[ENG] Linea delle Isole. Itinerary 3 - Cala Garibaldi

We have arrived at the port of Palau. You can now begin disembarking. Thanks again!

We are arriving at the port of Palau, which you can see on the left, where our journey will end. Meanwhile, take a glance at the islands around us: in front of us, on the right, is the island of Spargi, where we made our first stop this morning. The island of La Maddalena stretches further to the right, as we leave Caprera behind. Today we have circumnavigated the Maddalena archipelago together, p...

Also here on the island of Santo Stefano, high up on the right, is the fort of Napoleon, a military structure dating back to the period of the Napoleonic Wars. In these very waters, in 1793, Napoleon Bonaparte took part in an attempted attack on the Maddalena archipelago, during which he was ordered to bomb the island. This was one of the first episodes of his military career.

Slightly ahead on the right is the island of Santo Stefano. The large quay that you can see was used until 2008 by the American military to moor their ships, when there was a NATO base in the archipelago. The other structures that stand out on the island belong to the Italian Navy and are still operational. It is a place that testifies to the relatively recent military past of these islands.

In the direction of the “four little houses” lies the Centro Velico Caprera, one of the most prestigious sailing schools in Italy. Founded in 1967, it has been welcoming sailing enthusiasts from all over the world for over fifty years, offering courses surrounded by the archipelago's extraordinary natural scenery.

Also on the right side, we can observe Punta Rossa, characterised by the presence of a military fort, used during the two World Wars to control this stretch of coastline. To your left, on the other hand, is the view of Baia Sardinia and, following the profile of the coastline, the Gulf of Cannigione.

Still on the right, we can observe one of Caprera's most famous beaches: Il Relitto (the Wreck), so called because of the remains of an old boat that still emerge in its depths. Continuing, we come to Cala Andreani, another picturesque cove immersed in the unspoilt nature of the island.

On the right is the Spiaggia dei Due Mari, located on the island of Caprera. It is also known as Cala Portese.

We have just left Cala Coticcio and are now continuing our sail along the coast of Caprera. The first cove we come to on the right is Cala Brigantina, a small inlet of fine white sand set among the rocks.

We will now make a swimming stop from the boat here in Cala Coticcio. Please note that, for safety reasons, diving is only permitted from the lower deck, on the sides of the boat, or using the stern ladder. The stop will last approximately 30 minutes. To facilitate entry and exit from the water, a ladder will be opened at the rear of the boat. Please be extremely careful: always stay in the immedi...

In front of us is Cala Coticcio, one of the most spectacular bays on the island of Caprera. Also known as 'Tahiti', it owes this nickname to its incredibly crystal-clear waters, with colours reminiscent of tropical lagoons. The cove is easily accessible by sea, while by land you reach it via a scenic path of about an hour along the mountain. This isolated location helps to keep its wild and unspoi...

Ahead, on the left, we can see the islets of the Monks, also known as 'the lost ones of Caprera'. Their name recalls an ancient function: it was in fact the monks who were in charge of the light signals to guide those sailing in these waters.

This area of Caprera is called Candeo. At the top is the Antonio Candeo anti-ship gunship, built in 1928: a medium-calibre battery that once guarded the north-eastern coast of the island. Today it remains as a silent testimony to Caprera's military past, immersed in a landscape that over time has once again become overtaken by nature. We will soon reach Cala Coticcio, Tahiti. 

In front of us, to the right, is the island of Caprera. Here stands the house museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi, patriot and hero of the Italian wars of independence. It was on this island that he spent the last years of his life, where he died. His grave is also located here, next to those of some of his family members.

Welcome back on board. We now leave Cala Garibaldi and begin skirting the western side of Caprera, where we can admire some beautiful coves. The first one we encounter will be Cala Serena, followed by Cala Caprese and Cala Napoletana. We are now heading towards Cala Coticcio.

In front of us we see Cala Garibaldi, a picturesque beach on the northern part of the island of Caprera. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand and surrounding pine forest, it is named after one of the main figures of the Italian wars of independence, General Giuseppe Garibaldi, who docked here in 1855 before settling on the island. It is a protected natural area. Here we will make our bea...

On the right, known for its sheltered position, is Cala Spalmatore, characterised by two rocky promontories that protect it.

On the right, we can see Porto Massimo, located to the north of the island of La Maddalena: a renowned marina and one of the main landmarks for tourism in the archipelago.

We have just left the island of Santa Maria behind us and are now sailing towards Caprera, to discover Cala Garibaldi. During this stretch of navigation, remember that the bar on board is open and at your disposal. In addition, our chef will prepare crepes filled with Nutella on request. The crepes can be ordered directly at the bar. Ahead on the left you can see a small group of islets: these are...

Facing us is the island of Santa Maria, located at the northernmost tip of the La Maddalena archipelago, a stone's throw from the Bocche di Bonifacio on the border with Corsica. It is one of the few islands still permanently inhabited, retaining a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Here you will find a beautiful beach of clear sand, washed by crystal-clear, shallow waters, some of the most popular...

We are now leaving Porto della Madonna and heading towards the island of Santa Maria. 

We are now at the Porto della Madonna: a beautiful sea lagoon with very shallow waters and extraordinarily crystal-clear waters. It is famous for its incredible shades of colour ranging from turquoise to deep blue, which is why this place is also known as 'Natural Swimming Pools'.

We have just left the Pink Beach in Budelli behind us and are now sailing towards the Porto della Madonna, also known as the ‘Natural Swimming Pools’. This is an extraordinary stretch of water set between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria.

In front of us you can see the famous Pink Beach, here on the island of Budelli. It is famous for its unmistakable colour, due to the presence of a microorganism, Miniacina Miniacea, which lives in seagrass meadows and, mixing with fragments of shells, mollusks, and granite, gives the sand its characteristic pink hue. Since 1994, the Pink Beach has been a fully protected area, Zone A of the Park:...

In front of us we can see three islands: Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. To the right is the island of La Maddalena. In the distance, towards the left, you can also make out the coast of Corsica, which is French territory. The stretch of sea we are about to cross is known as the Strait of Bonifacio. This name derives from the French town of Bonifacio, which in turn was named after Marquis Bonifa...