Ferries La Maddalena

Ferry companies operating routes to La Maddalena offer special discounts to various types of passengers, including children, large groups, and residents.

Children up to 3 years old travel for free, and children up to 11 years old enjoy discounted tickets. Discounts are also available for large groups and for round-trip ticket purchases.

Useful info: Non-residents must pay the municipality's arrival fee, which is included in the ticket price. The fee varies by season: €0.50 from November to March and €2.50 from April to October.

If you're planning a trip to La Maddalena, it's a smart choice to book in advance. This way, you can reserve your spot on the ferry without any worries by choosing the day and time that's most convenient for you.

During the summer, ferries fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Without a ticket, you may have to wait for the next departure.

Booking in advance also allows you to save on ticket prices. While there aren't significant price variations between high and low season, fares can increase slightly in the summer.

Keep in mind that some companies offer last-minute discounts or offers for round-trip tickets. We recommend monitoring prices in the days leading up to your departure to find the most convenient option.

La Maddalena is a captivating island in Sardinia, attracting visitors with both its extraordinary beauty and its rich history. Beyond its picture-perfect coastline, the island boasts an important cultural heritage.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian general who played a key role in the unification of Italy in the 19th century, chose the La Maddalena archipelago as his home for the last years of his life, settling on the nearby island of Caprera. His house is now a museum and is a must-see for those who wish to learn more about Italian history.

In La Maddalena, visitors can admire the characteristic cobbled streets, lively squares, and the picturesque marina. The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is one of the most notable buildings. The eponymous treasure is on display here and includes jewels and sacred furnishings, some of which were donated by the famous Admiral Horatio Nelson.

The island is also a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park protects some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, including Cala Spalmatore, Bassa Trinità, and the famous Spiaggia Rosa di Budelli, which is famous for its distinctive pink color due to fragments of coral and shells.

Whether you want to relax in the sun, catch up on Italian history or take a dip in the turquoise waters, La Maddalena is the perfect destination.

La Maddalena is a charming destination that is easily accessible by ferry. Here are 6 useful travel tips to plan a hassle-free trip:

1. Ferries to La Maddalena are in high demand, especially during the summer and on weekends. Booking in advance allows you to avoid long waits at the port and choose the most convenient departure time.
2. If you want to enjoy the island with fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or October. The weather is still pleasant, the beaches aren’t as busy and there still plenty of ferries.
3. If you're planning a day trip, booking your return tickets in advance will help you organize your day better and and reduce waiting times.
4. Bring your car to explore the island in your own time. La Maddalena has many hidden coves and scenic spots that are difficult to reach with public transport. Traveling with your vehicle will give you greater freedom to explore the island and discover lesser-known places.
5. Even if the ferry ride only lasts a few minutes, it's helpful to have water and snacks, especially on hot days. You can sometimes find a bar or cafeteria on the ferry as well.
6. Travel light if you're on foot. If you're not bringing a car, only bring the bare essentials so you can easily navigate the port, the historic center, and the island's beaches. A lightweight backpack will make your journey much more comfortable.

The ferries to La Maddalena offer a fast and efficient service. The crossing is very short and the ferries run frequently, allowing for flexible and quick travel between the archipelago and mainland Sardinia.

Although there are no cabins on board, you can choose from several seating options during the journey. You can choose to sit in the air-conditioned interior lounges or on the outdoor decks, which are perfect for enjoying the views of the sea.

The ferries to La Maddalena often have a bar where you can purchase snacks, coffee, and cold drinks. There are also areas where you can find free seating to enjoy the journey at your leisure.

Pets are welcome too and can travel with you on board. If you're bringing a pet, add it to your booking online and make sure you have everything you need. Specifically, you'll need to bring a leash, muzzle or carrier, as well as a health certificate.

Some ferries to La Maddalena allow you to bring vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles and campers. If you're traveling with a vehicle, it's advisable to book in advance to guarantee a place on board. Each passenger can bring up to 20 kg of luggage free of charge. Any luggage left inside a vehicle is not subject to any limitations.

The port of La Maddalena, also known as Cala Gavetta, is located close to the historic center of the main town in the southern part of the island. Thanks to its convenient location, the port can be easily reached on foot from anywhere within the town.

The only way to reach La Maddalena from another location is by sea from Palau, in Sardinia. If you're arriving from Olbia or Golfo Aranci, you can easily reach Palau by car by taking the SS 125 toward Arzachena-Palau. Alternatively, you can take ARST bus line 601.

If you're arriving from Porto Torres, drive along the SS200 and SS133. Those seeking a more scenic experience can opt for the Trenino Verde, a rail tourism service that connects Palau to Tempio.

The closest airport is in Olbia. Located about 45 km from Palau, the airport offers excellent connections to several national and international destinations.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to La Maddalena, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.