La maddalena sardinia. Italy Northern Sardinia. Archipelago La Maddalena. Average annual weather conditions

The islands are rocky, but have beautiful sandy beaches.

The islands contain the La Maddalena National Park. The islands of La Maddalena and Caprera are connected by a bridge.

Story

The main town of La Maddalena, on the island of the same name, was founded by Corsican sheep farmers. The local spoken dialect, "Isulanu", is a mixture of Corsican and Sardinian, with the addition of the Genoese dialect of Ligurian. The archipelago traditionally belonged to Corsica, until it was captured by the Sardinian king Charles Emmanuel III during the Corsican Revolution.

For a long time there was a base for the Italian Navy at La Maddalena; it is partially used by the fleet to this day - it is located here Navy Junior Officers' School. In 1793, a naval battle took place here (the Battle of La Maddalena), in which the ships of the French fleet and the troops they landed (one of the commanders of which was Napoleon Bonaparte) were defeated by the combined forces of local residents - sailors and peasants, under the command of non-commissioned officer Dominico Millilere.

On the island of Caprera, which belonged to G. Garibaldi, the last years of the life of this Italian revolutionary passed; This is where he is buried.

From 1972 to 2008, there was an American nuclear submarine base on the island of Santo Stefano.

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Excerpt characterizing La Maddalena (archipelago)

The La Maddalena archipelago, located near the Costa Smeralda, the northeastern coast of Sardinia, was until recently completely closed to tourists. This amazing place, consisting of many islands, with turquoise seas and golden sand beaches, is a calm and quiet resort for a secluded holiday.

Transparent coastal waters The La Maddalena archipelago makes you forget that this sea is the Mediterranean. It seems that you are at least somewhere in the Caribbean. Located between Sardinia and Corsica, La Maddalena consists of 7 large islands and 55 small ones called local residents isolotti. It is here that the best, most beautiful and cleanest in the whole country are found.

Relatively recently, the islands were opened for tourist visits. Until this time, a huge NATO naval base was located on the main island of the archipelago of the same name. This created jobs for many Maddalenians, and also brought some “dollar” income to local residents from officers and sailors who needed somewhere to eat and drink, as well as buy clothes and souvenirs.

The archipelago was also well known among Costa Smeralda yachtsmen, who during their excursions often stopped for lunch at coastal trattorias. There were also several hotels, boarding houses and cozy resort complexes, catering mainly to an Italian clientele. But this was a drop in the bucket compared to the income that the NATO naval base brought to the local population. With its closure in 2008, La Maddalena's economy literally exploded.

Hope for the islanders was the selection of La Maddalena as the base for the G8 summit in 2009, people believed that the influx of funds would stop the decline of the economy. Grand projects were launched, such as converting an old hospital into a luxury hotel, the first visitors of which would be the summit delegates. But a few months before the upcoming event, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced that the venue for the summit would be moved to L'Aquila.

L'Aquila was hit by an earthquake and needed urgent funding, which came from the G8 summit. Many have long remembered the comment of the mayor of La Maddalena, Angelo Comiti, who noted with bitterness that Berlusconi had literally added one earthquake to another.

Work to bring the projects to life has stalled, and today an unfinished hotel in a former hospital stands alone like a white elephant. Its only resident is a guard who tries to prevent local beggars from settling here and vandals from destroying it.

But there are also undoubted advantages in the fact that the island’s tourism infrastructure is developing much more slowly than expected. The rather fragile ecological situation of La Maddalena now needs slow and careful restoration. After the three-day frenzy of the summit, had it been held here, the decline of the island's economy would have been even more precipitous. Now there is a chance to develop the tourism industry gradually, gain momentum and strengthen each of its achievements.

Visitors to this island will be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and obvious desire to please local restaurateurs, hoteliers and shops. It will also be a plus high level in English, as a result of many years of coexistence with the Americans of a NATO naval base, is such a rare phenomenon in Italy.

The first thing that strikes you about La Maddalena is the importance of the city as a port Mediterranean Sea. However, precisely because the city is a transit point for many goods and people, it has shaped its character not by belonging to Italy, but by the abundance of these contacts with other nationalities. This feature is common to all the islands of the archipelago.

The islands of the La Maddalena archipelago are just 20 minutes by ferry from Pallau, a port in Sardinia. Geologically speaking, the pink granite soil of the island belongs to the area of ​​Gallura in northwestern Sardinia. However, the dialect of the local language is closer to the dialect of the Corsicans than the Sardinians.

The Maddalenians themselves have always considered themselves a separate nation, if not a race, distinct from the population of Sardinia, while the latter also consider themselves distinct from the rest of Italy.

