{"id":11885,"date":"2026-05-23T00:39:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T22:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=11885"},"modified":"2026-05-23T00:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T22:39:56","slug":"what-to-do-in-la-maddalena-10-experiences-not-to-be-missed-besides-the-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/cosa-fare-a-la-maddalena-10-esperienze-da-non-perdere-oltre-alle-spiagge\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in La Maddalena: 10 experiences not to be missed (besides the beaches)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When one thinks of the La Maddalena Archipelago, one's mind immediately runs to white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. But the inhabited island offers so much more. This guide answers the question\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do<\/a> in La Maddalena\u201d.\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0when you want to discover the village, history, museums, trails and local cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking for\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong> in two or three days, you are in the right place. Perfect for mistral days or for those who like to travel in a complete and authentic way.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Strolling in the historic centre<\/span><\/h2>\n

The historic centre of La Maddalena is a small jewel of popular architecture. Its cobbled streets tell a story of fishermen and sailors. It is one of the first answers to the question\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0just off the ferry.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to see:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Via Garibaldi, the main street<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Piazza Umberto I, the heart of the city<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Pilots' houses with pastel-coloured facades<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Recommended time: 1-2 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    2. Cala Gavetta: the heart of the village<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Cala Gavetta is the small historic port. Bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours line the quay. It is another landmark of\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0both during the day and in the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What to do:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Aperitif with a view of boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Homemade granita in the square<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Photos of colourful fishermen's boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Curiosity: Cala Gavetta is also the starting point of many boat excursions.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      3. Visit the Church of St Mary Magdalene<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Built between 1779 and 1784, it is the island's main church, dedicated to the patron saint. Placing a visit here is a way of responding to\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for those who love sacred art.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Hours: 8 a.m.-12 noon and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. Time: 20-30 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      4. The Garibaldi Compendium at Caprera<\/span><\/h2>\n

      The island of Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a bridge. The house where Giuseppe Garibaldi lived is located here. It is an unmissable stop to understand\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0from a historical point of view.<\/span><\/p>\n

      What to see:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        The White House, Garibaldi's residence<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        The Hero's grave (with \u201cI obey\u201d written on it)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        The Garibaldi Museum with relics and weapons<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Hours: summer 9am-7pm, winter 9am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Ticket: 8 euro.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Time: 2-3 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n

        5. Fort Arbuticci: the multimedia memorial<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Inaugurated in 2022, it is an interactive and immersive itinerary dedicated to Garibaldi. If you are wondering\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0with children or in an engaging way, this is the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Duration: 45-60 minutes. Included in the Compendi ticket.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n

        6. The Nino Lamboglia Museum and Underwater Archaeology<\/span><\/h2>\n

        The museum exhibits finds from the Roman wreck of Spargi. Amphorae, coins and ceramics tell the marine history of the archipelago. For archaeology enthusiasts, it is a clear answer to\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0indoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Hours: June-September 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Ticket: 5 euro.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Time: 1 hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n

        7. Discovering the wilderness of Caprera<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Caprera offers trails amidst Mediterranean scrub and breathtaking views. Among the activities\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for trekking lovers, this is the most authentic.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Recommended trails:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Cala Coticcio (Tahiti) - 2 km, permit required<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Cala Napoletana - easier<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Caprera Ring - 8 km panoramic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Punta Rossa - 360\u00b0 view<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          What to bring: hiking shoes, water (1.5 litres), hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n

          8. Tasting traditional dishes<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Magdalenian cuisine is a mix of Sardinian and seafood flavours. Here is\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for the palate.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          <\/div>\n
          <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
          Dish<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
          Gallura soup<\/span><\/td>\nCarasau bread, cheese, broth<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Myrtle risotto<\/span><\/td>\nWith shellfish and myrtle liqueur<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Fresh fish<\/span><\/td>\nSea bream, sea bass, snapper<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Seadas<\/span><\/td>\nFried cake with honey<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

          Where to eat: trattorias in the centre (15-20 euro) or restaurants on the harbour (30-40 euro).<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n

