Emotions and seasons in La Maddalena and its archipelago
The National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena includes a terrestrial and marine area of 18.000 hectares and 180 kilometers of coastline. La Maddalena is connected to Caprera Island by a bridge and the archipelago includes Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli and countless minor islands: the Isola delle Bisce, Mortorio, Soffio and Li Nibani just to name a few.
During the summer you’ll find several opportunities to explore this group of islands, especially if you are seeking a boat tour to the famous Spiaggia Rosa or to the astonishing bay of Cala Corsara. Whether you visit the most popular spots or go searching for a more secluded oasis of crystal clear water, you’ll be enchanted by the wild beauty of many hidden inlets and the view of extraordinary rocks and boulders.
Middle seasons
Autumn, on the other hand, with its mild and short days which spark with a melancholic light but burst into flames at sunset, or Spring, with its vivid light and scents of the wild flowing in the wind, are the seasons that call for other explorations. You’ll find yourself on rugged and rocky trails along La Maddalena’s coast and diving into the greenery of Caprera. You will notice the local flora: it grows in a poor and salty ground and yet it counts some 986 botanical species, fifty of which have been found only in this part of the world.
Trekking Trails
For trekking lovers, we recommend the hiking trails in Caprera. They are a network of ancient military pathways, restored, marked and made accessible by the National Park. We highly recommend the trail to Candeo’s fortification and, with an authorized guide only, the trail to Cala Coticcio.
For more information on Caprera’s trails, click on this link: www.lamaddalenapark.it
Caprera was also Giuseppe Garibaldi’s home, the secluded place where he spent the last years of his life. Caprera hosts two museums dedicated to his life and history: the Compendio Garibaldino (part of Garibaldi’s house), and the Memoriale Giuseppe Garibaldi.
In conclusion, we remind you that La Maddalena and the surrounding islands are usually referred to as “islands of the wind,” and every excursion plan must be tuned according to the wind’s notes. Bring along hiking boots and windbreakers! And then… “Explore, Dream. Discover!” (Mark Twain).
Birdwatching
Birdwatching can be fun and interesting also: pay attention and it won’t be difficult to spot small birds of prey and many other species. The archipelago of La Maddalena is a nesting home and natural habitat for seabirds like Manch and Cory shearwaters, cormorants, European shags, common and Audouin’s gulls. It is not so rare to see egrets, grey herons and other migratory birds making their stop-over in these islands. Scattered in La Maddalena, Caprera and the minor islands, many abandoned military structures such as observation posts, sentry boxes and large fortifications offer a sample of beautiful military architecture and spectacular views of the sea.