All this has historical reasons. The first inhabitants of the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago were Corsican shepherds who crossed the strait with their flocks in search of pastures. They began to live and build here, and no one could tax them. In 1720, when Sardinia was given to the Savoy dynasty by the Treaty of The Hague, the La Maddalena archipelago was simply forgotten. Genoese Republic had enough other problems, in particular, unrest in Corsica. As a result of this, La Maddalena, due to its uncertain territorial affiliation, became a refuge for smugglers.

When the Savoy dynasty finally decided to take over the islands in 1767, the Maddalenians had already formed their own style: business acumen combined with openness to foreigners.

The “unofficial” head of the island, Pietro Millelire, agreed to join Sardinia under certain conditions. Firstly, the Savoyard government had to allegedly “seize” the island - to preserve its reputation in front of the guests of the island and neighboring Corsica. Secondly, a number of competent trade and economic demands were put forward, which Sardinia promised to satisfy. After several demonstration cannon fires, the Savoyard authorities landed on the island and were greeted with loud "Long live the winners!".

Napoleon at one time, when trying to capture the island, suffered his first defeat here, thanks to the courage of another Millelire - Domenico, who successfully defended the main fort of La Maddalena. Admiral Nelson visited the waters of the archipelago three times, but never landed on shore, although he presented a valuable silver crucifix to the local church. Today this relic is proudly displayed in the small diocesan museum, with Nelson's letter attached.

But the closest connection was with the islands of another valiant military leader - Giuseppe Garibaldi. He lived on the wild island of Caprera, connected to La Maddalena by a bridge and causeway, for the last 27 years of his life. In 1849, Garibaldi was exiled to Caprera and liked it so much that he returned in 1855 and purchased land on the island. This is not surprising, because Caprera is a picturesque island made of beautiful pink granite, with clean sandy beaches and shady pine forests.

The Garibaldi House is the central element of the memorial complex dedicated to the great military leader. This museum has been perfectly preserved, despite (or perhaps because of) bored guides and constant excursions by groups of schoolchildren.

Interesting exhibits in the museum include three-wheeled sitz baths, English antique furniture, some documents of a military leader and locks of hair. The most impressive exhibit is the narrow bed on which Garibaldi ended his days. It was raised on a pedestal that reached to the window, from where a view of the coast of Corsica opened, so reminiscent of Giuseppe’s native Nice.

Swimming, sailing and long walks are by default the main activities in the archipelago. At the end of the day, after long excursions and walks, you return home to La Maddalena, this amazing city, large and complex, bustling with many bars and restaurants, shops and cinemas. Due to the fact that most developments are concentrated in the city, the island itself has its own secluded corners that are worth exploring.

Cala dei Francesi on west coast reminiscent of industrial Pompeii: a huge quarry dug in the 19th century looks as if it was left only yesterday. Rusty carts still sit on the railroad tracks, a huge three-legged machine looks like a Richard Serra sculpture, and the steel blocks are barely visible because of the weeds.

Bassa Trinita – beach on the northern coast – has picturesque sand dunes, and the sea and sand are reminiscent of the tropics (however, algae can be a slight problem).

To see the most beautiful, breathtaking landscapes of the sea and the archipelago, you need a boat. Spargi – real not inhabited island, there are fewer human traces here than on Robinson Crusoe Island, and the amazing aroma of mastic and pistachio trees fills the air.

Three northern islands - Budelli , Razolli And Santa Maria - as if they were specially designed for shipwrecked people. On the island of Santa Maria there is a bar-restaurant and several simple houses, which are constantly sold from hand to hand at exorbitant prices. One of the cottages belongs to the famous actor and director Roberto Benigni, whose latest film is related to the theme of these islands.

On the island Razolli , uninhabited since 1969, when the last lighthouse was moved from here, pink granite rocks resemble the fossilized muscular arms of giants.

Budelli is a much more cozy place, there is an abundance of greenery, as well as the most famous beach of Spiaggia Rosa, which appeared in Antonioni’s first color film, “The Red Desert”. “Pink Beach” is so named because of the microorganisms that live in the algae, which gives the sand its reddish color. At least the sand was pink before.

After several years of invasions by tourists who bottled the sand as souvenirs, its color became much paler. Finally, in 1993, the beach became a protected area and it is now only possible to walk on the paths, not on the sand. Regardless of the color, this beach is still considered one of most beautiful places archipelago.

