n coast

Coordinates: 41°11'56.8"N 9°25'46.6"E

The main island, La Maddalena is the only inhabited city. This charming little harbor lives at the rhythm of the sea routes to Sardinia. Sailors must be careful because of the many shoals around the islands and wind, often important, in the Strait of Bonifacio. The second, by the extent of the islands of the archipelago, Caprera, a rocky appearance, almost inaccessible. The celebrity of Caprera is still largely linked to GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI memories that had settled there after his patriotic businesses and political commitment.
But Caprera also worth a visit because of the high environmental value of the island: Cala Portese Cala Napoletana, Cala Coticcio offer one of the most suggestive scenarios of the archipelago. Spargi, the third island by its size, is almost circular and its granite mass is interrupted here and there by ridges of porphyry. Its coast, no indented, does not offer deep inlets, but charming coves with sandy bottom and crystal clear sea, as Cala Corsara south of the island. Santo Stefano, fourth island of the archipelago by its dimensions, faces the town of La Maddalena. Almost devoid of coves and beaches, the island offers a safe anchorage in the Cala di Villamarina, in the southern part of the island.

Leaving Corsica up to the Lavezzi islands, the island Razzoli is the first island north Sardinia encountered. An old square lithouse next to the new lighthouse on the NW tip is very remarkably. Razzoli island has an area of ​​1, 5 square km and has 12.3 km coastal development. The The island is separated a few meters from the island of Santa Maria in the "Passo Asinelli."
His appearance differs little from that of neighboring islands because of the high rocks but the few beaches on the island are known for their beauty as Cala Lunga, Cala Cappello, or Cala delle Noce.
West Coast offers two ancorages, the Cala Longa and the loop between Razzoli and the neighboring island of Budelli. Both anchorages are open to swell and westerly winds frequent on this coast.

Santa Maria is an island north of the chaplet Razzoli, Budelli and Santa Maria. It has an area of 2 km and a perimeter of ​​about 10 km. You can anchor in the NW in Cala Muro or SE  in Cala Santa Maria. Santa Maria is separated of Razzoli by the very narrow pass degli Asinelli and of Budelli by Cecca di Morto pass. Both passes are available only to boats.The tip Filetto, E end of the island has a lighthouse, backed by a low turret white house on one floor. Santa Maria is the only island in the archipelago, with the exception of Caprera, to be continuously inhabited today, even if it is by a single family. In summer, however, it homes some celebrities, including Roberto Benigni.

Budelli Island is a few hundred meters S of Islands Razzoli and S. Maria, separated by the pass "Chiecca di Morto". It has an area of 1.6 square km and 12.3 kilometers of coastline.
It is known for her famous pink beach, located SE of the island where it is forbidden getting ashore and even bathing. The Spiaggia del Cavaliere beach is as well forbidden to anchorage. Do not take the "pass of the dead" between the islands Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, there are only 1,50 m of water and many rocks.

La Maddalena island It is the largest island of the archipelago. Despite being the only inhabited island of the archipelago, it is mountainous and arid. It is connected by a bridge to Caprera island where are the house and the tomb of Garibaldi. It is also connected by a road to Giardinelli islet.
Its coasts are fairly inaccessible outside the main harbor and 2-3 moorings in its NE.The SE of the island of La Maddalena is prohibited to boating and reserved for the army.It is a pass with beacons between Arsenal dam and San Stephano island. The port offers a basin, la cala Gavetta, where boaters can dock.

South of Massimo Port, Cala Spalmatore is a natural bay which lies NE of La Maddalena. Rocks that emerge from the N side of the entrance are easily identififiable. Ancorage to S in 3 or 4 m of water, you can moor to N, in front of the beach by 4-5m on sandy and rocky bottom, good holding.
There is a pontoon to the W, with 4m depth at the end.

Cala Francese is a beautiful cove on the west coast of the Maddalena, protected from the north. The surrounding area is clear. At the bottom there is a dock. Mooring buoys on rocky or sandy funds by 5 m. In the southern part is another cove, a few houses and an old quarry without interest. Formerly, pink granite boulders were transported by ship across the world. The Cala Francese granite was used for the construction of the Statue of Liberty.

