4.6
(358)
8,020
riders
10
rides
Road cycling routes around La Maddalena navigate an archipelago characterized by granite rock formations, Mediterranean scrub, and a rugged coastline. The islands offer varied terrain, from coastal roads with sea views to inland paths with gentle ascents. The landscape is shaped by its island nature, providing a mix of flat sections and moderate climbs suitable for road cyclists.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.6
(47)
626
riders
32.5km
01:36
400m
400m
Embark on a scenic road cycling adventure with the La Maddalena and Caprera Islands Loop, a moderate route that takes you through breathtaking coastal landscapes. You will pedal along crystal-clear waters, past rugged rocky shores, and discover pristine beaches and hidden coves. The highlight of your ride will be crossing the impressive Caprera Bridge, which connects the two islands and offers fantastic photo opportunities. This loop covers 20.2 miles (32.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1300 feet (396 metres), typically taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete.
To make the most of your visit, plan to explore both La Maddalena and Caprera islands, which are conveniently linked by the bridge. The entire archipelago is a protected national park, ensuring a well-preserved natural environment for your ride. You can comfortably explore La Maddalena Island within a single day, allowing ample time to soak in the views and enjoy the journey. Consider starting early to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the tranquility of the islands.
This route offers a unique opportunity to cycle through a protected national park, showcasing the natural beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant Corsican shoreline, adding another layer to the already spectacular panoramic views. The combination of diverse island exploration and stunning coastal scenery makes this loop a truly memorable experience for cyclists with good fitness.
4.8
(10)
166
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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4.5
(6)
147
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
43
riders
30.1km
01:47
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
21
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Amazing how smoothly this runs. Both on the outward and return journey. And what a view you have during this crossing. You can't take it all in.
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Was here by car but would love to go cycling here sometime. Beautiful passage with beautiful views on all sides! Recommended this passage.
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A municipality formed by some of the most famous and beautiful islands in Italy, the municipality of La Maddalena is located on the largest island of the archipelago, also called La Maddalena. The port and the historic center, in addition to the wonderful beaches, are unmissable here.
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The ferry departs every half hour and the crossing takes about half an hour.
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Monument to Garibaldi, La Maddalena Bronze statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, La Maddalena Island, Sardinia, October 2021
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La Maddalena (The island was inhabited in prehistoric times) The island was inhabited in prehistoric times, but was abandoned after the fall of the Western Roman Empire until the 17th century, when a colony of shepherds settled here and founded the current municipality. Its strategically favourable location with the unavoidable passage through the Bocche di Bonifacio made the island a military outpost, as evidenced by the fortifications that can still be visited today. This was also an attraction for Napoleon Bonaparte, who was repelled in 1793 by the fleet commander Domenico Millelire, who was born here. For a long time the island was a base for the Italian and US Navy, which was finally disbanded in early 2008. The US submarines were stationed off Santo Stefano, the fourth largest island in the archipelago. Today La Maddalena is the seat of a non-commissioned officer school and the naval department. The only small town in the archipelago has over 11,000 inhabitants. Its harbor overlooks the town of Palau, which is a 15-minute ferry ride away. The cobbled streets of the old town are lined with palaces from the late 18th century and the parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena stands above it. The sacristy of this church houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, which exhibits the treasure of the patron saint. This includes the crucifix and two silver candlesticks that Admiral Nelson gave in 1804. It is a historical memorial of the city. In the small harbor of Cala Gavetta stands the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who spent the last 26 years of his life on the island of Caprera, which is connected to La Maddalena by the 600 m long artificial strip of land known as Passo della Moneta. The second largest island in the archipelago was the "garden" of the hero of the two worlds, which is now famous for the Garibaldino Compendium, the most visited museum in Sardinia. The pristine green land is surrounded by beautiful bays, each one more beautiful than the next: Coticcio, the Tahiti of Sardinia, Cala dei Due Mari and Spiaggia del Relitto are particularly noteworthy. In Stagnali, a military base in the interwar period and now a center for environmental education, there is the Museo geomineralogico naturalistico, where rocks and rare minerals such as huge quartz crystals, beach sand and fossils can be seen. Text / Source: Sardegna Turismo.it https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/de/orte/north-east/la-maddalena
