1. Practical tips for visiting Caprera
Where Caprera is located
Caprera is an island located in the Archipelago La Maddalena, northeast of Sardinia. It is connected by a road bridge to the main island of La Maddalena (just 500 meters away) and is located:
- 5 km from the Sardinian coast (Palau)
- 15 km from Corsica (Bocche di Bonifacio)
- 40 km from Olbia (the nearest airport)
Why is the location special?
It is part of the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, a protected marine area.
It lies along the migratory routes of cetaceans and birds.
It offers panoramic views of Corsica and the smaller islands of the archipelago.
Curiosity: From its highest point (Monte Tejalone, 212 m), on clear days you can see the Alps of Corsica!
How to get to Caprera
Ferry from Palau La Maddalena
Main connection to La Maddalena (15-20 minute crossing). From there, Caprera can be reached via the Passo della Moneta bridge, by car, bike, or on foot.
book ferry
Boat rental
Ideal option for exploring the most remote coves, boating license required for engines over 40 HP.
Where to sleep in Caprera
There are no accommodation facilities in Caprera; you can book hotels, holiday homes, rooms in La Maddalena where you will surely find the ideal solution for your vacation.
where to sleep in La Maddalena
Camping ban: Prohibited throughout the island to protect the ecosystem, with fines for offenders.
How to get around Caprera
Bikes/scooters: Optimal solution for moving between the trails (rental available only in La Maddalena).
Cars: Limited parking at main beaches, better to arrive early.
Important Rules
Military zone: Access prohibited in NATO areas near Punta Rossa.
Drones: Use allowed only with permission from the National Park.
Beaches: No services available, it is necessary to take all waste away.
2. Things to do in Caprera
Boat tours among the Islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago
One of the must-do experiences is exploring by boat the wonders of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The excursions depart from Palau, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Baja Sardinia, and Olbia.
see the best boat tours
Historical Trekking between Garibaldi and the Bunkers
Follow the Garibaldi Path, which connects the Garibaldi Compendium to Forte Arbuticci, a former military outpost with a 360° view of the archipelago. Along the way, you will pass by the remains of the Napoleonic forts and abandoned NATO bunkers, some still covered with mysterious graffiti.
Snorkeling at Spargi
The waters of Spargi are perfect for snorkeling. It’s true, we are not at Caprera but Spargi is still one of the wonderful islands of the archipelago.
The itinerary includes departure from Porto Pollo and the discovery of the most picturesque beaches of the archipelago, including the renowned Manto Della Madonna, located between the islands of Razzoli, Budelli, and Santa Maria, where a stop will be made for snorkeling.
Visits will also include the Pink Beach of Budelli, Cala Granara, or Punta Zanotto, with a second stop dedicated to snorkeling (the exact location will depend on weather and wind conditions).
An additional stop is scheduled at Cala Corsara, on the island of Spargi, offering another opportunity for snorkeling. Please note that if you wish to make specific stops along the route, you can request it from the guide, keeping in mind that some islands are accessible on foot.
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Bike tour through trails and secret stories
Rent a bike in La Maddalena and pedal along the scenic road that runs along Cala Portese and Punta Rossa.
Birdwatching in the Kingdom of the Corsican Seagull
In the area of Cala Napoletana, with a little patience and silence, you can observe the rare Corsican seagull and other migratory birds. Bring binoculars: peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Sunset from Forte Tegge
One of the most spectacular spots to witness the sun setting behind Corsica.
The Forte di Punta Tegge is an ancient military fortification located on the island of La Maddalena, in Sardinia. It stands on a rocky promontory offering a spectacular panoramic view of the archipelago, particularly over the strait of Palau and the island of Caprera.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the fort was part of a coastal defense system designed to protect the archipelago, which was strategically and militarily important. Its elevated position allowed it to monitor naval movements in the area.
Today, the Forte di Punta Tegge is no longer used for military purposes and has become a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore its structures, admire the military architecture of the time, and, above all, enjoy breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea, the rugged cliffs, and, at sunset, unforgettable colors.
3. Why is Caprera famous?
The Hero of the Two Worlds
Caprera is inextricably linked to the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived here for the last 26 years of his life. He bought half of the island in 1856, turning it into a farm estate and private refuge. Today the Garibaldi Compendium (house-museum) preserves his personal belongings, from the armchair where he died to gifts received from around the world.
The NATO's “Little America”
During the Cold War, Caprera hosted a secret military base with bunkers and radar stations (still visible). The USA used it as a post in the Mediterranean, while today it is a training area for Italian special forces. Some areas remain off-limits, fueling theories about mysterious activities.
The unique island-park
Over 80% of Caprera is part of the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, with strict environmental protection. It is the only island in the archipelago with forests of ancient pine and oak trees, and hosts unique species like the Corsican seagull and the blue lizard.