          9. Renting a bicycle or scooter<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Exploring the island on two wheels is the best way to see inaccessible beaches and views. Another way of responding to\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0autonomously.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Costs:<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n

            Bikes: 10-15 euro\/day<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            E-bike: 20-30 euro\/day<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Scooter: 40-60 euro\/day<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Recommended route: La Maddalena - Punta Tegge (8 km a\/r).<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n

            10. Admiring the sunset from the Punta Tegge Belvedere<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Punta Tegge is the most spectacular spot for sunset, with views of Spargi, Budelli and Razzoli. If you are looking for a romantic or photographic moment, here is\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in the late afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

            How to get there: 8 km from the centre, then 300 metres on foot. Bring sweatshirt and torch.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n

            11. The boat trip with Petagus<\/span><\/h2>\n

            If you only have one day or want to complete the experience on land, the boat trip with Petagus is the answer to\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwhat to do in La Maddalena\u201d<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0to see the sea of the archipelago.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Why Petagus:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • \n

              Departure from Palau (connected to La Maddalena by ferry in 20 minutes)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              7-hour itinerary: Spargi (Cala Corsara with disembarkation), Budelli (sighting Pink Beach), Piscine Naturali (diving stop), Santa Maria (Cala Santa Maria with disembarkation)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Free cancellation within 24 hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Daily departures at 10:30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Prices: adults from 50\u20ac, children from 30\u20ac<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              How to match:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • \n

                1 day: boat trip or land only<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                2 days: day 1 Petagus excursion, day 2 culture and nature<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                3 days: add trekking to Caprera<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \n

                12. How to organise the ideal day<\/span><\/h2>\n

                2-day itinerary (sea + culture):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
                \n
                <\/div>\n
                <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Day<\/span><\/th>\nActivities<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                1<\/span><\/td>\nBoat trip with Petagus (7 hours)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                2<\/span><\/td>\nMorning: Garibaldino Compendium and Fort Arbuticci. Afternoon: historic centre, Cala Gavetta, sunset at Punta Tegge. Dinner on the harbour.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

                What to do in La Maddalena with 3 days:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0add trekking to Caprera and a half day at the Lamboglia Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n

                13. Frequently asked questions on what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/h2>\n

                How many days does it take to see La Maddalena?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nMinimum 2 days: one for the boat trip and one on land. With 3 days you see everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

                What to do in La Maddalena in a day?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nYou have to choose: either the boat trip (sea) or the village tour with Garibaldi (land). Both require a full day.<\/span><\/p>\n

                What to do in La Maddalena when it rains?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nNino Lamboglia Museum, Garibaldi Compendium (indoor), Fort Arbuticci, churches in the centre, lunch in a trattoria.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Is it better to stay in La Maddalena or Palau?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nLa Maddalena is more authentic and lively in the evenings. Palau is more convenient for a trip with Petagus (direct embarkation).<\/span><\/p>\n

                Does the trip with Petagus leave from La Maddalena?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nNo, it leaves from Palau. If you are staying in La Maddalena, take the ferry to Palau (20 minutes, every 20-30 minutes).<\/span><\/p>\n

                What is the best time to ask what to do in La Maddalena?<\/span><\/strong>
                \nJune and September: ideal climate, fewer crowds. July and August: beautiful but crowded.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Now you know\u00a0<\/span>what to do in La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0both on land and at sea. Give a day to culture (borgo, Garibaldi, Caprera, sunsets) and a day to the sea with the Petagus boat trip (Spargi, Budelli, Piscine Naturali, Santa Maria).<\/span><\/p>\n

                Book your trip with Petagus and discover the archipelago from the sea side. Then give yourself at least one more day to explore all that the islands offer on land.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Quando si pensa all’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, la mente corre subito alle spiagge di sabbia bianca e alle acque cristalline. Ma l’isola abitata offre molto di pi\u00f9. Questa guida risponde alla domanda\u00a0“cosa fare a La Maddalena”\u00a0quando vuoi scoprire il borgo, la storia, i musei, i sentieri e la cucina locale. Se stai cercando\u00a0cosa fare a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11885"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11887,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11885\/revisions\/11887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}