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La Maddalena (granite and poplar formations over 45 km) The archipelago itself and the nature park are named after the only inhabited place on the largest island, a true paradise with countless scenic and historical-cultural treasures in the north-east of Sardinia: it is a dream destination for tourists from all over the world. A 45 km long panoramic road runs around the island and offers truly breathtaking views: granite and poplar formations border rugged sections, lonely gulfs, quiet bays, brilliant white beaches and turquoise blue sea as well as gentle hills that stretch into the hinterland. La Maddalena is the big sister of around 60 larger and smaller islands that form the largest archipelago in Gallura and Sardinia. In 1994 this area was declared a national park and is an untouched natural wonder in the heart of the Mediterranean. The island is the ideal destination for holidays in harmony with the treasures of nature: just 3 km from the residential area, paths through Mediterranean scrub lead to the fjord of Cala Francese, famous above all for the quarry of high-quality granite that has been a source of wealth for centuries. To the south, along the promenade of Padule, near a military fortress, stretches the Nido d'Aquila. Not far from there is Punta Tegge, another paradise of sand and polished rocks. To the north, bays with the finest white sand dunes amid rocks shaped by time: Cala Lunga, Monti d'Arena and Bassa Trinita, a beach dominated by a small church built in the 18th century, which is a place of deep devotion. To the east, you will be enchanted by the charming little bay of Spalmatore: cream-colored sand, bordered by Mediterranean scrub and impressive pink rocks. Text / Source: Sardegna Turismo.it https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/de/orte/north-east/la-maddalena
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La Maddalena offers a range of road cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, ensuring options for both beginners and those looking for a more challenging ride. There are currently no routes classified as difficult.
Yes, La Maddalena has several beginner-friendly road cycling routes. An excellent option is the View of Cala Spalmatore – Caprera Bridge loop from Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena, which is 15.0 miles (24.1 km) long and offers scenic coastal views through the national park.
For those seeking longer rides, the La Maddalena and Caprera Islands Loop is a great choice. It spans 20.2 miles (32.5 km) and typically takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to complete, offering extensive views of the archipelago's diverse landscapes.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in La Maddalena are designed as loops, allowing you to explore the islands comprehensively. A popular option is the La Maddalena and Caprera Islands Loop, which connects both islands and provides a full circuit experience.
The best season for road cycling in La Maddalena is typically spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the islands are less crowded than in the peak summer season, offering ideal conditions for cycling.
La Maddalena's routes offer numerous scenic viewpoints, showcasing the archipelago's natural beauty. You can expect stunning coastal vistas, views of granite rock formations, and the turquoise waters. Highlights include the Panorama View Palau and various points overlooking the sea.
Absolutely. The routes often pass by significant natural and historical landmarks. On Caprera, you might encounter the Capo Figari Semaphore. The wider region also features unique natural monuments like Bear Rock (Roccia dell'Orso), and beautiful beaches such as Cala Serena and Cala Tahiti.
The road cycling experience in La Maddalena is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 230 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning coastal roads, the diverse island landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that offer a mix of flat sections and moderate climbs.
While specific 'family' routes aren't designated, the easy-rated routes are generally suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with road cycling. The View of Porto Massimo – La Maddalena Coastal Route loop from Madalena/La Maddalena is an easy 18.7 km route that could be a good option for a family outing.
Parking is generally available in and around the main town of La Maddalena and near popular starting points for routes on both La Maddalena and Caprera islands. Look for designated parking areas, especially near beaches or trailheads, but be aware that during peak season, spots can fill up quickly.
Yes, there are several bike rental shops available on La Maddalena island, particularly in the main town. These shops typically offer a range of bicycles, including road bikes, allowing visitors to explore the archipelago even if they haven't brought their own equipment.
La Maddalena experiences a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), making early morning or late afternoon rides preferable. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, usually between 18-25°C (64-77°F), with less humidity and pleasant breezes, ideal for cycling. Winters are mild and can be rainy.


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