The La Maddalena Panoramic Road and the Bridge to Caprera

The island of La Maddalena has a panoramic road that goes right round it, between granite rocks, mastic scrub and views of the other islands and of Corsica. Short tracks lead off it to coves where you can swim without a boat. And on the east side, another road crosses to Caprera by the paso della Moneta bridge. It is the half of the trip that does not depend on the sea.

How to do it

It leaves the town and circles the island. By car or scooter you do it in a morning with stops; by bike, allow for hills and summer traffic. The Abbatoggia campsite, in the north, serves as a reference: it is about 5 km from the harbour along the Strada Provinciale Panoramica, turning at the Baia Trinità junction.

The coves you find

Sardegna Turismo lists among the island's beaches Bassa Trinita, Cala Francese, Cala Lunga, Monti d'a Rena, Punta Tegge and Spalmatore. They are sandy coves between granite rocks, different from one another: some open to the wind and others sheltered. Check what facilities each has before you go. In July and August, arrive early or go late: these are the coves everyone who is not on a boat goes to.

Caprera

Once across the bridge, Caprera is the green island of the archipelago, with pine woods and tracks. There is the Compendio Garibaldino, the hero's house, and Forte Arbuticci. There are coves all round its coast; the best known, Cala Coticcio, has access on foot restricted by the park, so the easy way to see it is by boat.

Getting around

If you come from Palau without a car, La Maddalena has car, scooter and bike hire; several accommodations have agreements with these companies. If you cross with your own car on the ferry, bear in mind that in July and August the ferries carrying vehicles are full at peak times.