Hello, explorer of land and sea. There is an island in the La Maddalena archipelago that is not only sea. It is also history, it is also wilderness, it is also silence. It is called Caprera. It is the second largest island after La Maddalena, and the only one you can also visit by land (thanks to a bridge connecting it to the main island). But the best way to discover it, believe us, is from the sea. Because Caprera has a jewel called Coticcio Cove, nicknamed the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”. But it also has Cala Serena, a shipwreck and even the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi. With GD Nautical and our skipper, starting from Palau, you will discover an island that is not just a postcard. It is a piece of Italy that beats.
| Why Caprera is special | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Only island connected by land | Possibility of mixed tours (boat + land) |
| Cala Coticcio, the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”.” | One of the most photographed beaches in the world |
| The Garibaldi Compendium | History, museum, nature |
| Cala Serena and the wreck | Hidden treasures for the few |
Why Caprera is called “the wild island”
I'll tell you now. Caprera is not as tame as La Maddalena. Here you don't find promenades and trendy clubs. You find dense Mediterranean scrub, paths that climb the granite, wind that moulds the rocks into strange and wonderful shapes. It is wild in the most beautiful sense of the word: authentic, rugged, true. And then there is the sea. The sea on Caprera is what you expect from the archipelago: transparent, turquoise, deep. But it has a character, like the island. It does not give itself to everyone. You have to know how to seek it out, and know how to respect it. This is why the skipper of GD Nautica is fundamental: he knows every inlet, every current, every right moment.
The skipper's advice: Caprera is an island to be experienced slowly. Don't try to do everything in an hour. Devote at least half a day to it, and you will see that it will repay you with emotions you do not expect.
Cala Coticcio: the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean” seen from the sea
Let us start with the jewel. Coticcio Cove is probably the most photographed beach in all of Sardinia. Very fine white sand, waters that fade from turquoise to emerald, and all around imposing pink granite rocks shaped by the wind. It looks like a painting, but it is real. From land, access is limited and regulated (limited number, reservations). From the sea, however, the perspective is completely different. The skipper of GD Nautica will drop anchor in the ideal spot, at a safe distance, and you can admire the cove in its entirety. If conditions and ordinances permit, you can even reach the beach by swimming or by tender.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Beach type | Fine white sand |
| Overland access | Limited (limited number, reservation) |
| Access by sea | Allowed (with remote anchorage) |
| Landing on land | Sometimes permitted (check with the skipper) |
| Best moment | Morning (9:00-10:30) for perfect light |
What to do in Cala Coticcio
Photographing the scenery in the morning light
Snorkelling along the sides of the cove (submerged boulders full of fish)
Reaching the beach by swimming if allowed
Simply floating and looking at the granite around you
How to reach Cala Coticcio by boat from Palau
The navigation from Palau to Caprera is short and scenic. You skirt the island of Santo Stefano, cross the Passo della Moneta between La Maddalena and Caprera, and in less than 40 minutes you arrive at Cala Coticcio. The skipper of GD Nautica knows every rock outcropping and knows exactly where to place the anchor safely.
| Route | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palau - Moneta Pass | 20 minutes | Skirting Santo Stefano |
| Moneta Pass - Cala Coticcio | 15-20 minutes | Skirting the east coast of Caprera |
| Total from Palau to Cala Coticcio | 35-40 minutes |
The skipper's advice: Arriving at Cala Coticcio by 9.30am is the winning move. The light is soft, the sea is calm and you will find few other yachts. The photos you take will be cover-worthy.
Can you go ashore at Cala Coticcio? (Updated 2026)
This is the question everyone asks. And the answer, honestly, is: depends. Access by land is always regulated with closed numbers and compulsory reservations. By sea, anchoring is always permitted within the distances. Landing on the beach, on the other hand, varies according to the Park Authority's seasonal ordinances. In some periods it is permitted, in others not. The good news? The skipper of GD Nautica is always up to date. He will be able to tell you before you leave if you will be able to set foot on the sand or if you will have to limit yourself to bathing from the boat. Either way, the experience remains extraordinary.
| Situation | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Landing permitted | Reaching the beach by swimming or dinghy, lying on the sand |
| Prohibited landing | Admiring from the boat, bathing in crystal-clear waters, photographing |
| Anchoring | Always permitted (with safety distances) |
Caprera's hidden treasures: Cala Serena and the shipwreck
Cala Coticcio is the queen, but Caprera has other surprises. Cala Serena is a smaller, more sheltered and more intimate cove. Ideal for those seeking absolute relaxation, perhaps after the excitement of Coticcio. The seabed is sandy and gently sloping, perfect for families or those who simply want to float carefree. And then there is the wreck of the ship. Not far from the coast, the seabed holds the remains of a wreck, a fascinating destination for snorkellers. The skipper of GD Nautica will show you the exact spot and, if the sea permits, will take you there.
| Hidden Treasure | Type | Why visit |
|---|---|---|
| Cala Serena | Beach | Sheltered cove, calm sea, ideal for families |
| Shipwreck | Snorkelling | Sea beds rich in history, fish and fascination |
The skipper's advice: Cala Serena is perfect for the early afternoon, when the sun is high and the water becomes warm and transparent. The wreck, on the other hand, is best visited with calm sea and high light.