Passo della Moneta, which leads between Isola Maddalena and Isola Caprera, has a least depth of 1.5m and is available to small craft.The S part of this passage is obstructed by a causeway which has an opening, 21m wide,and an overhead clearance of 4.6m.

Caprera Island has its highest point is Monte Teialone that reaches 212 meters above the surface of the sea and the island, employing an area of ​​15.7 km ², is the second largest island of the archipelago of La Maddalena to which is connected by a bridge. Beautiful massive rocks with beautiful beaches in the South part. Unfortunately this whole part is prohibited to civilians: this is a military area. Warning: the presence of submarine cables along the E coast of the island, thus anchoring is prohibited. This island houses the tomb and the house of Garibaldi. This is where he lived in exile the last years of his eventful life . His house "Casa Bianca" of South American style, and his tomb is located approximately 1 km from the road between Maddalena and Capraia (Passo Della Moneta). The island of Caprera offers between the most beautiful anchorages spots of the Archipelago, like Cala Napoletana, Cala Coticcio (known as Tahiti), Cala Portese.

Coming from the North west side of Sardinia, with favourable weather, you will discover a corner of desert paradise even in August at Capo di Monte Russu, after 3Nm from Punta di Li Francesi going towards Capo Testa (Santa Teresa di Gallura). The semidesert beach, golden sand dunes, transparent waters, and sandy bottom gives a good hold. In this area we will be able to anchor for a tonifying swim. This is a good spot to bear in mind if weather condition are favourable.
From Capo di Monte Russu to Colba beach there are 5 Nm.
The Colba is a beach sheltered from the winds form the N NE E SE and it is located on the Southern side of Capo Testa.
For a good anchorage, in  case of good and stable weather, good spots are the internal part of the harbour towards the NE (seaweeds bottom)  or in front of the pine forest to the W (rocky bottom), or if we are in the centre of the bay directing the
prow to 120° in a direction of a small inlet of the coast (sandy bottom). 
Navigating around Capo Testa to reach the port  it is better to keep a distance from the coast of at least 500 m seeingfthe major presence of shoals.
We point out possible excursions with the tender to La valle della Luna (Valley of the Moon), on the W side of the cape, and Cala
Spinosa, the haven on the N part of Capo Testa. Baia di S.ta Reparata, on the E of Cala Spinosa, is a good anchorage, sheltered from the second and third sector winds. It is repaired from the winds from the ESE, SE, SW and if there is only a breeze it is fine to stay with NW wind.
The approach does not present difficulties: keeping 300m from the coast, and keeping on a side the old
lighthouse/stoplight,  which is on the N side of Capo Testa, we spot Punta Acuta and Punta Contessa. With the bathymetric at 30meters and route at 108°, the mouth of the canal will become evident, which is almost 300 m wide in its safest part. During the
summer this area is very popular. 
The port of Santa Teresa di Gallura, also called Longosardo, is a deep inlet approximately 1 Nm.  Once inside there is a space
dedicate to large vessels (maximum lenght: 35m) , on the W part of the dock in cement, immediately after the part designated to the ferries to/from Bonifacio. Take rout 195°, careful though, because in front of the mouth of the port on the left there is a dangerous shallow of 1.5 m signaled by buoys. In any case first contact the port on VHF Ch 12. The port offers all services.

