Caprera Island La Maddalena Italy
Caprera Island, part of La Maddalena Archipelago, boasts stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and the historic home of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Caprera Island La Maddalena Italy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Caprera Island, part of La Maddalena Archipelago, boasts stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and the historic home of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
"Caprera offers a unique blend of natural paradise and historical significance, a must-visit in Sardinia."
🚗 Rent a car/scooter
Essential for exploring Caprera's many beaches. Book in advance for summer!
🥾 Book guided hikes
Some remote beaches require a guide to access. Plan ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cala Coticcio
Caprera Island
A breathtaking cove with turquoise waters and fine sand, often called 'Tahiti of Sardinia'.
Spiaggia del Relitto
Caprera Island
Famous for its striking shipwreck, this beach offers a unique and picturesque setting.
Garibaldi's Compendium
Caprera Island
Explore the historic home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in Italian unification.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting Around Caprera
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a car/scooter
Essential for exploring Caprera's many beaches. Book in advance for summer!
🥾 Book guided hikes
Some remote beaches require a guide to access. Plan ahead!
☀️ Avoid August crowds
The island gets very busy. Consider shoulder seasons for a more peaceful visit.
📸 Capture the shipwreck
Spiaggia del Relitto's iconic shipwreck is a must-see photo op.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a car/scooter
Essential for exploring Caprera's many beaches. Book in advance for summer!
🥾 Book guided hikes
Some remote beaches require a guide to access. Plan ahead!
☀️ Avoid August crowds
The island gets very busy. Consider shoulder seasons for a more peaceful visit.
📸 Capture the shipwreck
Spiaggia del Relitto's iconic shipwreck is a must-see photo op.
💧 Pack plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during hikes to secluded coves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caprera Island is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring pristine beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and unique rock formations. Visitors praise its rugged landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and the historical significance of Garibaldi's home. While generally loved, some find certain beaches require effort to reach and parking can be a challenge in peak season.
"Amazing island, it has really beautiful beaches, nice forest parks in the center, and also has incredible hike paths. The rock formations on this island are also special and really beautiful. You can easily spend the whole day in there exploring its variety of nature and not get bored. Doing it by car is probably the most optimal in summer"
Alexey Subach
"Beautiful green and rugged island. Lovely beaches. Ensure you plan ahead - some beaches need a booked guide to hike in."
Felicity Leavold
"Unless you are in for a hike or bike trip, would recommend staying here, there are far better beaches and can't even think of them without a car. Other than that, the natural preserved beauty is to mention, lovely pines and very little human intervention."
Tomas Petrini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a car ferry from Palau to La Maddalena island, and then drive across the bridge to Caprera. The journey is straightforward and allows you to bring your own vehicle.
The roads on Caprera are generally good, but can be narrow and winding in places. Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
While possible, a car or scooter is highly recommended for exploring Caprera's numerous beaches and natural sites. Public transport is limited.
Many of Caprera's most stunning beaches, like Cala Coticcio, are best accessed by car or scooter, followed by a short hike. Some remote spots may require guided tours.
Yes, boat tours are a popular way to explore the La Maddalena archipelago, including Caprera's coastline and hidden coves. This offers a different perspective and access to areas unreachable by land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, access to Caprera's beaches is free. However, some protected areas or specific trails might require a guide or a small fee, especially for organized hikes.
Caprera Island is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which is a protected area. While there isn't a general entrance fee for the island itself, specific activities or guided tours within the park may have associated costs.
The opening hours for Giuseppe Garibaldi's Compendium can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Yes, booking guided tours for hikes or boat excursions in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months, to secure your spot.
As a protected natural reserve, some areas might have restrictions to preserve the environment. Always follow local signage and guidelines to ensure responsible tourism.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Cala Coticcio, known for its stunning beauty, and Spiaggia del Relitto with its iconic shipwreck. Cala Serena and Cala Portese are also highly recommended for their crystal-clear waters.
Caprera offers fantastic opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, hiking through its natural parks, and exploring historical sites like Garibaldi's home. Paddleboarding is also popular.
Absolutely! Caprera boasts incredible hiking paths through its rugged terrain and pine forests, offering spectacular views of the coastline and sea.
Caprera is a beautiful green and rugged island with unique rock formations, lush pine forests, and pristine beaches with incredibly clear turquoise waters. It's a protected natural reserve.
Yes, Caprera is a natural seabird reserve, and you might spot various bird species. Keep an eye out for local fauna during your explorations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Caprera is primarily a natural park, you can find some dining options, especially near popular beaches or in the small settlements. Many visitors opt for picnics to enjoy the natural surroundings.
In the nearby town of La Maddalena, you'll find traditional Sardinian cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local specialties. Enjoying a meal with a sea view is a must.
Caprera is perfect for picnics! Pack your own food and drinks to enjoy at one of its many beautiful beaches or scenic viewpoints. This is a great way to save money and savor the natural beauty.
There are limited options for buying groceries directly on Caprera. It's best to stock up on supplies in Palau or La Maddalena before heading over to the island.
When dining in the region, look for 'malloreddus' (Sardinian gnocchi), 'culurgiones' (stuffed pasta), and fresh grilled fish. Don't forget to try the local Vermentino wine.
📸 📸 Photography
Caprera offers incredible photo opportunities, from the turquoise waters of Cala Coticcio and Spiaggia del Relitto to the rugged coastline and the historic Garibaldi Compendium.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – provide the most beautiful light for capturing the island's stunning landscapes and beaches.
Drone usage might be restricted in protected natural areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid fines and respect the environment.
The island's unique, sculpted rock formations, shaped by wind and sea, create dramatic and photogenic landscapes, especially along the coastline.
Drone footage can offer breathtaking aerial views of Caprera's coves and beaches, showcasing their vibrant colors and secluded nature. However, be mindful of regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
🌿 Nature & Hiking Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Caprera's Pristine Beaches
Another iconic spot is Spiaggia del Relitto, famous for the striking shipwreck that lies on its shores, creating a surreal and highly photogenic landscape. For those seeking tranquility, Cala Serena and Cala Portese offer picturesque settings with crystal-clear waters and fine sand, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation and rocky cliffs. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities can be scarce at these natural paradises.
The Legacy of Giuseppe Garibaldi
Visiting the Compendium allows you to walk through the rooms where Garibaldi lived, see his personal belongings, and understand his deep connection to this rugged yet beautiful island. It's a poignant experience that adds a layer of historical depth to the natural beauty of Caprera, making it a destination that appeals to both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Navigating Caprera: Transport and Access
For those seeking a more adventurous approach or wanting to access more remote locations, hiking and biking are excellent options. Caprera offers numerous trails through its protected natural parks, rewarding hikers with stunning vistas. It's worth noting that some of the most secluded beaches might require a guided hike, so planning ahead is advisable if you aim for these hidden gems. Boat tours also offer a unique perspective, allowing you to see the island's coastline from the water and access coves unreachable by land.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit