La Maddalena — The Dream Archipelago

The Archipelago of La Maddalena is Sardinia's crown jewel — seven main islands and over 60 islets with the clearest water in the entire Mediterranean. Protected as a National Park since 1994, the archipelago is a paradise of granite rocks, white sand, macchia, and water in shades that no photo can adequately capture. Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italy's national hero, spent his last 26 years on Caprera — his house is now a museum.

La Maddalena (the main island) is the only permanently inhabited island of the archipelago and can be reached by ferry from Palau in 20 minutes (every 15–30 minutes, 5€ per person, 15€ with a car). The town of the same name has a pretty harbor, pastel-colored alleys, and good fish restaurants. From here, boat tours to the uninhabited islands start.

Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a causeway and offers the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago: Cala Coticcio (the "Tahiti of Sardinia" — two tiny coves with unreal turquoise water, accessible by hike or boat, access limited to 60 people/day) and Cala Napoletana (somewhat more accessible but no less spectacular). Caprera also houses the Garibaldi Museum — the residence of the Italian freedom fighter with original furnishings and his grave under a simple granite column.

Budelli is home to the legendary Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) — named after the pink shimmering sand caused by crushed corals and shells. Since 1994, access to the beach has been prohibited (nature conservation), but viewed from the buoy or from the boat, it remains breathtaking. Spargi has perhaps the most beautiful beach of the archipelago — Cala Corsara: four coves with white sand and water in every imaginable shade of blue. Only accessible by boat charter.