The family-friendly Maddalenas

For anybody yachting round Corsica and Sardinia with kids, the Maddalena Islands are one thing of a hid treasure. Though the prime summer season months of July and August can nonetheless be busy, outdoors these occasions the islands are usually quieter than mainland Sardinia. For folks this can be a bonus, giving a sure diploma of freedom and suppleness the place kids are involved, with much less fear about bustle, crowds and noise. A simple-going vibe and welcoming locals add to the family-friendly environment of this small cluster of islands.

With a panorama typically likened to a extra rugged Caribbean, The Maddalena Islands function clear, turquoise waters and softly undulating rock formations. Famend for lengthy, white sandy seashores that fringe small bays and coves, there may be an abundance of protected anchorages to benefit from the final in privateness and leisure. Blessed with UNESCO Nationwide Park standing, the ocean and land are extremely revered and nicely taken care of – nice for young children. The vast majority of the seashores are a haven for households, with gently shelving sands and comparatively shallow, clear water. This is usually a good spot for toddlers to splash round; to not point out the sandcastle potential to be discovered beachside! Older kids and youths will get pleasure from extra energetic pursuits resembling windsurfing and kiteboarding because of the prevailing winds additional offshore and snorkelling followers will discover loads of leisure under the translucent waters

There are nearly no “seaside golf equipment” of St Tropez-esque proportions – the seashores are all small, distant and stay undeveloped by tourism. Whereas there are some beachside eating places and cafes on La Maddalena fundamental island,  issues are way more “pure” on the opposite smaller islands – an ideal motive to take full benefit of the comforts and delicacies on board your yacht There are few marinas – the realm is principally served by pure harbours, untold anchorage selections and the flexibility to tender ashore. The primary ports are round La Maddalena and a small marina at Porto di Stagnali, Caprera.  At Spargi and Razzoli you’ll find a easy jetty the place the tender can offload.

Budelli Island is dwelling to the well-known pink sand seaside of Spiaggia Rosa – it has been colored by microorganisms dwelling within the sea grass on the seaside. The seaside is for viewing solely as it’s a protected zone, however the walkway across the seaside is a stunning stroll and an excellent place to take images. Head close by to in style Spiaggia di Cavalieri for a gently sloping sandy seaside and snorkel-clear water. Adventurous guests will get pleasure from heading ashore to hike alongside the various trails by way of aromatic shrubbery amidst goats and rabbits – there’s a actual “again to nature” vibe. Look out for real-life Robinson Crusoe – pleasant Mauro who’s the guardian of the island – the children will probably be fascinated!

Cala Corsara, situated on the south facet of uninhabited Spargi, is a stupendous, sandy seaside with calm, clear waters – solely accessible by yacht. The massive bay is protected by cliffs and there are two mysterious rock formations known as “witch rock” and “the bulldog” – these supply an opportunity for older kids and to study concerning the legends surrounding them. The massive seaside has 4 sections inside the cove to get pleasure from. Preferrred for having fun with household time, young children will love the shallow seas and sand to play on. Cala Soraya is one other quiet, secluded seaside with shallow waters and a small white stretch of sand.

Maddalena City, on the primary island of La Maddalena, is a stunning little fishing village to wander round with the entire household – a mixture of eating places, cafes and outlets present loads of energetic exercise and the locals are very pleasant. Youngsters of all ageswill love a go to to the family-run Gelatissimo to pattern authentically mouth-watering Italian ice cream with a variety of fantastic flavours to select from. All merchandise are manufactured each day on web site by Signor Marco, his spouse Lorella and daughter Greta utilizing unique artisanal strategies. Most fruits used of their recipes are sourced from their very own Sardinian farm. Positioned close to the harbour at Piazza Santa Maria Maddalena, the Parrocchia Santa Maria Maddalena church has a easy, fashionable façade but a fantastically historic inside – it’s fairly a bit gem andwell value a go to for these fascinated about historical past There’s a small museum behind the church with artefacts from Admiral Nelson who was based mostly there for six months, which makes it much more enthralling.

The wild island of Caprera, inhabited for only some months of the 12 months by shepherds, is related to La Maddalena by bridge and was as soon as dwelling to famed navy commander Giuseppe Garibaldi. Go to the Museo Garibaldino for some improbable artefacts and historic info – greater youngsters will adore it. The gorgeous cove of Cala Cotticcio, situated north east, is called the Italian Tahiti and rightly so – an exquisite place to whereas away the hours within the water and on the seaside for some prime household time. There are additionally mountain climbing paths close by for additional exploration.

Santa Maria boasts a halfmoon bay and huge powdery seaside with rocks and cliffs at both finish. It is a extra remoted location, solely accessible by yacht and, though visits are climate dependant as a result of winds, on a peaceful day this can be a non-public paradise… Nearly uninhabited, there are only a few unique, privately owned villas on the island. Discovered close by is a sheltered lagoon – Porto della Madonna. A pure swimming pool, it’s blessed with glowing azure-hued water and wind-sculpted rock formations. Right here the ocean is calm, the underside is sandy and marine life ubiquitous – an excellent place to get pleasure from some household hours swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoyable. This is among the island’s extra in style locations to go to, however an unlimited prevents any overcrowding.

On wildest island, Razzoli, the only real distant anchorage is Cala Lunga – a deep well-sheltered bay with a small jetty. Ashore, explorers can comply with the mule observe to the deserted lighthouse and luxuriate in breath-taking views over the Strait of Bonifacio – this can be a good spot for the final word Instagram selfie. The granite rocks and Mediterranean forest are a stupendous backdrop, whereas the configuration of the bay makes this a prime snorkelling spot with loads of attention-grabbing aquatic life.

The primary take away for household crusing is that every one the islands listed here are carefully situated to one another, enabling brief, simple journeys. A yacht constitution actually is the proper method to view the sunken mountain ranges and hidden bays framed in opposition to gorgeous blue water. With solely a handful of inhabited areas – Maddalena City on La Maddalena, the small fishing village of Stagnali, on Caprera and a handful of summer season homes on Santa Maria, this entire area is extraordinarily peaceable while providing an excessive amount of scenic attraction and sweetness.

Nicholas Dean is Managing Companion of Ocean Independence. Ocean Independence is a worldwide chief in luxurious yachting, offering a bespoke expertise throughout yacht constitution, gross sales and administration.

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