There is a place where pink granite meets a sea that looks painted, where the beaches are so perfect they seem unreal. The La Maddalena Archipelago is an open-air museum, and its most famous works of art are called Caprera, Spargi and Budelli. Discovering them by private yacht means experiencing them with the privilege of someone arriving from the sea, at the right time, with the calm and exclusivity they deserve.
There are over sixty islands in the archipelago, but three of them have won a special place in the collective imagination for their timeless beauty. They are the absolute icons of La Maddalena: Caprera with its “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”, Spargi with its fine sandy beaches and Budelli with the legendary Pink Beach. On board your private Blue Yachts yacht, you can finally experience them not as passing tourists, but as privileged guests of this paradise.
The Three Queens of the Archipelago
Caprera Island The Savage
Second in size after La Maddalena, Caprera is forever linked to the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who spent the last years of his life here. But for lovers of the sea, Caprera means only one thing: Coticcio Cove, nicknamed the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”.
Coticcio Cove
With its fine white sand and waters that fade from turquoise to emerald, Cala Coticcio is probably the most photographed beach in Sardinia. Surrounded by imposing granite rocks shaped by the wind, it offers a setting of rare beauty. Access by land is regulated and restricted to protect the ecosystem, but from the sea, the perspective is completely different.
Yacht privilege: Reaching Cala Coticcio by boat allows you to admire it in its entirety, with the backdrop of the rocks framing the sea. Your skipper will place the anchor in the ideal spot to enjoy the spectacle and, if conditions permit, take a swim in these crystal-clear waters. You will be able to photograph it in the best light, without the crowds and without the hurry imposed by the paths.
Beyond Cala Coticcio: Caprera's Hidden Treasures
- Cala Serena: A more sheltered and intimate cove, ideal for those seeking absolute relaxation.
- The Shipwreck: Not far away, the seabed holds the remains of a wreck, a fascinating destination for snorkellers.
- The Garibaldi Compendium: If desired, the skipper can organise a stop to visit Garibaldi's house museum, which can be reached by land from the nearby landing place.
Island of Spargi The Romantic
Completely uninhabited, Spargi is perhaps the island that most embodies the archipelago dream: unspoilt nature, fragrant Mediterranean scrub and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Its undisputed queen is Cala Corsara.
Cala Corsara
Cala Corsara is not a single beach, but a succession of small coves of fine, white sand, nestled between wind-smoothed rocks. The seabed slopes gently, providing crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. The name evokes ancient stories of pirates and secret landings.
Yacht privilege: With the boat you can choose which of the small coves to anchor in, perhaps the least crowded one. Your skipper knows every nook and cranny of the Spargi and will take you to the spot that suits you best. On board, you can have lunch with a view of this paradise, and then go ashore with the tender or snorkel directly from the yacht.
The Secret Corners of Spargi
- Cala Granara: Another beautiful beach, often less frequented than Cala Corsara, with clear sand and a spectacular sea.
- Punta Sardegna: The northern end of the island, with sheer cliffs and breathtaking views of the neighbouring island of Budelli.
- Snorkelling among the stacks: The seabed around Spargi is rich in marine life. The skipper will be able to show you the best spots to explore them with mask and fins.
Island of Budelli The legendary
Budelli is perhaps the most famous island in the entire archipelago, thanks to a unique masterpiece of nature: the Pink Beach. Its unmistakable colour, due to the fragmentation of microorganisms (Minacina minacea) and shells, has made it an international icon.
The Pink Beach
It is important to know that for conservation reasons, access and landing at the Pink Beach are strictly prohibited for years. The delicate ecosystem that gives it its characteristic colour has been endangered by mass tourism and is now strictly protected. But this does not mean that it cannot be admired.
Yacht privilege: Aboard your private yacht, you can admire the Pink Beach in its entirety from the sea, just like in the films and documentaries. The skipper will take you at a regulation distance, but close enough to appreciate the extraordinary colour palette ranging from white to deep pink. While the larger boats are forced to pass quickly, you can pause, listen to the story of this unique place told by your skipper, and take unforgettable photographs with the sea in the foreground. It is an experience of great respect and beauty.
