1. Practical tips for visiting Caprera
Where Caprera is located
Caprera is an island located in theLa Maddalena Archipelagoin the north-east of Sardinia. It is connected by a road bridge to the main island of La Maddalena (from which it is only 500 metres away) and is located at:
- 5 km from the Sardinian coast (Palau)
- 15 km from Corsica (Bocche di Bonifacio)
- 40 km from Olbia (nearest airport)
Why is the position special?
It is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a marine protected area
Found 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 (Mount Tejalone, 212 m) on a clear day you can see the Corsican Alps!
How to get to Caprera
Ferry from Palau La Maddalena
Main link to La Maddalena (15-20 minute crossing). From there, Caprera can be reached via the Passo della Moneta bridge, by car, bicycle or on foot.
book ferry
Boat rental
Ideal option for exploring the most remote coves, licence required for engines over 40 hp.
Where to sleep in Caprera
There are no accommodations in Caprera, you can book hotels, holiday homes, rooms in La Maddalena where you will surely find the ideal solution for your holiday
where to sleep in La Maddalena
Prohibition of campingBanned throughout the island to protect the ecosystem, with fines for offenders.
Getting around Caprera
Bike/scooter: Optimal solution for getting around the trails (rental only available in La Maddalena).
CarsLimited parking at the main beaches, best to arrive early.
Important Rules
Military zone: Access forbidden in NATO areas near Punta Rossa
Drones: Use permitted only with permission of the National Park
BeachesNo service available, all waste must be taken away.
2. What to do in Caprera
Boat tours among the La Maddalena Archipelago Islands
One of the unmissable experiences is exploring the wonders of the La Maddalena Archipelago by boat. Excursions depart from Palau, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Baja Sardinia and Olbia
see the best tour in boats
Historical Trekking between Garibaldi and the Bunkers
Walk the Garibaldi Pathwhich connects the Garibaldi Compendium to Fort Arbuticcia former military post with a 360° view of the archipelago. Along the way, you will pass the remains of Napoleonic forts and abandoned NATO bunkers, some still covered with mysterious graffiti.
Snorkelling in Spargi
Spargi's waters are perfect for snorkelling. True, we are not on Caprera but Spargi is still one of the wonderful islands of the archipelago.
The itinerary includes departing from Porto Pollo and discovering the archipelago's most striking beaches, including the renowned Our Lady's Mantlelocated between the islands of Razzoli, Budelli and Santa Maria, where a snorkelling stop will be made.
You will also visit the Spiaggia rosa of Budelli, Cala Granara o Punta Zanottowith a second stop dedicated to snorkelling (the precise location will depend on weather and wind conditions).
A further stop is planned at Cala Corsara, on the island of Spargi, offering a further opportunity for snorkelling. Please note that should you wish to make specific stops along the way, you can request this from your guide, bearing in mind that some islands are accessible on foot.
see excursion
Bike tour through trails and secret histories
Rent a bike in La Maddalena and pedal along the scenic road that runs alongside Cala Portese e Punta Rossa.
Birdwatching in the Kingdom of the Coursing Gull
In the area of Cala Neapolitanwith a little patience and silence, you can observe the very rare seagull course and other migratory birds. Bring binoculars: peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Sunset from Fort Tegge
One of the most spectacular spots for admiring the sun setting behind Corsica.
The Fort of Punta Tegge is an ancient military fortification located on the island of La Maddalena, Sardinia. It stands on a rocky promontory that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the archipelago, in particular of the Palau Strait and the island of Caprera.
Built in the late 19th century, the fort was part of a coastal defence system designed to protect the strategically and militarily important archipelago. Its elevated position allowed naval movements in the area to be controlled.
Today, Fort 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, most importantly, enjoy the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear seajagged cliffs and, at sunset, unforgettable colours
3. Why is Caprera famous?
The Hero of Two Worlds
Caprera is inextricably linked to the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldiwho lived the last 26 years of his life here. He bought half of the island in 1856, turning it into an agricultural estate and private retreat. Today the Garibaldi Compendium (house-museum) houses his personal belongings, from the armchair where he died to the gifts he 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 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, fuelling theories about mysterious activities.
The island-park without equal
Besides the 80% in Caprera is part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Parkwith strict environmental protection. It is the only island in the archipelago with centuries-old pine and holm-oak forests, and is home to unique species such as the Corsican seagull and the blue lizard.
The beach of pirates (and secrets)
Cala Coticcio, called 'Tahiti sarda'It owes its name to the corsairs who hid their booty here ('coticcio' in dialect means 'hiding place'). Today it is a paradise of pink granite and fluorescent waters, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Unseen detailGaribaldi called Caprera 'my little kingdom of freedom'but few know that here he also experienced the cultivation of cotton during the American Civil War, sending seeds to his supporters in the USA.
4. 10 things you (perhaps) don't know about Caprera
2. Pirates and the Bay of Hidden Treasure
Coticcio Cove is not called that by accident: 'cocoa' in Magdalenian dialect means 'hiding place'. Here the Barbary corsairs buried loot, and it is said that Ottoman coins still lie beneath the sand.
3. Garibaldi's secret beach
While everyone goes to Cala Andreanifew know that the Hero of the Two Worlds loved Cala Serenawhere he used to bathe naked (he wrote this in his diaries!). The water here is so transparent that it feels like floating in a vacuum.
4. The eucalyptus trees planted by Garibaldi
The giant eucalyptus trees near his house are not accidental: he personally planted them for reclaiming the air (believed to ward off malaria). Today they are 30 metres high and smell of honey.
7. Italy's rarest bird
The seagull course (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 selfie: if you scare them off, the rangers will glare at you."
8. The only island connected by foot
Thanks to the Coin Pass (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 Italian Navy SEALs train
La Naval Petty Officers School trains his 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
A Cala Brigantine there is a miniature version of the pink beach of Budelli: less famous, but with the same phenomenon (Miniolus shells) and no ban on access!
Bonus Dark:
Garibaldi is said to have hidden in his home secret letters for Mazzini, never found. Some swear they are walled up in the cellar... but the keepers smile and say nothing.
A Cala of the Dead (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 coroner who examined them died of a heart attack two days later. Today the beach is invaded by black tooth-shaped shells - the tide only takes them away in November.
Conclusion: live Caprera until the last sunset!
Caprera is not an island that can be visited in a few hours: it is aexperience to be savoured at leisurebetween history, nature and legends. To really enjoy it, stay around at least one night! Choose a characteristic B&B in La Maddalena or a holiday home with a view of the archipelago, and when you wake up you will already have the sea before your eyes.
And to complete the adventure, don't miss a boat trip to the Maddalena Archipelago! Browse the Pink beaches of Budellithe natural pools of Spargi and the granite cliffs of Santa Maria. Excursions depart from the port of La Maddalena and often include snorkelling and lunch on board with local products.
👉 Book your living room and the your boat trip - the Archipelago is waiting for you!