Imagine a place where the pink granite blends with a sea of almost unreal colours, and the beaches appear so perfect that they seem like a dream. The La Maddalena Archipelago is a treasure trove of open-air wonders, and its most precious jewels are called Caprera, Spargi and Budelli. Exploring them by private yacht means enjoying them with the luxury of someone arriving from the sea, at the ideal time, with all the calm and exclusivity that these beauties require.
There are over sixty islands that make up the archipelago, but three of them have a special place in everyone's heart for their timeless beauty. They are the true protagonists of La Maddalena: Caprera and its “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”, Spargi with its soft sandy beaches, and Budelli with its world-famous Pink Beach. On board your private yacht with GD Nautica, you can finally experience them not as mere tourists, but as honoured guests of this corner of paradise.
The Three Queens of the Archipelago
✦ La Maddalena Archipelago - Caprera (east) - Spargi (west) - Budelli (north) ✦
Island of Caprera - The Wild
Caprera is the second largest island after La Maddalena and is forever linked to the memory of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived his last years here. But for those who love the sea, Caprera means above all Coticcio Cove, nicknamed the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”.
Coticcio Cove
With its fine, clear sand and waters that range from turquoise to emerald, Cala Coticcio is perhaps the most photographed beach in Sardinia. Set between majestic granite rocks shaped by the wind, it offers a spectacle of rare beauty. From land, access is limited and regulated to protect the environment, but from the sea the viewpoint is totally different.
Yacht privilege: Reaching Cala Coticcio by boat allows you to admire it in its entirety, with the rocks framing the sea. Your skipper Gabriele will know how to drop anchor in the best place for you to enjoy the spectacle and, if conditions permit, take a dip in these limpid waters. You will be able to photograph it in the most beautiful light, without crowds and without the rush that the trails impose.
Beyond Cala Coticcio: Caprera's Hidden Treasures
Cala Serenaa more sheltered and intimate cove, perfect for those seeking total relaxation.
The ShipwreckNot far away, the seabed holds the remains of a shipwreck, a fascinating destination for snorkelling enthusiasts.
The Garibaldi CompendiumIf you wish, Gabriele can organise a stop to visit Garibaldi's museum house, which can be reached by land from the nearby landing stage.
Spargi Island - The Romantic
Completely uninhabited, Spargi is perhaps the island that most epitomises the archipelago's dream: unspoilt nature, the scent of the Mediterranean maquis 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 series of small inlets of fine, white sand, set among wind-smoothed rocks. The seabed slopes gently down, providing crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. The name evokes stories of pirates and secret landings.
Yacht privilege: With your boat, you can choose which of the small coves to anchor in, perhaps the less crowded one. Gabriele knows every corner of 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 Granaraanother beautiful beach, often less frequented than Cala Corsara, with clear sand and spectacular sea.
Punta Sardegnathe northern end of the island, with sheer cliffs and breathtaking views of the neighbouring island of Budelli.
Snorkelling among the stacksThe seabed around Spargi is rich in marine life. Gabriele will be able to show you the best spots to explore them with mask and flippers.
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 micro-organisms (Minacina minacea) and shells, has made it a worldwide 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 that special colour has been endangered by mass tourism, and is now strictly protected. But that does not mean it cannot be admired.
Yacht privilege: Aboard your private yacht with GD Nautica, you can admire the Pink Beach in its entirety from the sea, exactly as seen in films and documentaries. Gabriele will take you at a safe distance, but close enough to appreciate the extraordinary range of colours from white to deep pink. While the bigger boats have to pass quickly, you can stop, listen to the story of this unique place told by your skipper, and take unforgettable photos with the sea in the background. It is an experience of great respect and beauty.
The Other Wonders of Budelli
Roto Covea beautiful beach on the eastern side, accessible and perfect for a swim stop.
Port of Our Ladya small natural harbour offering shelter and calm waters.
The Octopus Rocka famous reef nearby, a destination for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts.
The Privilege of Sustainability
Visiting such fragile places carries a great responsibility. GD Nautica promotes respectful and sustainable tourism: our skippers, like Gabriele, 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 by land is forbidden, but it is possible - indeed, recommended - to admire it from the sea, at a distance that allows full viewing and photography. Gabriele will lead 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, weather conditions and ordinances permitting, to reach the beach by swimming or with the sup. Gabriele 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?
Gabriele will be happy to suggest alternative and less-travelled destinations, such as Cala Soraya in Santa Maria, Cala Lunga in 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 GD Nautica 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 GD Nautica, the icons of the archipelago become yours, for a day, in the most beautiful way possible.
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