The Garibaldine Compendium: when boat meets history
Caprera is forever linked to the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hero of two worlds. Here he lived the last years of his life, and here he is buried. The Garibaldi Compendium is its house museum, a place that takes you back in time. You don't have to do without a boat to visit it. The skipper of GD Nautica can organise a stop at the nearby dock, and from there you can reach the museum by land in just a few minutes. It is a perfect addition if you want to combine the sea with culture.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is | Giuseppe Garibaldi House Museum |
| Where it is located | West coast of Caprera |
| How to get there from the boat | Landing nearby, then 10-15 minutes on foot |
| Recommended time for the visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| When to visit | Best in the morning or late afternoon |
What to see at the Garibaldi Compendium
The white house where Garibaldi lived and died
The mortuary and museum with historical relics
The park and the Mediterranean maquis surrounding the site
Garibaldi's tomb in the wilderness
Summary table: all the coves of Caprera
Here is a complete table of Caprera's main coves to help you choose.
| Caletta | Overland access | Access by sea | Landing permitted | Snorkelling | Wind protection | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coticcio Cove | Limited (reservation) | Yes | Variable | Excellent | Good | Photos, bathroom, couples |
| Cala Serena | Free | Yes | Yes | Discreet | Excellent | Families, relaxation |
| Garibaldi Cove | Free | Yes | Yes | Good | Good | History and bathroom |
| Brigantine Cove | Difficult | Yes | Variable | Excellent | Media | Snorkelling, adventure |
Ideal itinerary: a day in Caprera departing from Palau
Here's how the skipper of GD Nautica could organise a day dedicated to Caprera, including sea and (if you like) a bit of history.
| Timetable | Stage | Clou |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Departure from Palau | Embarkation and briefing |
| 09:40 | Coticcio Cove | Photos, first swim, snorkelling |
| 11:30 | Cala Serena | Relaxation, second bath, calm water |
| 12:30 | Lunch on board | Anchored with a sea view |
| 13:30 | Shipwreck | Snorkelling amid history and fish |
| 15:00 | Garibaldi Compendium (optional) | Overland stop, museum visit |
| 16:30 | Sailing back to Palau | Panoramas and greetings |
| 17:15 | Arrival in Palau |
Frequently asked questions about Caprera
Can you visit Caprera without a boat?
Yes, thanks to the bridge connecting it to La Maddalena. But to see Cala Coticcio and the most beautiful coves, the boat is much better. There is a unique perspective from the sea.
How long does it take to visit Caprera by boat?
A full day (8 hours) is perfect to see Cala Coticcio, Cala Serena, the wreck and maybe even the Compendium. With less time, choose your priorities with the skipper.
Can you swim anywhere on Caprera?
Yes, but with respect. Some areas are protected (e.g. near the Pink Beach in Budelli, but that is another island). The skipper will tell you where anchoring and swimming are allowed.
Is Cala Coticcio always crowded?
In the middle hours of the day (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) yes. Therefore the skipper will advise you to arrive early or late. With GD Nautica you can choose the best time.
Can children be brought to Caprera?
Absolutely. Cala Serena is perfect for them: shallow waters, calm sea, sand. Cala Coticcio is also suitable, but better with children who can swim well.
Why choose GD Nautica to discover Caprera
Because our skipper is not just a charterer. He is a guide, a friend of the sea, someone who knows every corner of Caprera like the back of his hand. He knows when the light is perfect for Cala Coticcio, he knows when the sea is calm for the wreck, he knows if you can go ashore or not. And then there is freedom: do you want to add the Garibaldi Compendium? You do. You want to skip a stage and stay longer in Cala Serena? Yes. With GD Nautica, you don't see Caprera. You live it.
The added value of GD Nautica: The departure from Palau is comfortable, fast and stress-free. And the boat is yours alone. No groups, no fixed times, no crowds. Just you, the sea and a wild island waiting for you.
Conclusion: Caprera, where the sea meets history
Caprera is not only one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. It is an island with a soul. It has the picture postcard sea of Cala Coticcio, the peace of Cala Serena, the charm of the wreck and the history of Garibaldi. It is a piece of Italy that deserves to be discovered with calm, respect and passion. With GD Nautical and our skipper, starting from Palau, Caprera will become much more than a memory. It will become a piece of your heart.
Ready to discover the Wild Island? Contact GD Nautica. Our skipper has already mapped out the perfect route for you.
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