Major city · Italy
Maddalena ArchipelagoArcipelago della Maddalena
Spend 2 days: one day for La Maddalena town and nearby beaches, a second for a private‑boat trip to Budelli’s Pink Beach or Spargi.
The archipelago is a compact national‑park island group. A short stay covers the historic town, easy‑access beaches, and a boat‑only island. Longer stays are only for avid hikers or divers.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds)
- Airport
- Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Maddalena Archipelago112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Maddalena Archipelago, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyThe islands are low‑risk; petty theft is rare, but watch your belongings on crowded ferries.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 1530 coast guard (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportOLB Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Bus or shuttle 45 min to Palau, then ferry to La Maddalena).
- Getting aroundcheckFerry 15 min from Palau (every 30 min in season); two local bus lines link La Maddalena and Caprera; scooters €15–60 (≈ US$18–70) day (check season rates).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a café€1.20–2.00 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedCamping pitch, a night, per person€20 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedFamily guesthouse room (2‑person), a night, per room€80 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedFamily guesthouse room (2‑person), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €85 (≈ US$100) · High €130 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- OLB Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Bus or shuttle 45 min to Palau, then ferry to La Maddalena)
Map of Maddalena Archipelago
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Maddalena Archipelago
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Santa Teresa Gallura · 17 km straight line
- Bonifacio · 27 km straight line
- Olbia · 35 km straight line
- Figari · 37 km straight line
- Porto-Vecchio · 42 km straight line
- Tempio Pausania · 43 km straight line
- San Teodoro · 56 km straight line
- Sartène · 56 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Care
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Nov (9 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Maddalena Archipelago: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Ferry 15 min from Palau (every 30 min in season); two local bus lines link La Maddalena and Caprera; scooters €15–60 day (check season rates).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Caprera Island (Garibaldi museum)
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Bus from La Maddalena town, 10 min ride, then walk 5 min
Visit Casa Bianca and the Garibaldi memorial.
Budelli Pink Beach (view only)
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h round‑trip
Private‑boat tour (e.g., Happy Sardinia Tours) from Palau or La Maddalena
Landing prohibited; only photo from boat.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cala Francese Residence
Family‑run rooms near the former French granite quarry
La Villagio di Camping Maddalena
Campsite within walking distance of La Maddalena town
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Family guesthouse room (2‑person)1 × 2 nights × €80 | €160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €85 | €340 |
| Ferry Palau ↔ La Maddalena (round‑trip)2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| Scooter rental (full day)2 × €25 · high season | €50 |
| Private boat tour to Budelli2 × €80 · check | €160 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €73 |
| Trip total≈ €202 per person per day, bed included | €807≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and inter‑island ferries excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a café | €1.20–2.00 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Seafood soup (u zimminu) | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Scoop of gelato | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bike rental (full day) | €15 (≈ US$18) |
| Ferry ticket Palau ↔ La Maddalena | €12 (≈ US$14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry and boat schedules are seasonal – verify dates before arrival.
- Pink Beach on Budelli is closed to landings; view from boat only.
- Park permits are required for some protected zones – ask at the visitor centre.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Coast Guard
- 1530
Pocket card
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Maddalena ArchipelagoArcipelago della Maddalena
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Coast Guard1530
Embassy
US consulate in Cagliari (check address); other nations use the US embassy in Rome.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Palau → La Maddalena ferry: about €12 (≈ US$14) each way (check schedule)
- Scooter rental (full day): €15–60 (≈ US$18–70) depending on power
- Private boat to Budelli (group): ≈ €80 per person (check)
Say or show
- Scusi — Excuse me / Sorry (skuˈzi)
- Grazie — Thank you (ˈɡrattsje)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkosta)
- Dove è il traghetto? — Where is the ferry? (ˈdove ɛ il traˈɡetto)
- Posso pagare con carta? — Can I pay by card? (ˈposso paˈɡare kon ˈkarta)
- Vorrei un'escursione in barca — I need a boat tour (vorˈrei un esˈkurzjone in ˈbarka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Maddalena Archipelago. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a private‑boat charter for Budelli and Spargi.
- Include scuba‑diving day with park‑approved operator.
Sources
Ask about Maddalena Archipelago
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