The island of Budelli also has its own Robinson - Mauro, a strong and darkly tanned 71-year-old man, the island's guard, who lives in a shack on the beach of Spiaggia Rosa. A former physical education teacher from Modena, he moved here in 1989 when he retired. He spends ten months of the year on the island, using a small generator to power a few lamps in a hut, and solar panels for heating water in the shower. He spends most of his time making furniture from juniper wood; some pieces are quite successfully sold through galleries in Milan.

In the summer, friends and relatives constantly visit him, tour guides bring curious tourists - and this is endless. But in winter, strong winds make crossing the strait by boat quite dangerous, and then Mauro whiles away the time alone. “One day,” he says, “I was stuck here for 40 days, eating canned food. But this was not a big problem for me. But I read a lot of books during this time!”

In addition to the large islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Budelli, the archipelago includes a mass of small islets, rocks, cliffs and reefs, granite and schistose nature, sculpted by the joint efforts of the strong northwest wind mistral and sea ​​current and scattered in the middle of one of the most mesmerizing seas in the world. The bends and bays that dot the coast of the islands provide convenient natural berths, and the various shades of crystal clear water have made the La Maddalena archipelago famous throughout the world. On May 17, 1996, by decree of the President of the Republic, the archipelago received the status of a protected National nature reserve, which included all the islands belonging to the commune of Maddalena.

For a long time, the archipelago remained uninhabited, except for ancient Roman military posts and a 13th-century monastery on the island of Santa Maria. Only in the middle of the 17th century did a small group of shepherds from nearby Corsica come here to occupy, first of all, the largest of the islands of the archipelago - La Maddalena. But even the shepherds never built permanent settlements here, fearing pirate raids, which were frequent in these places.

Islands

The 62 islands that make up the La Maddalena archipelago have a total area of ​​5,134 hectares, while the marine part of the protected area occupies 15,046 hectares. The total length of the coastline of the islands is over 180 kilometers. The strategic location of the archipelago attracted the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte, Admiral Nelson, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Then the local residents learned to coexist with the Italian and American military, who had their bases here for a long time.

La Maddalena

This is the main and only inhabited island of the archipelago (the exceptions are the castle of Stanali on the island of Caprera and the settlements on the island of Santa Maria). About 13,000 people live in the town of the same name, which has a two-hundred-year history. Many famous personalities have left their mark here. At one time this modest town, which, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful cities Sardinia was even called “little Paris”. The heart of the entire archipelago, the city of La Maddalena is proud of its historical center and its ancient buildings and squares, accessed by small streets and narrow alleys. Walking through its historical center is like taking a trip into history.

The city of La Maddelena from the sea. Photo from charterfrangerini.it

Caprera

Caprera is rightfully considered the island of Garibaldi, who spent many years of his life here. After the island of La Maddalena, it is the second largest island of the archipelago, but the first in terms of the beauty of the coast and beaches, as well as the uniqueness of the natural world. The nature of the island is pine groves, oak forests, juniper thickets, dense Mediterranean thickets and... strong smells of myrtle, mastic and strawberry trees.

Caprera is connected to the island of La Maddalena by a narrow isthmus with a road bridge built on it, which turns into a road that leads to the Garibaldi Museum. On Caprera, in the bay of Porto Palma, there is the Sailing Center - a world-famous sailing school. The island is home to a dolphin research center, established here in 2000.

The north-eastern slope of the island is mesmerizing with its beauty, where the rocks rush into the sea, and the coast consists of bays and bays, the most famous of which is Cala Coticcio Bay. From the northwestern coast of Caprera you can see other islands of the archipelago: Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria.

The bay of Cala Coticcio on the island of Caprera. Photopanoramio.com

Santo Stefano

This, the fourth largest island of the archipelago, is located between the island of La Maddalena (from which it is separated by 1500 m) and the coast of Sardinia. Its area is 3 sq. km, and the most high point at the top of Sugar Mountain reaches 101 meters. For a long time there was a military base on the island. Now Santo Stefano belongs to private individuals.

Island of Santo Stefano. Photo Withose-a-caso.net

Budelli

Budelli is one of the most beautiful islands The Mediterranean Sea is not accidental: it is here that a unique pink beach is located, the coral color of the sand is explained by the presence in it of the remains of pink shells of the foraminifera Miniacina miniacea. And the intensity of the blue and green shades of sea water near the pink beach complement the only beautiful sight in the world. This beach was captured by director Michelangelo Antonioni in his film “The Red Desert,” which won the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1964. The beach became so popular among tourists that everyone tried to take some pink sand with them as a souvenir. Currently, the pink beach is under protection and is prohibited from visiting; violators are punished with a fine.

