{"id":12272,"date":"2026-05-13T12:49:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gdnautica.it\/?p=12272"},"modified":"2026-05-13T16:50:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T14:50:03","slug":"island-of-caprera-la-selvaggia-between-cala-coticcio-and-garibaldis-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/blog\/isola-di-caprera-la-selvaggia-tra-cala-coticcio-e-la-storia-di-garibaldi\/","title":{"rendered":"Caprera Island: the wild between Cala Coticcio and Garibaldi's story"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u00a0<\/span>Caprera<\/span><\/strong>. 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\u00a0<\/span>Coticcio Cove<\/span><\/strong>, nicknamed the \u201cTahiti of the Mediterranean\u201d. But it also has Cala Serena, a shipwreck and even the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi. With\u00a0<\/span>GD Nautical<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and our skipper, starting from\u00a0<\/span>Palau<\/span><\/strong>, you will discover an island that is not just a postcard. It is a piece of Italy that beats.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Why Caprera is special<\/span><\/th>\nWhat it offers<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Only island connected by land<\/span><\/td>\nPossibility of mixed tours (boat + land)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cala Coticcio, the \u201cTahiti of the Mediterranean\u201d.\u201d<\/span><\/td>\nOne of the most photographed beaches in the world<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The Garibaldi Compendium<\/span><\/td>\nHistory, museum, nature<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cala Serena and the wreck<\/span><\/td>\nHidden treasures for the few<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Why Caprera is called \u201cthe wild island\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n

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:\u00a0<\/span>authentic, rugged, true<\/span><\/strong>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Caprera 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Cala Coticcio: the \u201cTahiti of the Mediterranean\u201d seen from the sea<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let us start with the jewel.\u00a0<\/span>Coticcio Cove<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/span><\/th>\nDetail<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Beach type<\/span><\/td>\nFine white sand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overland access<\/span><\/td>\nLimited (limited number, reservation)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Access by sea<\/span><\/td>\nAllowed (with remote anchorage)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Landing on land<\/span><\/td>\nSometimes permitted (check with the skipper)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best moment<\/span><\/td>\nMorning (9:00-10:30) for perfect light<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

What to do in Cala Coticcio<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Photographing the scenery in the morning light<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Snorkelling along the sides of the cove (submerged boulders full of fish)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Reaching the beach by swimming if allowed<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Simply floating and looking at the granite around you<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    How to reach Cala Coticcio by boat from Palau<\/span><\/h2>\n

    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Route<\/span><\/th>\nDuration<\/span><\/th>\nNotes<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Palau - Moneta Pass<\/span><\/td>\n20 minutes<\/span><\/td>\nSkirting Santo Stefano<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Moneta Pass - Cala Coticcio<\/span><\/td>\n15-20 minutes<\/span><\/td>\nSkirting the east coast of Caprera<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Total from Palau to Cala Coticcio<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n35-40 minutes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Arriving 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Can you go ashore at Cala Coticcio? (Updated 2026)<\/span><\/h2>\n