The Other Wonders of Budelli
- Roto Cove: A beautiful beach on the eastern side, accessible and perfect for a swim stop.
- Port of Our Lady: A small natural harbour offering shelter and calm waters.
- The Octopus Rock: A famous reef in the vicinity, a destination for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts.
The Ideal Itinerary
How can you organise a perfect day to visit these three wonders? Here is an example of how your Blue Yachts skipper could structure the itinerary, taking advantage of his knowledge of the locations and sea conditions.
09:00 - Departure from La Maddalena
Embarkation at the port of La Maddalena. The skipper welcomes you on board, explains the day and, depending on your preferences and the weather, defines the order of the stages.
10:00 - Caprera and Cala Coticcio
Sailing towards Caprera. Arrival at Cala Coticcio in the morning light, ideal for photographs. Stop for a first swim and relaxation, admiring the unique scenery.
12:30 - Navigation to Spargi
A short sail to the island of Spargi. Along the way, the skipper tells interesting facts and stories about the archipelago.
13:00 - Cala Corsara and Lunch on Board
Anchor at Cala Corsara. Lunch on board with local specialities, served in the beautiful scenery of the bay. After lunch, time for swimming, relaxation and snorkelling.
15:30 - Budelli and the Pink Beach
Sailing towards Budelli. Passing by the Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), with a stop at a distance to admire its colours and listen to its history. Short stop at Cala di Roto for a last swim.
17:00 - Return to La Maddalena
Return voyage, with the opportunity to admire the panorama of the islands from a different perspective. Arrival in port and farewell.
The Privilege of Sustainability
Visiting such fragile places carries a great responsibility. Blue Yachts promotes respectful and sustainable tourism: our skippers are trained to operate with full respect for the environment, avoiding anchoring on posidonia, not getting too close to protected beaches and making guests aware of the beauty and delicacy of these ecosystems. True luxury today is also knowing how to preserve what you admire.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Iconic Islands
Can you still see the Pink Beach?
Yes, absolutely. Access ashore is prohibited, but it is possible and indeed recommended to admire it from the sea, at a distance that allows full viewing and photography. Your skipper will take you to the best spot to do so.
Can you go down to Cala Coticcio?
Access by land is regulated with a closed number and reservations. By sea, it is possible to anchor nearby and, if weather conditions and ordinances permit, to reach the beach by swimming or with sup. The skipper will provide you with up-to-date directions.
What is the best time to visit these islands?
May, June, September and October offer the right balance of good weather, warm waters and less crowding. In July and August, the private yacht experience remains exclusive and allows you to avoid the queues and crowds on the ferries.
Is it possible to visit all three islands in one day?
Yes, an 8-hour tour can be organised to include Caprera, Spargi and Budelli, as described above. However, if you want more relaxation and longer stops, you can choose to concentrate on two islands and leave the third for another outing.
What are the lesser-known but equally beautiful coves?
The skipper will be happy to suggest alternative and less-travelled destinations, such as Cala Soraya at Santa Maria, Cala Lunga at Razzoli or the small coves of Santo Stefano, for an even more exclusive and private experience.
Want to experience the magic of the iconic islands?
Let yourself be guided to the discovery of Caprera, Spargi and Budelli on board your private yacht. The most beautiful sea in the Mediterranean awaits you.
Contact Blue Yachts to book your exclusive tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Conclusion
Caprera, Spargi and Budelli are not just names on a map. They are experiences, emotions, colours that remain imprinted in the memory. Visiting them aboard a luxury yacht means being able to stop, observe, breathe. It means listening to the silence broken only by the sound of the sea, and feeling part of a perfect picture. With Blue Yachts, the icons of the archipelago become yours, for a day, in the most beautiful way possible.
