La Maddalena Boat Tour: Islands, Beaches & Swim Stops

Summary

Swim in clear coves, wander tiny shops, hear local stories from Palau to La Maddalena

You’ll board in Palau with a local guide and cruise through the La Maddalena islands, stopping to swim at Santa Maria and Spargi beaches. Glimpse Rosa Beach from the boat, float above Budelli’s natural pools, then stroll La Maddalena town’s narrow streets before heading home salty-haired and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

Seagulls were already arguing over crumbs as we stepped onto the boat in Palau — I remember the salty air and that faint diesel smell you get near harbors. Our guide, Paolo, greeted us with a grin and a half-English, half-Italian welcome (honestly, his jokes landed better in Italian). The La Maddalena archipelago spread out ahead of us, all jagged rocks and blinding turquoise patches. I’d seen photos before but it’s different when you’re squinting into the real sunlight, sunscreen already melting down your arm.

First stop was Santa Maria beach. We jumped off barefoot — sand here feels almost squeaky underfoot, so pale it nearly glows. Some locals were picnicking nearby; a woman offered us a slice of something she called “pane carasau” (I probably pronounced it wrong). The water was cold enough to sting at first, then perfect. Paolo pointed out Budelli Island and its famous pink sand beach — Rosa Beach — from the deck later on. You can’t walk on it anymore (protected now), but even from afar there’s this weird hush when everyone leans over the rail to look. Maybe just me.

Spargi was next — more swimming, more salt on my lips. There’s a kind of silence here that’s not really silent: waves slapping hulls, someone laughing behind you in French or German. At Cala Corsara we didn’t dock but drifted close enough for photos; Paolo told some story about pirates hiding treasure here (he winked after so who knows). The highlight for me? Floating in those “natural swimming pools” off Budelli — the color is unreal but not in that Instagram way; it’s softer somehow.

The last stop was La Maddalena itself. We wandered through narrow streets past laundry flapping between windows and little shops selling lemon soap and postcards with faded edges. I bought a gelato and sat by the port watching boats come in — honestly, I could’ve stayed longer just listening to people talk around me. On the way back to Palau I realized my towel smelled like seaweed and sunscreen mixed together… not unpleasant actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover La Maddalena Archipelago islands

• Depart from Palau by boat
• Listen to multilingual speaker onboard
• Stop at Budelli for swimming
• Stop at Spargi beach
• Panoramic stop at Rosa beach
• Visit Cala Corsara
• Swim near Santa Maria island
• Explore La Maddalena historic center
• Visit tourist port and local shops

Top questions

Where does the La Maddalena boat tour start?

The tour departs from Palau harbor.

Are there swimming stops during the tour?

Yes, you can swim at Santa Maria and Spargi beaches and from the boat near Budelli Island.

Is there a guide or commentary on board?

Yes, a multilingual speaker provides information during the trip.

Do we visit La Maddalena town?

Yes, there is time to explore the historic center of La Maddalena island.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on the boat.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is included; you may bring your own or buy food during stops.

Can infants join this boat trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes multilingual commentary from your local guide Paolo (or someone like him), use of onboard restrooms for convenience between swims, plus plenty of time ashore at Santa Maria and Spargi beaches as well as free wandering in La Maddalena town before returning to Palau by boat.