The archipelago by boat, Cala Corsara, Santa Maria and the water of Budelli in a day.

The archipelago's small islands have no roads or ferry harbours: you see them by boat. The classic trip is a large excursion boat that leaves Palau in the morning, makes three swimming stops in coves on Spargi, Santa Maria and Budelli, passes in front of the Spiaggia Rosa and returns mid-afternoon. It is the day that justifies the trip to this corner of Sardinia.

The route

With Elena Tour Navigazioni, the boat leaves the harbour of Palau at 10:00; check-in is from 8:45 to 9:15 in front of the ferry terminal. First it crosses to La Maddalena, where you have a little free time in the centre and where passengers leaving from the island board at 11:30.

Then come the swimming stops:

• Cala Corsara, on Spargi: four little white-sand beaches among dunes with junipers and granite rocks sculpted by the wind, such as the Roccia della strega. Off this island a Roman merchant ship of the 2nd century BC sank; part of its cargo is in the Nino Lamboglia Museum in La Maddalena.
• Cala Santa Maria, on the island of Santa Maria, another pale beach with very shallow water.
• Porto della Madonna, the channel between Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, which they call the natural pools because of the colour of the water. Here you swim from the boat.

From the boat you see Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa, the pink-sand beach. Since 1998 you cannot land, swim or anchor in front of it: the colour was being lost because people took away the sand. The return to Palau is by Punta Sardegna and Porto Rafael, around 17:00.

What it costs and what is not included

The published price is from €52.50 per person, with a reduction for children up to 10. Separately, you pay the municipal landing contribution: €2.50 in May, September and October and €5 from June to August; under-6s do not pay it. Food and drink are not included: bring a sandwich and water or ask what they sell on board.

You book on its website, paying at the time or 72 hours before. Cancelling is free up to 24 hours before, and if the boat does not sail because of the weather you get your money back.

Who it is for

Everyone. It is a large, stable boat, with shade, and the stops are long. With children, bring water shoes, a cap and sun cream: there is no shade in the coves. If you want to reach small coves or have more time at each, look for a motor launch or a RIB; this boat plays it safe.

Getting to Palau

Palau is about 42 km from Olbia, three-quarters of an hour by car. Park near the harbour and arrive with time to spare: in July and August the town fills up in the morning. If you are sleeping in La Maddalena, board on Via Amendola at 11:30.