    This is the question everyone asks. And the answer, honestly, is:\u00a0<\/span>depends<\/span><\/strong>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Situation<\/span><\/th>\nWhat you can do<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Landing permitted<\/span><\/td>\nReaching the beach by swimming or dinghy, lying on the sand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Prohibited landing<\/span><\/td>\nAdmiring from the boat, bathing in crystal-clear waters, photographing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Anchoring<\/span><\/td>\nAlways permitted (with safety distances)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Caprera's hidden treasures: Cala Serena and the shipwreck<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Cala Coticcio is the queen, but Caprera has other surprises.\u00a0<\/span>Cala Serena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is 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\u00a0<\/span>the wreck of the ship<\/span><\/strong>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Hidden Treasure<\/span><\/th>\nType<\/span><\/th>\nWhy visit<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Cala Serena<\/span><\/td>\nBeach<\/span><\/td>\nSheltered cove, calm sea, ideal for families<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Shipwreck<\/span><\/td>\nSnorkelling<\/span><\/td>\nSea beds rich in history, fish and fascination<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    The skipper's advice:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Cala 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The Garibaldine Compendium: when boat meets history<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Caprera is forever linked to the figure of\u00a0<\/span>Giuseppe Garibaldi<\/span><\/strong>, the hero of two worlds. Here he lived the last years of his life, and here he is buried. The\u00a0<\/span>Garibaldi Compendium<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Information<\/span><\/th>\nDetail<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    What is<\/span><\/td>\nGiuseppe Garibaldi House Museum<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Where it is located<\/span><\/td>\nWest coast of Caprera<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    How to get there from the boat<\/span><\/td>\nLanding nearby, then 10-15 minutes on foot<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Recommended time for the visit<\/span><\/td>\n1-1.5 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    When to visit<\/span><\/td>\nBest in the morning or late afternoon<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    What to see at the Garibaldi Compendium<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      The white house where Garibaldi lived and died<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      The mortuary and museum with historical relics<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      The park and the Mediterranean maquis surrounding the site<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Garibaldi's tomb in the wilderness<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Summary table: all the coves of Caprera<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Here is a complete table of Caprera's main coves to help you choose.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Caletta<\/span><\/th>\nOverland access<\/span><\/th>\nAccess by sea<\/span><\/th>\nLanding permitted<\/span><\/th>\nSnorkelling<\/span><\/th>\nWind protection<\/span><\/th>\nIdeal for<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Coticcio Cove<\/span><\/td>\nLimited (reservation)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nVariable<\/span><\/td>\nExcellent<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\nPhotos, bathroom, couples<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Cala Serena<\/span><\/td>\nFree<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nDiscreet<\/span><\/td>\nExcellent<\/span><\/td>\nFamilies, relaxation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Garibaldi Cove<\/span><\/td>\nFree<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\nHistory and bathroom<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Brigantine Cove<\/span><\/td>\nDifficult<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nVariable<\/span><\/td>\nExcellent<\/span><\/td>\nMedia<\/span><\/td>\nSnorkelling, adventure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      Ideal itinerary: a day in Caprera departing from Palau<\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Timetable<\/span><\/th>\nStage<\/span><\/th>\nClou<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      09:00<\/span><\/td>\nDeparture from Palau<\/span><\/td>\nEmbarkation and briefing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      09:40<\/span><\/td>\nCoticcio Cove<\/span><\/td>\nPhotos, first swim, snorkelling<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      11:30<\/span><\/td>\nCala Serena<\/span><\/td>\nRelaxation, second bath, calm water<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      12:30<\/span><\/td>\nLunch on board<\/span><\/td>\nAnchored with a sea view<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      13:30<\/span><\/td>\nShipwreck<\/span><\/td>\nSnorkelling amid history and fish<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      15:00<\/span><\/td>\nGaribaldi Compendium (optional)<\/span><\/td>\nOverland stop, museum visit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      16:30<\/span><\/td>\nSailing back to Palau<\/span><\/td>\nPanoramas and greetings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      17:15<\/span><\/td>\nArrival in Palau<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

      Frequently asked questions about Caprera<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Can you visit Caprera without a boat?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nYes, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How long does it take to visit Caprera by boat?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nA 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Can you swim anywhere on Caprera?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nYes, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Is Cala Coticcio always crowded?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nIn 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Can children be brought to Caprera?<\/span><\/strong>
      \nAbsolutely. Cala Serena is perfect for them: shallow waters, calm sea, sand. Cala Coticcio is also suitable, but better with children who can swim well.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Why choose GD Nautica to discover Caprera<\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      The added value of GD Nautica:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Conclusion: Caprera, where the sea meets history<\/span><\/h2>\n

      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\u00a0<\/span>GD Nautical<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and our skipper, starting from\u00a0<\/span>Palau<\/span><\/strong>, Caprera will become much more than a memory. It will become a piece of your heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Ready to discover the Wild Island? Contact GD Nautica. Our skipper has already mapped out the perfect route for you.<\/span><\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Ciao, esploratore di terra e di mare. C’\u00e8 un’isola, nell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, che non \u00e8 solo mare. \u00c8 anche storia, \u00e8 anche natura selvaggia, \u00e8 anche silenzio. Si chiama\u00a0Caprera. \u00c8 la seconda isola per grandezza dopo La Maddalena, ed \u00e8 l’unica che puoi visitare anche via terra (grazie a un ponte che la collega […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senza-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12272\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gdnautica.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}