The island of Spargi is one of the five main islands of the La Maddalena archipelago in northern Sardinia. It is also, for many visitors, the most beautiful. But what makes Spargi different from other islands such as Budelli, Santa Maria or Caprera? And above all: how does one visit Spargi during a boat trip and what can one actually do while there?
This comprehensive guide answers all these questions. You will find detailed information on the beaches of Spargi, the seabed, permitted stops, National Park constraints and practical tips for organising your visit with Petagus.
1. Where is the island of Spargi and why is it called that?
The island of Spargi lies southeast of the island of La Maddalena and north of the island of Caprera. It is separated from the latter by the Passo degli Asinelli, a short arm of sea about 500 metres wide. Spargi is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and is included in the Special Protection Area (SPA) for nesting seabirds.
The name “Spargi” could derive from the Greek “spargan” (to separate), referring to the geographical position separating two sea areas, or from the Latin “spargere” (to scatter, to disperse), due to the jagged shape of the coastline that seems to be “scattered” with rocks and inlets.
The island has an area of about 4.2 square kilometres and is uninhabited. There are no accommodations, no restaurants and no services. This absence of anthropisation is exactly what preserves its beauty.
Coordinates and how to reach Spargi from Palau
Distance from Palau: approximately 7 kilometres
Sail time by pleasure boat: 25-35 minutes
Starting point for Petagus excursions: Palau marina
2. The beaches of Spargi: Cavaliere Beach and Cala Corsara
Spargi ha diverse spiagge e calette, ma due sono quelle che compaiono in tutti gli itinerari delle boat trips a La Maddalena.
Knight's Beach
The Knight's Beach is the most famous and most photographed beach in Spargi. It owes its name to a large granite boulder that, seen from a certain angle, resembles the profile of a knight on horseback, complete with helmet.
Technical characteristics of the Knight's Beach:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | about 80 metres |
| Sand | white, fine, small grain |
| Background | sandy with slight slope |
| Depth at 10 metres from shore | approximately 1.5 metres |
| Depth at 30 metres from shore | about 3-4 metres |
| Exposure | south-west |
| Wind protection | excellent (protected from mistral and grecale) |
The Spiaggia del Cavaliere is framed by two rocky promontories that create a sense of intimacy. The water takes on different hues: light turquoise near the shore, deep blue offshore.
Cala Corsara
Cala Corsara is located on the western side of the island, a few minutes by boat from Cavaliere Beach. It is smaller and wilder.
Characteristics of Cala Corsara:
Slightly coarser sand than on Cavaliere Beach
Presence of some semi-submerged granite boulders that create small natural pools
Water generally deeper already a few metres from the shore (2-3 metres)
Mixed seabed: sand and rock
Cala Corsara is less frequented because access ashore is slightly more difficult. However, many boat stops prefer this cove for snorkelling, due to the presence of rocks that attract fish.
Other minor bays of Spargi
Spargi has other small inlets that can only be reached by boats of small draught: Cala Granara, Cala Ferrigno and Punta Sardegna. They are not included in the standard day-trip itineraries because they require longer sailing times and reduced manoeuvring space.
3. Can you go ashore at Spargi? National Park Rules
Yes, it is possible to go ashore at Spargi, but with certain limitations laid down in the regulations of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
What is allowed:
Access to beaches during daylight hours
Bathing and sunbathing
Walking on unmarked paths (at your own risk)
What is not allowed:
Camping or staying overnight
Lighting fires
Collecting sand, shells, pebbles or vegetation (fine of 500 to 3,000 euro)
Bringing dogs or other pets (also on a leash)
Leaving rubbish of any kind
During the high season (July and August), Knight's Beach can become very crowded. The boats that offer excursions, such as Petagus, manage their stopping times to avoid too many groups overlapping at the same time.
Can you reserve a place on the beach at Spargi?
No. There is no reservation or reservation of the beaches of Spargi. Access is free and free of charge, but only by sea. There are no ferries or scheduled services to Spargi. The only way to visit it is by private boat or an organised excursion such as those to Petagus.
4. Snorkelling at Spargi: what to see underwater
Spargi is considered one of the best snorkelling destinations in the entire Maddalena Archipelago. The reason is the combination of mixed seabed (sand, rock, posidonia) and clear waters with visibility often exceeding 15 metres.
