excursion itinerary is designed to give you the best: two swimming stops on dream beaches, a lunch stop in a sheltered bay, admiring the famous Pink Beach of Budelli, a dip in the Natural Pools and a stroll through the historic centre of the island of La Maddalena. All with departure and return to Palau, without stress or queues.
You are looking for a perfect itinerary for the La Maddalena excursion well researched, touching the most beautiful beaches, natural pools and historical sites in the archipelago? You are in the right place. Petagus takes you on a boat trip of 7-8 hours departing from the port of Palau, discovering Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, the Natural Pools and the historic centre of La Maddalena. In this guide you will find stage by stage our La Maddalena excursion itinerary, with timetables, stops and useful tips for an unforgettable day.
L’La Maddalena excursion itinerary of Petagus foresees departure at 10:30 a.m. from the port of Palau, first swim stop at Cala Corsara (island of Spargi), lunch stop in a protected bay, admiration of the Pink Beach in Budelli, second swim stop at the island of Santa Maria, dive at the Piscine Naturali (also in Budelli), coastal navigation with views of Cala d'Inferno and Cala Francese, stop in the historic centre of La Maddalena, and return to Palau along the island of Santo Stefano and the Roccia dell'Orso. Expected arrival between 17:30 and 18:00.
L’La Maddalena excursion itinerary of Petagus provides two main stops for bathing (Spargi and Santa Maria) plus an additional stop at the Natural Pools of Budelli, where you can dive into shallow, crystal-clear waters. In total, you can enter the water at three different times of the day, each with unique backdrops and landscapes.
Yes. Our La Maddalena excursion itinerary includes a stop at the island of Budelli for admire the famous Pink Beach from the water. Landing on the beach is forbidden to protect this unique ecosystem, but you can photograph it and enjoy its rosy colour from a few metres away. The skipper will take you to the best spot for observation.
Yes. After the bathroom stops and coastal navigation, the’La Maddalena excursion itinerary lands in Cala Gavetta, in the heart of the historic centre of La Maddalena. Here you will have time for a stroll, shopping, or a visit to historical sites such as the church and the monument to Domenico Millelire, the first recipient of the medal for military valour of the Royal Sardinian Navy.
Departure is from port of Palau, conveniently accessible from the north of Sardinia. The exact embarkation point will be communicated to you at the time of booking. It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before the departure time (10:30 am). The return is scheduled at the same port between 17:30 and 18:00, for a total of approximately 7-8 hours of La Maddalena excursion itinerary.