Pink beach on Budelli island. Photo: brattoni.it

Razzoli and Santa Maria

These two islands are practically connected to each other, separated by a narrow strip of crystal clear water, the depth of which does not exceed one meter. This strait is called "Passo degli Asinelli" (Donkey's Way). In ancient times, when the islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria were still connected, shepherds drove their cattle, crossing this strip of sea on foot.

Strait of Passo degli Asinelli.Photofotocommunity.it

Razzoli is the most northern island archipelago, striking with the majesty of its rocks, shapes very reminiscent of the sculptures of Henry Moore. The lighthouse overlooks the Strait of Bonifacio, which separates Sardinia and Corsica.

Lighthouse on the island of Razzoli. Photo ambienteambienti.com

On the island of Santa Maria you can still see dwellings that have been preserved from the times when residential development was not yet prohibited here. There is also an ancient monastery here, which was founded on the island by Benedictine monks back in the 13th century. The monastery was abandoned in the 16th century, and in the 19th century it was partially destroyed and converted into housing.

At the end of the 18th century, the Bertoleoni family chose the island of Santa Maria as their place of residence, which later colonized the island of Spargi (the same family that later began to rule the island-kingdom of Tavolara). Now there is only one family living on the island. In summer, however, Santa Maria becomes the holiday destination of many celebrities, including Roberto Benigni.

One of the riches of the island is the beach of Cala Santa Maria, one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. In the peace and quiet of this island, screenwriter Franco Solinas, one of the most authoritative authors of world cinema, wrote scripts for many films. In the enchanting setting of these places, the Italian theater and film actor Gian Maria Volonte spent his days of rest, sailing alone along the shores of the islands of the archipelago.

The sea lagoon between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria is called Porto Madonna and is one of the most impressive places in the archipelago. There are stretches of sea here that are ideal for snorkeling and seabird watching.

Lagoon of Porto Madonna. Photoborgodicampagna.it

Asparagus and Spargiotto

The island of Spargi is the largest of the four small islands of the archipelago, it is located to the west of the island of La Maddalena and is famous for its beaches located on the eastern slope. Cala Corsara, Cala Connari, Cala Granara and many other coves of the island, surrounded by granite rocks, which have been shaped by the wind, and lush vegetation that ends only at the surf line, with the finest white sand and emerald sea water, make this island in the eyes of tourists a corner of a real earthly paradise. The fortifications in the northern part of the island, skillfully hidden among blocks of granite and dense thickets, also make an impression.

A bulldog figure created by the wind on Spargi Island. Photoit. wikipedia. org

Spargiotto is an island in the northwest side of Spargi, its small satellite, open to all storms. It is of particular natural value, as rare species of seabirds nest here, including the long-billed cormorant, Audouin's gull, and the common storm petrel.

Nibani, Mortorio, Soffi, Camera

Small islands located on the south-eastern edge of the nature reserve, opposite the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, within shooting distance of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, representing a desirable destination for many tourists seeking to reach here on their boats. For a long time, the Arzachena commune tried to dispute these islets near La Maddalena, but with the establishment of the National Natural Reserve Park, this dispute ended.

Sea and beaches

The sea waters washing the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago are characterized by maximum transparency and color, ranging from turquoise to emerald and azure, even to bright blue. The combination of several natural and geological factors that exist only here makes the seascape of La Maddalena truly unique and unique in the world.

On 180 kilometers of coastline, among the many beaches, there are the most famous ones, the fame of which has spread far beyond the borders of Italy. It is worth mentioning at least the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) and the Horseman's Beach (Spiaggia del Cavaliere) on the island of Budelli, the beaches of Cala Coticcio and Relict - on Caprera, Cala Corsara and Cala Granara - on the island of Speargi.

On Caprera, in its southern part, on the shores of Porto Palma Bay, there is even a dog beach, opened in 2006 and open in the summer. The rules for visiting it oblige owners to keep their pets on a leash and have a health book indicating vaccinations, after which for 3 euros they are given a scoop and a bag, an umbrella and a water bowl, and are also given the opportunity to take a shower after sea procedures.

Beach for dogs on Caprera. Photogallurainformazione. it

Flora and fauna of the archipelago

The La Maddalena archipelago is distinguished by a huge diversity of flora and fauna; more than 700 plant species grow here, representing a third of the total flora, more than 50 species are endemic.

The flora of the archipelago is typical of the Mediterranean coast; juniper, strawberry tree, phyllirea, mastic tree, myrtle, Erica, calicotoma, cistus, and euphorbia are widespread here. In the center of Caprera Island you can find wild orchids. The vegetation landscape of the islands depends entirely on the wind, sun, arid conditions and not very fertile lands, as well as on the distance from the mainland zone.