Punta Marmorata is located 0,5 NM E of Punta Falcone and N Cala Marmorata. A granite pyramid, 13m high, stands on this point. To visit the bay of Cala Marmorata it is important  to keep  a due distance from the islands of Marmorata (Isolotto di Marmorata) and from the shallow around them. Mormorata islands consisting of two islets, are SE Marmorata tip and are surrounded by rocks. A dangerous wreck lies about 0,2 NM NNE of N islet.
The passage between the islands and the mainland is obstructed by rocks.
We must procede with caution and after having passed the Isolotto di Marmorata, direct ourselves perpendicularly towards the beach. Cala Marmorata is located about 1/2 NM S of Punta Marmorata, it is easily identified by a clearly visible beacon. This is a well protected cove from west that provides anchorage on a sandy bottom of good holding. You can anchor in the bay to W behind large rocks that break NW swell. Grand resort on land.
In case you are not interested in discovering the innumerable small inlets and delicious little bays that this coast offer and
that unfortunately can not be performed by large vessels, the next stage (beside the Maddalena’s islands) is the inlet of Porto Liscia. 
Passing Punta Monterosso, which is located 1.4 NM ESE of Cala Marmorata (fringed by dangers and should not be approached within at least 0.8 NM),  Porto Liscia is on the E side of the Penisola di Culuccia, even it is often called Isola di Culuccia. The bay is a simple and secure point to reach and not last, even in the middle of summer not too busy, very special situation, if we count that we are less than 3 Nm from the Archipelago di La Mddalena. Porto Liscia offers shelter from NW, W, SW; SE, it has a sandy bottom. 
We did not mention Porto Pozzo. This little port even if it is a sheltered, could be taken into consideration as a temporary stop. Porto Pozzo has a navigable canal approx. 180 m wide, a good bottom, depth from 8 to 10 m, but has one big defect: it has not escape routes! The canal is contaminated with shoal and rocks which barely surface and has heavy traffic from small and medium boats; once anchored at the bottom of the inlet the remaining space is minimal. The bottom is a great hold with mud and sand.

Heading towards E we find Porto Pollo (Porto Puddu) located between Punta Sardegna and Porto Liscia, is a windsurfer’s paradise, being a corner of the Bocche di Bonifacio protected from the waves but not from the wind. Porto Pollo is a good shelter. To get a good anchorage there:  once we pass Punta Cavalli, we steer towards the S, following the coast line of the headland of L’Isuledda.  We can shelter from the NW, otherwise we can turn the prow towards the SE to be sheltered from the winds from the E sector ( 5/6 m of sandy bottom). This is the best spot for large vessels, as it is possible to navigate more internally as there is enpugh depth but not enough space for manouvres. 

Anchor is possible for a short stop in Trana cove, located W Sardegna point. The name of this bay is not shown on many charts but you will recognize it easily from the sand dunes on the west side of the beach. Cala di Trana is well sheltered with S winds.

Punta Sardegna is one of the fragments of land that is located on the sea in front of the magnificent archipelago of La Maddalena. 
The white lighthouse was built in 1913.
S of tip the coast is rocky and steep with few small beaches. An area of submarine cables in which anchor and fishing are prohibited lies between the coast and the island of La Maddalena. This area includes the W part of Mezzo Schifo bay.
Between Punta Sardegna and Punta Palau, in Mezzo Schifo bay, following the E side of the coast we find Porto Rafael. 
Contacting the Yacht Club of Porto Rafael on VHF Ch 16 and 9 one can obtain mooring in quay (it is difficult in the summer) . There are approximately 60 spots and the maximum length with mooring for up to 40 m. The port is open to NE winds, and we need to be careful also with SE winds.

