La Maddalena - a little piece of Paradise!
www.Lets-go-Sailing.co.uk
The seven main islands that make up the Italian archipelago are, La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Razzoli, Budelli and Santa Maria. Add to this the neighbouring French islands of Ile Lavezzi and Ile Cavallo,
and you have an area of outstanding beauty which is also an important Marine Nature Reserve.
Of these total of nine islands, only two are accessible by vehicle and scheduled ferry.
INTRODUCTION
Vistors by boat are enchanted by the arabesque charm of the granite rocks. They are bewitched by rocks modelled by centuries of north-west winds, by the landscape hidden between the bays, by the beaches and tiny landing places. All this accompanied at times by the garrulous cry of the seagulls and cormorants and by the slow flight of the herons.
WHEN TO VISIT
Although most visitors to this area arrive in the heat of the summer (July and August) the best time of the year to visit is May/June and September/October.
THE SADINIAN PIEMONTESE FORTS
Among the most interesting characteristics of the islands are the defensive fortifications built by the Savola Government at the end of the 18th Century and later by the Italian Government after WW1. These are lie in ruin now but are still an attraction, and for those who love to walk, a guided tour of them is a must.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
Amongst the pine-trees to be found on Caprera is a winding dirt road that leads to the house of Giuseppe Garibaldi, 'the Heoro of the Two Worlds' . He was a freedom fighter who devoted his life to others. And when he wasn't fighting for freedom he lived on the island of Caprera to create a self sufficient life style by promoting the agriculture of the island.
NATURES MONUMENTS
Wherever you go you will see the wind eroded granite rocks and it takes little imagination to see creatures in their shapes. The most famous is 'The Bear' at Capo D'Orso. Add to this the spectacular turquoise waters between Razzoli, Santa Maria and Budelli plus the 'pink beach' immortalized by Michelangelo Antonioni in the film 'Red Desert, and you have just three of the many spectacular sites and sights.
FLORA, FAUNA AND FISHING
The seas around the islands are uncontaminated and have a rich and varied flora and fish fauna. Carefully controlled diving and fishing trips can be arranged. The island of Caprera is considered the 'green lung' of the archipelago. In the spring it is possible to find an intense and multi coloured fauna of pine trees, holm oaks, myrtle trees, olive trees, heather, hawthorn and juniper. The fauna of the island is mainly represented by seagulls, shearwaters, sparrow hawks and buzzards. With four legs it is possible to spot boar and tortoise.
TRANSPORT TO AND ON THE ISLANDS
Ferries run from Palau to La Maddalena but, once there, the only roads are on the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera which are joined by a causeway. The other islands are only accessible by boat, and what better way to visit than by sailing boat.
ECO FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS
Once you have arrived in Olbia, Sardinia, the only way to enjoy this little piece of Paradise is by sailing yacht, first sailing up the Costa Smerelda, a tasteful development where houses and nature go hand in hand. Then into the islands anchoring in secure bays with tiny beaches and rocky coastlines to explore on foot or by dinghy or kayak.
YACHT 'LADY H'
Here on 'Lady H' we are no strangers to the area and can tailor your time on board to suit your requirements. Simply enjoying the area? Guided tours? Diving? Fishing? Kayaking? We can help you with them all.
WARNING
This is a holiday float and not an airconditioned hotel with a row of beach umberellas around the pool or beach. This is a holiday using and respecting what nature has given us so that the area remains as nature made it. Intact and ready for generations to come.
This is not OUR planet. We are but visitors.