The fauna is represented by reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds (mainly sea birds). In addition, the many small islands between Sardinia and Corsica are a resting place for migratory birds. Some species of seabirds nest only on the islands of the archipelago, such as Audouin's gull, as well as a subspecies of the long-billed cormorant, the population of which on the archipelago accounts for up to 3% of its total world population. You can see here the gray heron and pink flamingos.

Long-nosed cormorant. Photonaturamediterraneo.com

Historical figures

The names of many historical figures are associated with the La Maddalena archipelago. Let's name the most famous of them.

In 1793, the then 24-year-old Napoleon Bonaparte attempted to conquer the island of La Maddalena by landing on the island of Santo Stefano. However, even the 22 ships that made up his fleet could not overcome the resistance offered to the future Emperor of France by the patriot and hero of the island, sailor Domenico Millilire. Napoleon was forced to retreat and return to Corsica. And in the municipal building you can still see the “Napolon’s core” preserved as a souvenir.

Admiral Horatio Nelson also looked at La Maddalena, considering it more strategically advantageous than Malta. London, however, had a different opinion. However, Nelson stayed on the island from 1803 to 1805, developing genuine friendship and respect for the local residents. And, before weighing anchor and sailing to Trafalgar, the admiral gave the islanders a crucifix and two silver candlesticks, which are still kept in the museum of the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.

Admiral Nelson's candlesticks. Photoluoghimisteriosi.it

Giuseppe Garibaldi, the “hero of two worlds,” chose the archipelago and the island of Caprera, first as his place of solitude, and then as the place where he would spend the rest of his life. He led simple life a peasant and a sailor, surrounded by his friends. On Caprera, Garibaldi hatched a plan for unification, and from here he went to implement it, so that he could later return and remain on Caprera until his death. " The White house» on Caprera is state museum, dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Monument to Garibaldi on Caprera. Photoit. wikipedia. org

Photo: National Park"La Maddalena Archipelago"

National Park "La Maddalena" (Sardinia, Italy) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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La Maddalena National Park was named after the archipelago that shelters it. This is the only state-owned protected land in all of Italy. This place is also unique for Sardinia: before it here national parks It never happened. The territory itself has been mentioned in history since the 2nd century BC. e., for a long time it was of great value for shipping and became the object of claims of maritime states. This land became a national park only in 1996. For 10 years now, La Maddalena has been applying for the status of a World Park. natural heritage, according to UNESCO. The archipelago includes about 60 islands, their coastline stretches for 180 km. In addition, the park’s territory includes a water area of ​​12 thousand hectares. However, the latter will decrease significantly in the coming years. In these waters it is planned to create a separate marine park With international status"Bocche di Bonifacio".

What to see

The national park as a whole is recognized as one of best places for diving in Europe. The largest island of the archipelago is Isola Maddalena, but Caprera is ahead of it in terms of historical significance. These two islands are the only ones in La Maddalena that can boast road connections. They are connected to each other by a 600 m dam.

Isola Maddalena is noticeable from afar due to the specific color of the rocks. Against the background of this unusual redness, a huge yellowish stone stands out, its outline reminiscent of a polar bear and bearing the corresponding name. Finally, another dominant color of this island is white: this is what the sand on the beaches looks like.

It is worth noting that the beaches of Izola Maddalena are the most popular in the entire national park. Baia Trinita and Spalmatore will be remembered for especially touching landscapes. On these beaches you can find rare representatives of the living world; some of them have retained their original appearance for many centuries, while in other parts of the Mediterranean they have long since disappeared.

On the island of Caprera stands the House of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived here for 26 years. The monastery of the “father of Italian independence” was converted into a museum, and a bust of the national hero was erected at the entrance. Nearby you can explore the memorial chapel and the Garibaldi family cemetery. By the way, the pine trees covering the territory of Caprera were planted by the military leader.

The island of Santo Stefano attracts seekers prehistoric settlements, although the area is currently uninhabited. But the absence of local residents did not prevent the establishment of a tourist club, Club Valtur, here.

6 secret islands of Italy that locals kept for themselves:

Practical information

La Maddalena National Park is located in the northeastern part of Sardinia. Before largest island can be reached by ferry from Olbia-Tempio departing from the port of Palau. There you can rent a boat or speedboat to explore the rest of the archipelago.

Due to strong winds, camping here is not recommended. There are several hotels on Isola Maddalena. Room prices start from 55 EUR per night. There are also always summer houses and apartments available for rent, the cost of which can be negotiated with local residents. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.