A safe haven protected from the NW is La Rada di Mezzo Schifo or Baia Nelson. Mezzo Schifo or Sciulara bay lies between Sardegna tip and Palau tip. It is sheltered from SW / NW winds. Good anchorage is at 0.4 NM to W Palau Lighthouse. The harbor, also known as Nelson Bay, because, in 1803, it housed the fleet of Admiral Englishman, who gave his name "Schifo" from the dialect of the Maddalena meaning "boat", "shell". 
Following our itinerary towards the E at 1 Nm from Porto Rafael, we find Palau.
It is a town with a commercial port. During the summer is connected by ferries with Genova/Sardinia/Naples.
It has a small marina for yachts and ferry lines to/from the island of the Maddalena. It can be a point for supplying the galley, but
definitely better would be to decide for a stop in the small port of La Maddalena.
The coastal navigation continues after about 4 Nm we find the Golfo Saline, immediately after Capo d’Orso (S of Capo
d’Orso). This is a large deep bay about 2 NM, between Punta Capra, 0.8 NM S of Capo d'Orso, and Punta Saline, E of Capo d’Orso, consisting of small beaches.
The coasts are rocky at the entrance of the bay and become gradually sandy at the bottom (The bottom is mud/algae, mud/sand, and on the inside only mud.). Entering and leaving attention to rocks located about 500 meters off Tre Monti Cape.
The Gulf is well protected from the Mistral, although the W and N winds generate surf.
Anchor by 14/18 m. There are not dangers, the approach even at night does not present difficulties. We need to pay attention to the large buoy for the compass deviation that we find in the middle of the gulf on the 10 m bathymetric. 
In the immediate vicinity to the coast we can swim in the transparent waters: in the Golfo di Saline the water is murky because there is a river outlet.
The Golfo di Arzachena, located between Punta Saline and Tre Monti Cape, is a high inlet whose banks are lined with shoals. South tip, Arzachena, West of the entrance, a beacon consists of an iron with a sheer spherical white marks a rock particularly dangerous, the secca "di Tre Monti", with a depth of 5 m.
The large bay Arzachena has two ports: Cala Bitta on the E shore and Cannigione at W and offers good protection except from NE. 
1.5 Nm further S from Golfo dellle Saline there is the haven of Barca Brujada. In this small haven it is nice to stay even with on NW wind:  the bottom is sandy and we can anchor, keeping a good security margin in 5 m of water. Naturally these last two anchorages are advisable in the case of winds from the SW, W, NW.
We find Cala Bitta , which is a beautiful small rocky bay with a granite dock that dates to the nineteenth century. The cove is sheltered by the island of "Mucchi Bianchi." Small harbor with no more than 2m draft. Anchorage possible in the bay towards the north. In the bay N of Cala Bitta, after passing "Pointa di li Cossi", we anchor in 4 to 5m on sand and herbs bottom. Good shelter except by NW winds.
At the bottom of the Golfo di Arzachena there is a town of Cannigione. If we want to visit it  we need to navigate towards the center of the gulf, (leaving from 41°08’,050 N 009°27’,44E – with route 197° 03’),  we can anchor on a bathymetric of 5 m . In the summer it is a popular anchoarage, the bottom is mud and algae. 
If the wind it is strong it is better to anchor in the N part of the gulf in front of the Punta Arzachena. 
We are finally arrived to Poltu Quatu with its Marina dell’Orso. This is a fjord located between Di Liscia di Vacca bay and Sardinia Bay, in front of Caprera island and Capuccini islet. 

Coordinates: 41° 17' 8.664" N     9° 21' 35.233" E 
Porto della Madonna is an amazing water mirror located on the Eastern part of Budelli Island, in front of the wonderful bays of Santa Maria and Razzoli Islands.
It's a real natural swimming pool, which is worth visiting. The crystal-clear colour of its waters makes this one of the most enchanting places in La Maddalena Archipelago.

Coordinates: 41°11'21.2"N 9°28'14.6"E

Big bay shelterd from SW winds. Anchorage on sandy/ algae bottom in 5m of water. Sandy beach at the bottom of the bay.
Cala Portese beach is located on Isola Rossa, which is joined to Caprera by the sandy Istmo dei Due Mari. 

Coordinates: 41°12.06 N 9°27.24 E
Cala Stagnali is a wide cove where you can anchor by 3 m deep.
Beware of rocks that line the sides and bottom of the cove.
The bay of Stagnali, overlooking La Maddalena, is characterised, as its name suggests, by its quite shallow water and numerous rocky outcrops. It offers safe shelter for boats, especially in the northern part, and has a small port, originally built for the stationed military garrison but today used by both fisherman and pleasure boaters.

Coordinates: 41° 13' 1.722" N     9° 29' 4.636" E 
The south of Cala Cotticio lapointe Cotticio is composed of two well-sheltered bays of the north where we drop anchor in 10 to 15m depth. The cove is the westernmost surrounded by high cliffs and must go close to anchor. Part E is shallower and even has a small beach. Attention to it in coming rocks beyond the tip.
The beach of Cala Coticcio, on the east coast of the island of Caprera, is covered by fine white sand, bathed by a sea of a thousand turquoise hues and protected by splendid sculptures of pinkish rock, among which space is found for juniper, heather, rockrose, and lentisk.

