La Maddalena Hotels: Best Places to Stay in 2024
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Sardinia (or Sardegna in Italian), you’ve likely looked at a map at this point to see where it is. Within the Strait of Bonifacio, you’ll notice a sprinkle of islands sitting closely to the ever so popular Costa Smeralda. These islands are part of the Maddalena Archipelago (Arcipelago di La Maddalena in Italian). The archipelago can be overshadowed by the glamour that is Sardinia which means many visitors are missing out on beautiful beaches and waterfront hotels found on La Maddalena instead.
Aside from lower prices, La Maddalena hotels are also less frequented but still offer the same idyllic experience of mainland Sardegna. In this post, you’ll find the best places to stay in La Maddalena but first, let’s dive into some basics!
Quick Guide
- What and Where is La Maddalena?
- Is La Maddalena Worth Visiting?
- How to Get to La Maddalena
- Types of Accommodations on La Maddalena
- Best Places to Stay on La Maddalena
What and Where is La Maddalena?
Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does. A hop and skip from mainland Sardegna will get you to Maddalenda Island, or Isola Maddalena, with access to the Italian national park of Maddalena Archipelago. The natural and spectacular wonder that is the archipelago sits promptly in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is made up of around 60 islands. Although most of these micro islands are technically islets and often unnamed, the landscape is undeniably distinct.
The scattered islands are a result of our earth’s movement, millions of year ago. It left us with an assortment of sandy inlets, rocky cliffs, smoothed boulders and peaks with views from anywhere on the islands. Land area is rather scarce and the archipelago is made up of only a few primary islands with Isola Maddalena being the largest. The remaining notable islands include Santo Stefano, Budelli, Caprera, Spargi, Santa Maria, and Razzoli. Only a couple of these are connected by bridges and accessible by car. The rest of the islands are only available to visit by boat.
Maddalena Archipelago was a notable asset during war periods such as WW2 and even dating back to Napoleon’s days. You’ll still find old bases and building structures which are mostly rusted but still interesting to see for any history buffs. Isola Santo Stefano even served as a NATO naval base with ships departing rather recently in 2008.
Is La Maddalena Worth Visiting?
In short, YES. If we may be so bold, it’s so worth visiting that if you’re short on time, you can choose to only explore La Maddalena and save mainland Sardinia for a different trip. Especially for travellers looking to make visiting beaches their main priority, you do not need to go any further than La Maddalena. If you are a traveler looking for a variety of things to do on your trip, a couple of days on the Maddalena Archipelago will suffice. Aside from remarkable swimming, snorkeling, boat tours and other water based activities, there isn’t too much else to do.
How to Get to La Maddalena
Don’t get intimated by traveling to another island while already on one island. The easiest, quickest and most affordable way to get to La Maddalena is by ferry. A ferry from Palau to Isola Maddalena departs regularly during peak season and even accommodates cars. A brief guide on how to get to La Maddalenda can be found here.
Need to figure out how you’ll get around La Maddalena? Consider a rental car as they’re much more affordable than you’d think, especially if you’re doing a short trip. Check out Discover Cars to find the best suited option for your vacation.
Types of Accommodations on La Maddalena
La Maddalena hotels are outnumbered by the number of apartment and home stays available. Due to the pure nature of La Maddalena’s landscape and location, it’s more difficult to develop on. This is likely a blessing as it contributes to the archipelago’s conservation and overall pristine feel. We will explore some of the island’s best hotels in addition to other types of accommodations such as inland homes and waterfront apartments with a view.
Best La Maddalena Hotels and Places to Stay
Quick List
- Best Hotel for Families: Hotel Cala Lunga
- Best Villa for Couples: Le Ville Le Saline
- Best Hotel for Short Stays: Residenza Mordini
- Best Waterfront Budget Hotel: Hotel Nido D’aquila
- Best Bungalow Stay: Abbatoggia Village
- Best Adult Only Hotel for Couples: Grand Hotel Resort & SPA
- Best One Bedroom Apartment: Le Residenze di Padule
- Best Bed & Breakfast: Bed & Breakfast Mare Isole
- Best Quiet Location Villa: Casa MìMì
Map of La Maddalenda Hotels and Stays
Best Hotel for Families
Hotel cala Lunga
Features: Beachfront property, private location, outdoor pool, easy access to multiple and quiet beaches, restaurants on site
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Cala Lunga, Spiaggia del Costone, Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore and Spiaggia del Cardellino
Price Level: Mid-Range
Best Villa for Couples
Deliziosa Casetta al Mare
Features: Private beach area, linen service, pets allowed, washing machine, surrounded by nature, nearby museum
Nearby Beaches: Cala Francese, Spiaggia Cala d’Inferno, Bassa Trinita Beach and Cala Nido d’Aquila
Price Level: Mid-Range
Best Hotel for Short Stays
Residenza Mordini
Features: Outdoor swimming pool, 100 m to port, surrounded by shops and restaurants, hotel staff
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Punta Tegge and Cala Nido d’Aquila
Price Level: Mid-Range
Best Waterfront Budget Hotel
Hotel Nido D’aquila
Features: Sea and mountain views, beachfront property, spacious terraces, breakfast buffet
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Punta Tegge, Cala Nido d’Aquila and Cala Francese
Price Level: Budget
Best Bungalow Stay
Abbatoggia Village
Features: Private beach, onsite restaurant and bar, easy access to snorkeling areas, bicycle rentals
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Abatoggia, Spiaggia dello Strangolato and Spiaggia Monti D’A Rena
Price Level: Budget
Best Adult Only Hotel for Couples
Grand Hotel Resort & SPA
Features: Room service, spa & wellness center, onsite restaurant, modern decor, swimming pool
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Punta Tegge and Cala Nido d’Aquila
Price Level: Luxury
Best One Bedroom Apartment
Le Residenze di Padule
Features: Sea view, spacious terrace, washing machine, free parking, suitable for up to four guests
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Punta Tegge and Cala Nido d’Aquila
Price Level: Budget
Best Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Mare Isole
Features: Great reviews, great breakfast, local recommendations, charming spaces, outdoor terrace
Nearby Beaches: Spiaggia di Ricciolina, Spiaggia del Porticciolo and Punta Nera
Price Level: Mid-Range
Best Quietly Located Villa
Casa MìMì
Features: Entire independent home, private location, washing machine, surrounded by nature, spacious two bedrooms
Nearby Beaches: Bassa Trinita Beach, Spiaggia Cala d’Inferno and Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore
Price Level: Mid-Range
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