The La Maddalena Archipelago has multiple mooring options spread across the main island and nearby Caprera. Cala Gavetta is the principal port and the obvious first stop, but depending on your draft, length, budget, and where you want to explore next, there are better options for different purposes. This guide covers all marinas and main berthing options in the archipelago.
⚠ National Park Permit Required for all vessels: All vessels entering La Maddalena Archipelago National Park waters must obtain a permit in advance. Apply online at autorizzazioni.lamaddalenapark.it. Fees vary by vessel length — 40% discount for sailboats. Operating without a permit: significant fines.
⚓ Marina Overview — La Maddalena Archipelago
| Marina | Berths | Max LOA | VHF | Best for |
| Cala Gavetta (municipal) | ~130 | — | 16 | Town access, provisioning, fuel |
| Cala Gavetta Ecomar (E pontoon) | 80 | — | 09/11/16 | Quieter than the municipal quay |
| Cala Gavetta Genesa (W pontoon) | 40 | — | — | Alternative to Ecomar |
| Cala Camiciotto | 160 | — | 16 | Quieter alternative, 1.5 nm from Cala Gavetta |
| Marina del Ponte | 120 | 25 m | 16 | Caprera access, near bridge. Tel: +39 368 553858 |
| Marina di Porto Massimo | 140 | 50 m | 16 | By prior arrangement only. Tel: +39 0789 734033 |
Cala Gavetta — Main Port
Coordinates: 41°12’39.5″N / 9°24’18.2″E
The principal port of La Maddalena, at the historic centre of the island. Full facilities on the quayside — water, electricity, fuel, showers, supermarket, chandlery. The town is directly accessible from the pontoons. Swell from passing boats during the day; quieter at night. Book in advance for July–August.
⚠ Ferry traffic: The Palau–La Maddalena ferry (15-minute crossing) runs every 30 minutes in season. The ferry dock is east of the marina entrance — give it wide clearance. Fast excursion boats also enter and exit. Speed limit 3 knots within 50m of the harbour entrance and inside.
Cala Camiciotto
1.5 nm east of Cala Gavetta, through the gap between Santo Stefano island and the small Isola Chiesa breakwater. Eight pontoons, 160 berths. Significantly quieter than Cala Gavetta. A supermarket is nearby. Swell from passing boats during the day but quite quiet at night. A good alternative when Cala Gavetta is full or too busy.
Marina del Ponte
2 nm east of Cala Gavetta, next to the bridge connecting La Maddalena to Caprera island. Floating pontoon and mooring buoys, 120 berths, max 25m LOA. Quiet location. Direct access to Caprera and the Garibaldi monument on foot. Contact: Tel: +39 368 553858 or email [email protected].
Marina di Porto Massimo
Private marina on the NE coast of La Maddalena, 140 berths for vessels up to 50m. Accepts visiting yachts by prior arrangement only — contact in advance. Depths 3–8m. Tel: +39 0789 734033.
⚓ Mooring Buoys in the Park
For anchoring in the archipelago (rather than using a marina), authorised Park mooring buoys are available at:
- Porto Palma (Caprera) — good shelter, popular with sailors
- Cala Portese (Caprera) — protected, quieter than northern anchorages
- Budelli area — near Spiaggia Rosa (access to the pink beach itself prohibited)
Between 09:30–17:00 in peak season, buoys at some locations are reserved for passenger transport boats. Plan accordingly and arrive early to secure a buoy.
️ La Maddalena Town
A lively Italian island town — good restaurants, bars, supermarkets, chandlery — all within easy walking distance of Cala Gavetta. The town was established as a naval base in the mid-18th century. Historical connections: Garibaldi was born in Nice but is buried on nearby Caprera — his house and tomb are now a national museum. Nelson anchored here in 1804 while pursuing the French fleet.
Caprera — Compendio Garibaldino
Connected to La Maddalena by bridge (2 nm east of Cala Gavetta). Garibaldi’s house, vineyard, and tomb are preserved as a national monument. Worth the walk or dinghy trip from Marina del Ponte. The island itself is a nature reserve with walking trails.
⚠️ Park Rules Summary
| Zone | Rule |
| Zone Ma (red) | No access, no navigation, no anchoring. Includes Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli. |
| Zone Mb (blue) | Anchoring permitted 08:00–22:00 on sand/rock only. No Posidonia anchoring. |
| Night anchoring | Prohibited 21:00–08:00 except on Park buoys. |
| Speed | Max 7 knots within 300m of coast. Max 15 knots beyond. |
| Avoid | Isola Mortorio — access prohibited, steep fines, police checks frequent. |
Full regulations and zoning map: lamaddalenapark.it
For the full Cala Gavetta marina guide, see Cala Gavetta Marina — Full Visual Pilot Guide.
