1. Practical tips for visiting Caprera
Where is Caprera located?
Caprera is an island situated 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 is located along the migration routes of cetaceans and birds.
It offers panoramic views of Corsica and the smaller islands of the archipelago.
Fun fact: 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 minutes 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; a boating license is required for engines over 40 HP.
Where to stay in Caprera
There are no accommodations in Caprera, you can book hotels, vacation homes, or rooms in La Maddalena where you will surely find the ideal solution for your vacation.
where to stay in La Maddalena
Camping prohibition: Prohibited all over the island to protect the ecosystem, with fines for violators.
How to get around Caprera
Bike/scooter: Optimal solution for moving between trails (rental available only in La Maddalena).
Car: Limited parking at main beaches, best to arrive early.
Important Rules
Military area: 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 away all waste.
2. What to do in Caprera
Boat tour 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. Tours depart from Palau, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Baja Sardinia, and Olbia.
see the best boat tours
Historical Trekking between Garibaldi and the Bunkers
Walk the Garibaldi Trail, which connects the Garibaldi Compendium to Forte Arbuticci, a former military outpost with a 360° view of the archipelago. Along the path, you will pass by the remains of Napoleon's forts and abandoned NATO bunkers, some still covered in mysterious graffiti.
Snorkeling at Spargi
The waters of Spargi are perfect for snorkeling. It's true, we are not in Caprera, but Spargi is still one of the wonderful islands of the archipelago.
The itinerary includes departure from Porto Pollo and discovering the most picturesque beaches of the archipelago, including the renowned Manto Della Madonna, situated between the islands of Razzoli, Budelli, and Santa Maria, where a stop for snorkeling will be made.
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 planned 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 way, you can request it from the guide, keeping in mind that some islands are only accessible on foot.
see excursion
Bike tour through trails and secret stories
Rent a bike in La Maddalena and ride along the scenic road that runs alongside Cala Portese and Punta Rossa.
Birdwatching in the Kingdom of the Corsican Gull
In the area of Cala Napoletana, with a bit of patience and silence, you can observe the rare Corsican gull 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 admire 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 that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the archipelago, particularly of 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, strategically and militarily important. Its elevated position allowed control over 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 over the crystal-clear sea, the rugged cliffs, and in the sunset, unforgettable colors.
3. Why is Caprera famous?
The Hero of Two Worlds
Caprera is inextricably linked to the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived here for the last 26 years of his life. He purchased half of the island in 1856, turning it into an agricultural estate and private refuge. Today the Garibaldi Compendium (house-museum) preserves his personal belongings, from the armchair where he died to gifts received from all over the world.
NATO's “Little America”
During the Cold War, Caprera hosted a secret military base with bunkers and radar stations (still visible). The U.S. used it as a forward base in the Mediterranean, while today it is a training zone for the 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 centuries-old pine and holm oak forests, and it hosts unique species such as the Corsican gull and the blue lizard.
The beach of pirates (and secrets)
Cala Coticcio, called “Sardinian Tahiti”, gets its name from the corsairs who hid their loot here (‘coticcio’ in local dialect means ‘hiding place’). Today it is a paradise of pink granite and fluorescent waters, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Unique detail: Garibaldi called Caprera “my little kingdom of freedom”, but few know that he also experimented with cotton cultivation during the American Civil War, sending seeds to his supporters in the USA.
4. 10 Things you (maybe) didn't know about Caprera
2. Pirates and the bay of hidden treasure
Cala Coticcio does not have this name by chance: “coticcio” in the Maddalenian dialect means “hiding place”. Here the Barbarossa corsairs buried treasures, and it is said that underneath the sand there are still Ottoman coins.
3. Garibaldi's secret beach
While everyone goes to Cala Andreani, few know that the Hero of Two Worlds loved Cala Serena, where he bathed naked (he wrote about it in his diaries!). The water here is so clear that it feels like floating in the void.
4. The eucalyptus trees planted by Garibaldi
The giant eucalyptus trees near his house are not accidental: he personally planted them to purify the air (he believed they drove away malaria). Today they are 30 meters tall and smell of honey.
7. The rarest bird in Italy
The Corsican gull (symbol of Maddalena) nests only here and in a few other islands. It has devil-red eyes 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 zap you with 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: with high tide the water covers it, and you risk getting stuck!
9. Where the Italian Navy SEALs train
The Navy Non-Commissioned Officers School trains its men here. If you see groups in black wetsuits running on the beach at dawn, they are not strange tourists...
10. The “little 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 (shells of Miniolus) 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 guardians smile and say nothing.
At Cala dei Morti (official name: Cala Caprarese), in the 1930s, 7 skeletons were found with gold coins in their mouths. 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 filled with black tooth-shaped shells – the tide takes them away only in November.
Conclusion: Experience Caprera Until the Last Sunset!
Caprera is not an island to visit in just a few hours: it is an experience to be savored slowly, amidst 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 vacation home overlooking the archipelago, and when you wake up, the sea will already be 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 now your stay and your boat trip – the Archipelago awaits you!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I 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 accommodation facilities in Caprera. I recommend booking a hotel or a vacation home in La Maddalena, where you will find various 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 the nearby islands, or participate in boat tours among the wonders of the archipelago. Don't forget to visit the Garibaldino Compendium for an immersion into history.
- Are there equipped beaches in Caprera?
- There are no services on the beaches in Caprera, so it is advisable to take away all your waste and the essentials for a day at the beach. It is important to respect the ecosystem and leave no trace.
- Can I camp in Caprera?
- Camping is prohibited in Caprera to protect the island's ecosystem, and violators may receive fines. I suggest 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 the use of drones in Caprera?
- The use of drones in Caprera is allowed only with permission from the National Park. It is important to follow local regulations to avoid disturbing wildlife and to preserve the environment.