Best snorkelling areas in Spargi
Area between Cavaliere Beach and Cala Corsara
Here, there are semi-submerged granite boulders that create small ravines. What you can see:
Red sea stars (coralium rubrum) on the rocky seabed
Goblins and gobies in the cracks of the rocks
Castanets (chromis chromis) in banks near the surface
Occasionally, octopuses in the deepest crevasses
Sandy seabed in front of the Cavaliere Beach
On the pale sand they observe each other:
Turbot (Psetta maxima) if you are patient and swim slowly
Partially buried sea cucumbers (Ensis ensis)
Fast-moving running crabs (Portunus pelagicus)
Posidonia meadows
Posidonia oceanica, a protected marine plant, forms extensive meadows around Spargi. These areas are a nursery for young fish. They can be seen:
Seahorses (rarer, but present)
Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense)
Purple sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus)
Recommended snorkelling equipment at Spargi
| Tool | Necessity | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mask | Essential | Visibility is excellent, a quality mask makes all the difference |
| Mouthpiece | Essential | Allows observation without resurfacing every 30 seconds |
| Fins | Recommend | Sandy seabed requires movement with fins so as not to raise sediment |
| Light moulting | Optional | Useful in May/June and September/October (water 18-22°C) |
| Rock shoes | Optional | Useful if you go ashore on sharp rocks |
Petagus does not provide snorkelling equipment. Participants must bring their own or purchase it in Palau before departure.
5. How to visit Spargi during the boat trip with Petagus
On the standard Petagus itinerary, Spargi is one of the main stops of the day. Here is how the stop typically unfolds.
Typical stopping time at Spargi
Arrival at Spargi: between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Break duration: 60-75 minutes
Modalities: stop on the beach with the possibility of going ashore
What happens during the stop
The captain positions the boat at a safe distance from the shore, dropping anchor in an authorised area.
The crew communicates the departure time. It is important to respect this because the stop authorisations are time-based.
Participants may:
Go ashore with a small service dinghy (if the distance requires it)
Swimming to the shore
Staying in the water near the boat
No food or drink may be landed on the beach during the stopover.
What not to do at Spargi during the stop
Bringing glass containers to the beach
Leave towels or personal belongings unattended throughout the stopover (the beach is public and open to other boats)
Move away from the designated staging area
6. Spargi in high season: what to expect
Visiting Spargi in July or August is very different from visiting it in June or September. Here is a direct comparison.
| Appearance | June and September | July and August |
|---|---|---|
| Crowding | Moderate (4-8 boats simultaneously) | High (over 15 boats) |
| Water temperature | 20-23°C | 24-27°C |
| Underwater visibility | Excellent (15-20 metres) | Good (10-15 metres) for slight turbidity |
| Knight's Beach | Partially occupied | Very crowded |
| Typical stop | 75 minutes | 60 minutes (per turnover) |
Practical tip: if you have the choice, plan your trip to Spargi between the second half of June and the first half of July, or in the first half of September. You will have warm water, fewer boats and a more relaxed break.
7. Frequently asked questions about Spargi
How long do you stay at Spargi with Petagus?
Typically between 60 and 75 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the number of boats present.
Can you eat on the beach of Spargi?
No. It is not formally forbidden, but there are no picnic areas and the crew advises against taking food ashore so as not to attract seagulls and leave rubbish. Lunch is eaten on board.
Is there a shadow at Spargi?
There are no trees or structures offering shade on the beach. The only shade is from the boat or umbrellas brought from home (but there are no places to permanently fix them).
Is Spargi suitable for young children?
Yes, the Spiaggia del Cavaliere has shallow water and fine sand. It is one of the safest stops for children who know how to swim or with swimmers.
Can dolphins be seen around Spargi?
It is possible but not frequent. Dolphins are more common in the more open waters between La Maddalena and Caprera. When navigating to Spargi, the crew reports any sightings.
What is the difference between Spargi and Budelli?
Spargi has wider and more accessible beaches with sandy bottoms. Budelli is famous for the Pink Beach, but access ashore is prohibited or severely restricted. With Petagus, one visits Spargi with a stop ashore, while Budelli is usually only seen from aboard.
Summary: why Spargi is a must-see
Spargi offers what many are looking for in a boat trip to La Maddalena: a white sandy beach, transparent water, attractive snorkelling grounds and a protected natural environment. Unlike other islands in the archipelago, Spargi allows landings without any particular seasonal restrictions (with the exception of a ban on camping and gathering).
For those who only have one day to visit the Maddalena Archipelago, Spargi is the most complete stop: you go down to the beach, swim, observe the underwater nature and relax in an environment that needs no services or infrastructure to be appreciated.
Book your trip with Petagus and discover Spargi the right way: with a quality stop, the right timetable and the assistance of a crew that knows the island metre by metre.