The pirates' beach (and secrets)
Cala Coticcio, known as the “Sardinian Tahiti”, gets its name from the privateers who hid their loot here (‘coticcio’ in dialect means ‘hiding place’). Today it is a paradise of pink granite and fluorescent waters, reachable only on foot or by boat.
Unique detail: Garibaldi called Caprera “my little kingdom of freedom”, but few know that he also experimented with growing cotton during the American Civil War, sending seeds to his supporters in the USA.
4. 10 Things you (maybe) didn't know about Caprera
2. The pirates and the bay of hidden treasure
Cala Coticcio is not named that by chance: “coticcio” in the Maddalenino dialect means “hiding place”. Here, the barbarian privateers buried their treasures, and it is said that under the sand, Ottoman coins still lie buried.
3. Garibaldi's secret beach
While everyone goes to Cala Andreani, few know that the Hero of the Two Worlds loved Cala Serena, where he bathed nude (he wrote about it in his diaries!). The water here is so clear that it seems to float in the void.
4. The eucalyptus planted by Garibaldi
The giant eucalyptus trees near his house are no coincidence: he personally planted them to purify the air (he believed they warded off malaria). Today they are 30 meters tall and smell of honey.
7. The rarest bird in Italy
The Corsican seagull (symbol of La Maddalena) nests only here and on a few other islands. It has red eyes like the devil, but is harmless. If you see one, you are lucky: there are only 150 pairs in the world.
Pro Tip: “Silence and no selfies: if you scare them, the rangers will shoot you a glare.”
8. The only island connected by foot
Thanks to the Passo della Moneta (a natural sand bridge), you can walk from La Maddalena to Caprera in 15 minutes. But be careful: at high tide, the water covers it, and you risk getting stuck!
9. Where the Italian Navy SEALs train
The Marina Non-Commissioned Officers School trains its men here. If you see groups in black wetsuits running on the beach at dawn, they are not weird tourists…
10. The “younger sister” of the pink beach
At Cala Brigantina, there is a miniature version of the pink beach of Budelli: less famous, but with the same phenomenon (Miniolus shells) and no access restrictions!
Bonus Dark:
It is said that Garibaldi hid in his house secret letters for Mazzini, which were never found. Some swear they are walled up in the cellar… but the custodians smile and say nothing.
At Cala dei Morti (official name: Cala Caprarese), seven skeletons with gold coins in their mouths were found in the 1930s. Were they pirates? Smugglers? No one ever found out: the forensic doctor who examined them died of a heart attack two days later. Today the beach is covered with black tooth-shaped shells – the tide only takes them away in November.
Conclusion: experience Caprera until the last sunset!
Caprera is not an island you visit in a few hours: it is an experience to savor slowly, among history, nature, and legends. To truly enjoy it, stay in the area for at least one night! Choose a charming B&B in La Maddalena or a holiday home with views of the archipelago, and upon waking, you'll already have the sea in front of your eyes.
And to complete the adventure, don't miss a boat trip to the Maddalena Archipelago! Sail among the pink beaches of Budelli, the natural pools of Spargi, and the granite rocks of Santa Maria. Excursions depart from the port of La Maddalena and often include snorkeling and lunch on board with local products.
👉 Book your stay and your boat trip – the Archipelago is waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you get to Caprera from Sardinia?
- To get to Caprera, you can take a ferry from Palau to La Maddalena, with a crossing of about 15-20 minutes. Once in La Maddalena, you can reach Caprera via the Passo della Moneta bridge by car, bike, or on foot.
- Where can I stay in Caprera?
- There are no accommodations in Caprera. I recommend booking a hotel or a vacation home in La Maddalena, where you'll find several options to suit your needs.
- What activities can I do in Caprera?
- In Caprera, you can explore historic trails, go snorkeling in the warm waters of nearby islands, or take boat tours among the wonders of the archipelago. Don't forget to visit the Garibaldi Compendium for an immersion in history.
- Are there equipped beaches in Caprera?
- Caprera does not have services on its beaches, so it is advisable to take all your waste and the necessary items for a day at the sea with you. It’s important to respect the ecosystem and not leave traces behind.
- Can I camp in Caprera?
- Camping is prohibited in Caprera to protect the island's ecosystem, and violators may receive fines. I recommend looking for accommodations in La Maddalena for a comfortable stay.
- What is the best season to visit Caprera?
- The best season to visit Caprera is summer when temperatures are milder and the waters are warm. However, spring and early autumn can offer a very pleasant experience with less crowding.
- Are there restrictions on drone use in Caprera?
- Drone use in Caprera is allowed only with permission from the National Park. It’s important to follow local regulations to avoid disturbing wildlife and to preserve the environment.