Spiaggia di Cala Lunga, La Maddalena Island
While visitors pile onto boats to reach Budelli and Spargi, many miss the fact that La Maddalena island itself hides Cala Lunga — a long, sheltered bay on the island's northern shore that remains genuinely local in character. The water is deep jade-green, the bottom sandy, and on a weekday in June you might share it with only a handful of Maddalenini families.
Getting There and What to Expect
Cala Lunga is reached by following the SP1 road north from La Maddalena town for about 4 km — a 15-minute cycle or short scooter ride. A small car park sits above the beach; stone steps lead down through juniper and lentisk to the sand.
The bay is long enough that even in August it absorbs crowds without feeling packed. The northern end, past the rocky outcrop, is quieter still and popular with free-divers exploring the granite boulders just offshore.
There are no beach clubs or sun-lounger rentals — bring your own towel, shade and water. A small seasonal snack bar operates at the main access point from late June to early September.
Why Locals Love It
The absence of infrastructure is precisely the point. Cala Lunga has the feel of a beach that hasn't been discovered yet, even though it's a five-minute drive from a ferry port — a small miracle of Italian indifference to easy tourism.
The water clarity here is exceptional even by La Maddalena standards; the sheltered bay means no swell, making it ideal for children and for anyone who wants to float in perfectly transparent water and stare up at a granite sky.
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