Coordinates: 41° 13' 29.845" N     9° 27' 27.612" E 
Bay in the Moneta pass, on NW coast of Caprera. Beware to emergent and submerged rocks nearby. Accessible to ships familiar places. You can anchor in 7 m depth.
Cala Garibaldi peeks out in the north-western coastal stretch of the Island of Caprera, at a point facing the Island of Giardinelli and the three Italiani Islets. The beach, near to the Passo della Moneta, has fine light-coloured sand and a crystal-clear sea and the shore slopes gently down towards the sea, making it perfect for families with children. It is framed by huge light-coloured rocks where bushes of Mediterranean shrub grow, creating striking chromatic effects. To the north the beach continues with two small bays sheltered by pink rocks and known as Cala Serena.

Coordinates: 41°14'32.1"N 9°27'41.8"E

Located N point of the island this bay is very is very popular with boaters.
The bay is free of danger, but go slowly once the line probe exceeded 5 m.
On the north of the western coast of the Island of Caprera we find Cala Napoletana, an authentic paradise with spotless sand, limpid waters and Mediterranean shrub. An ideal place for those wishing to spend a relaxing day.

Coordinates: 41° 13' 34.165" N     9° 22' 34.766" E 
Beautiful cove on the west coast of the Maddalena, protected from the north. The surrounding area is clear.
At the bottom there is a dock.
Mooring buoys on rocky or sandy funds by 5 m.
In the southern part is another cove, a few houses and an old quarry without interest.
Formerly, pink granite boulders were transported by ship across the world. The Cala Francese granite was used for the construction of the Statue of Liberty.

Coordinates: 41° 14' 58.546" N     9° 25' 46.610" E

Coordinates: 41°15.48 N 9°25.84 E

In the bay of Porto Lungo, Massimo marina provides boaters approximately 50 mooring buoys. Funds being about 7.5 m,  boats until 50 m can anchor.

Coordinates: 41° 13' 49.829" N     9° 20' 37.273" E 

A beautiful sandy beach at the bottom of the bay

Coordinates: 41° 17' 37.453" N     9° 22' 19.240" E 

This cove is located SE of S. Maria island. We anchor between 1.5 m and 6 m on sandy bottom. Attention to shoal (1.7 m) at the entrance of the cove port.

Coordinates 41° 17' 59'' N  9° 20' 39'' E

Deep cove and protected from winds except for westerly winds, S Razzoli. Beware of rocks outcropping at the port entrance. Remain at the center of the passage. The depth is 2 to 4 m.

Coordinates: 41° 8' 37.273" N     9° 25' 57.738" E 

Large beach between Murra Point and La Barca Bruciata point. The bay offers good anchorage during the day and is sheltered from SW, W, NW winds.
Campsite offers many facilities including a jetty with a small dock.
 

Coordinates: 41°09.51 N 9°24.70 E
The coasts are rocky at the entrance of the bay and become gradually sandy at the bottom. Entering and leaving attention to rocks located about 500 meters off Tre Monti Cape. The Gulf is well protected from the Mistral, although the W and N winds generate surf. Anchor by 14/18 m.

Coordinates: 41° 15' 0.616" N     9° 14' 12.667" E 

Well protected cove from W. Good anchorage on sandy bottom with good holding.
Grand resort on land

Coordinates: 41°11'01.9"N 9°22'19.0"E

Sheltered from SW / NW winds.
Good anchorage in 0.4 NM to W Palau Lighthouse
The harbor, also known as Nelson Bay, because, in 1803, it housed the fleet of Admiral Englishman, who gave his name "Schifo" from the dialect of the Maddalena meaning "boat", "shell".

SEE THE "INTERDICTION RADA DI MEZZO SCHIFO" DOC IN "RULES / REGULATIONS" AREA

Coordinates: 41° 12' 13.669" N     9° 21' 8.478" E 
Well sheltered with S winds.
The pink sand and the crystalline sea make this beach a downright secluded haven of peace and tranquillity.

Coordinates: 41° 11' 30.941" N     9° 17' 45.341" E 

Porto Liscia sheltered from NW, W, SW; SE, it has a sandy bottom.

Liscia bay has a beach of fine white sand, about 1 km long, which gives a crystal clear sea.
You can anchor in the center of the bay by 5/10 m 

Porto Liscia is the best place to use and enjoy water toys .