1. Practical Tips for Visiting Caprera
Where is Caprera 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:
- 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 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 to 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 accommodation facilities in Caprera; you can book hotels, vacation homes, or rooms in La Maddalena where you will definitely find the perfect solution for your vacation
where to stay in La Maddalena
Camping prohibition: Prohibited throughout the island to protect the ecosystem, with fines for violators.
Getting Around Caprera
Bikes/scooters: Optimal solution for moving between trails (rental available only in La Maddalena).
Cars: Limited parking at the main beaches, it's better to arrive early.
Important Rules
Military Zone: Access is prohibited in NATO areas near Punta Rossa
Drones: Use allowed only with permission from the National Park
Beaches: No services available, you must take away all your trash.
2. Things to Do in Caprera
Boat Tours Among the Islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago
One of the unmissable experiences is exploring the wonders of the La Maddalena Archipelago by boat. Trips depart from Palau, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Baja Sardinia, and Olbia
see the best boat tours
Historic Trekking Between Garibaldi and 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 way, you will pass by the remains of the Napoleonic 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 the discovery of the most beautiful beaches in 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.
There will also be visits to 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 accessible by foot.
see excursion
Bike Tour Among Trails and Secret Stories
Rent a bike in La Maddalena and cycle along the scenic road that runs along Cala Portese and Punta Rossa.
Birdwatching in the Land of the Corsican Gull
In the area of Cala Napoletana, with a little 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 points to admire the sun setting behind Corsica.
The Forte di Punta Tegge is an ancient military fortification located on the island of La Maddalena, Sardinia. It stands on a rocky promontory offering a spectacular panoramic view of the archipelago, particularly the Strait of Palau and the island of Caprera.
Built in the late 19th century, the fort was part of a coastal defense system designed to protect the archipelago, which was important from a strategic and military point of view. Its elevated position allowed for controlling 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 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, transforming it into a farmstead and private refuge. Today the Garibaldi Compendium (house-museum) houses his personal belongings, from the armchair where he died to the 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 an outpost 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 Park Island
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 ancient pine and holm oak forests and hosts unique species like the Corsican gull and the blue lizard.
The Pirates’ Beach (and Secrets)
Cala Coticcio, known as “Sardinian Tahiti”, gets its name from the pirates who hid their loot here (‘coticcio’ in dialect means ‘hiding place’). Today it is a paradise of pink granite and fluorescent waters, accessible only by foot or by boat.
Little-known 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. The Pirates and the Bay of Hidden Treasure
Cala Coticcio is not named that by chance: “coticcio” in the Maddaleninian dialect means “hiding place”. Here, the Barbary pirates buried their treasures, and it's said that under the sand, Ottoman coins still lie hidden.
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 nude (he wrote about it in his diaries!). The water here is so clear that it feels like floating in the void.
4. The Eucalyptus Planted by Garibaldi
The gigantic eucalyptus trees near his home are not accidental: he personally planted them to purify the air (he believed they warded off malaria). Today they stand 30 meters tall and smell of honey.
7. The Rarest Bird in Italy
The Corsican gull (symbol of La Maddalena) nests only here and in 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 Linked on 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 Navy Non-Commissioned Officers School trains its personnel 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 (Miniolus shells) and no access restrictions!
Dark Bonus:
It is said that Garibaldi hid in his home secret letters for Mazzini, which were never found. Some swear they are walled up in the cellar… but the caretakers 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 discovered the truth: 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 carries them away only in November.
Conclusion: experience Caprera until the last sunset!
Caprera is not an island to be visited in just a few hours: it’s an experience to savor 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 with a view of the archipelago, and upon waking, 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 cliffs of Santa Maria. The 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 is waiting for you!