Testa del Polpo

Testa del Polpo is one of the most curious and recognizable spots on the island of La Maddalena, famous for a distinctive granite formation whose rounded shapes resemble the head of an octopus emerging from the coast. Here, granite—sculpted over time by wind, rain, and salt—becomes the absolute protagonist of the landscape, turning into an almost sculptural element that invites observation and imagination.

The coastline around Testa del Polpo is low and irregular, with smooth rocks gently sloping into the sea and small inlets where the water remains calm and clear. The seabed alternates between pale sand and rocky slabs, creating color variations ranging from very light green to soft turquoise. It is a stretch of coast that encourages quiet observation rather than movement, where every detail stands out clearly, especially on calm days.

Seen from the sea, Testa del Polpo immediately stands out for its unmistakable silhouette, rising along the island’s profile as a natural landmark. Arriving here by dinghy allows you to fully appreciate the dialogue between rock and water, stopping nearby to observe the sculpted granite shapes and the clarity of the surrounding sea. It is a stop that surprises and intrigues, different from the classic sandy coves of the Archipelago.

Including Testa del Polpo in a dinghy tour of La Maddalena adds a moment of visual discovery and lighthearted curiosity to the itinerary. It is not a stop designed for long stays, but rather a place that enriches navigation with originality, reminding visitors that in this Archipelago even rock can tell stories and take on unexpected forms.