Caprera
An island of granite and fragrant pine forests, crossed by trails and surrounded by coves where the sea shifts between emerald, turquoise, and deep blue.
Discover Caprera
Caprera is the island within the La Maddalena Archipelago that best combines unspoiled nature and historical memory. Dominated by granite hills, maritime pine forests, holm oaks, and Mediterranean scrub, it appears as a mosaic of ridges, small valleys, and gentle plains that slope down toward the sea. Around it, a constellation of coves and beaches—some well known, others more secluded—shapes the island into a succession of bays, low cliffs, and sandy stretches.
The sea surrounding Caprera is among the most varied in the Archipelago: very light sandy seabeds, rocky areas, and seagrass meadows that tint the water with ever-changing hues. Depending on the wind, one side of the island may be calm and crystal-clear, while on the opposite side ripples create bands of deeper blue. Behind the beaches, vegetation grows thick, with the scent of myrtle, rockrose, and rosemary accompanying every stop ashore, while further inland stand buildings linked to Garibaldi and the island’s military history.
A dinghy excursion along the coast of Caprera means experiencing the island as a sequence of scenes: a wide, sunlit cove, a narrow isthmus between two sheets of water, a tight bay tucked between rocks. By adapting the route to sea conditions, it is possible to choose the most sheltered areas, stopping in exceptionally calm waters or at panoramic points overlooking much of the Archipelago. Each stretch of coastline reveals a different balance between sea, rock, vegetation, and traces of history, making a dinghy tour around Caprera a complete and ever-changing experience.
What to expect in this paradise
Granite rocks, fragrant pine forests, and a ring of coves with crystal-clear turquoise water: Caprera is the island that best captures the spirit of the Archipelago—wild, deeply connected to the sea, and perfect to discover on a dinghy trip among its most sheltered bays.
Tour Caprera by dinghy
The ideal tour to discover La Maddalena, a splendid archipelago composed of more than 60 islands enveloped by turquoise sea and postcard-perfect natural landscapes, such as those of Cala Coticcio, Cavaliera Beach and Cala Corsara.
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Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Caprera Island located?
Caprera Island is located in the north-east of Sardinia and is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago, within the La Maddalena National Park. It is connected to the main island of La Maddalena by a bridge, making it easily accessible by land.
Caprera is one of the largest and most fascinating islands in the archipelago and is characterized by a predominantly wild and unspoiled landscape, with extensive protected areas, Mediterranean vegetation, granite cliffs and numerous coves among the most beautiful in Sardinia.
In addition to its natural value, the island also has important historical significance: it is home to the residence of Giuseppe Garibaldi, now open to visitors, making Caprera not only a seaside destination but also a cultural one.
How can you reach Caprera Island?
Caprera can be easily reached by land by crossing the bridge that connects it to the island of La Maddalena. To reach La Maddalena, you need to take a ferry from Palau, with a crossing time of approximately 15–20 minutes.
Once on the island, it is possible to move around by car or scooter along scenic roads that lead to the main beaches and points of interest.
Alternatively, Caprera can be reached by sea, which is the ideal way to explore the island in its most authentic form. Sailing along the coastline allows you to access spectacular coves that are often difficult to reach by land.
With Flag Sardinia, you can enjoy this experience aboard luxury RIB boats: if you have a boat license, you can opt for bareboat rental and explore independently, or choose a skippered experience with personalized itineraries along the entire island.
What is Caprera Island famous for?
Caprera is famous for being one of the wildest and most unspoiled islands in Sardinia, with a natural heritage of exceptional value. Its waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean, with transparent seabeds and colors ranging from turquoise to deep blue.
Among its most famous beaches are Cala Coticcio, often referred to as the “Tahiti of Sardinia”, Cala Napoletana, Cala Serena and Spiaggia del Relitto, each with unique characteristics.
The island is also known for hosting the house-museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the most important historical sites in Sardinia, visited every year by thousands of people.
What makes Caprera even more special is that a large part of its territory is protected, with restricted access in certain areas, helping preserve its authenticity and natural beauty.
What can you do on Caprera Island?
Caprera offers a wide range of experiences that combine sea, nature and culture.
From a seaside perspective, the island features some of the most beautiful coves in the entire archipelago, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in crystal-clear waters. Many of these are accessible via short walking paths, while others are best reached by sea.
For nature lovers, Caprera is ideal for trekking, with numerous trails crossing the island and offering spectacular panoramic views of the archipelago.
From a cultural standpoint, visitors can explore the Garibaldi Compendium, which includes the house, tomb and sites linked to Giuseppe Garibaldi’s life.
For those exploring by boat, it is possible to create dynamic itineraries, stopping at multiple coves throughout the day and discovering less accessible and less crowded areas.
When is the best time to visit Caprera?
Caprera can be visited for much of the year, but the ideal period is from May to October.
During summer, sea conditions are generally perfect for swimming and boat excursions, with long days and warm temperatures.
Spring and early autumn are particularly recommended for those who want to explore the island in a quieter atmosphere, with mild temperatures ideal for trekking and visiting historical sites without the crowds typical of peak season.
During these periods, it is possible to experience Caprera in a more authentic way, combining sea, nature and culture in a single trip.
Why visit Caprera during a boat tour?
Visiting Caprera during a boat tour is one of the best ways to fully explore the island, accessing coves and stretches of coastline that are difficult to reach by land.
Sailing around the island allows you to appreciate the variety of landscapes, alternating between sandy beaches, granite cliffs and hidden bays with crystal-clear water.
A boat tour also makes it possible to create a complete itinerary within the La Maddalena Archipelago, including stops at Spargi, Budelli and the Natural Pools, in addition to Caprera’s most iconic coves.
With Flag Sardinia, the experience is fully customizable: you can choose bareboat rental for complete independence or opt for a skippered experience, ideal for those who want to relax and rely on an itinerary tailored to sea conditions and guest preferences.
Ready to go?
Jump aboard our boats! If you would like to book your trip to discover the Emerald Coast, simply let us know when and which dinghy you would like to use: we will immediately inform you of availability.
