Caprera
Caprera is the second-largest island of our archipelago. It has been classified as a natural reserve since 1980 and its coast and interior are truly unique.
Some places on the island are classified as top environmental protection, areas and are protected by the regulations of the National Park of the Maddalena Archipelago.
The beauty of this small island is difficult to describe in words because in order to really understand it you should rest in the shade of its pine trees, stand under its tall holly oaks, wander around the thick Mediterranean bush and smell the intense scent of myrtle.
Its coast is so jagged that it suddenly reveals heavenly coves, inaccessible granite cliffs and tiny beaches with a unique character.
The colour of the sea that bathes Caprera has shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue and emerald green. You won’t easily forget them.
Caprera: Garibaldi’s island
You may have heard of Caprera as “Garibaldi’s island”, since Giuseppe Garibaldi lived there for a long time. On the island you can visit the Compendio Garibaldino, a compound of buildings where the “hero of the two worlds” lived for 25 years. In the Casa Bianca (white house) you will discover many aspects of his life also thanks to the numerous relics that document his memorable feats.
On the back of the compound there is a windmill,, and from there a road lined with trees leads to the hero’s tomb.As you cross the courtyard you can visit La Stalla (the stables), Il Frantoio(the oil mill) and Il Forno (the oven). A visit to the Compendio Garibaldino is a journey through Italian history. You will discover how frugal the habits of this hero of the Risorgimento were.
The island is famous all over the world for another reason: it is the home of the Caprera sailing centre, one of the oldest Italian sailing schools and one of the largest in the Mediterranean area.
The beaches of Caprera
Caprera and its beaches cannot possibly leave you cold: you can lie on the fine sand and enjoy the sunshine or explore the blue sea by snorkeling or diving. Always make sure you check if it is allowed in the area where you are!
Cala Coticcio
Cala Coticcio is truly enchanting! Here on the north-eastern side, of Caprera the cliff plunges into the sea and forms small creeks of unique beauty.
This small beach is also known as Tahiti . The sand there is extremely fine and very white. Cala Coticcio can be reached both by sea and by land along a path about 2 km long.
It is one of the most picturesque beaches of the whole of Sardinia. The sea is shallow and the rocks that surround it are formed by pink granite of great naturalistic significance. We suggest you reach Cala Coticcio by sea, respecting the rules of the National Park to enjoy the calm blue-green waters.
The wreck’s beach (Spiaggia del Relitto)
The wreck’s beach is probably the most famous among the beaches of the island of Caprera and definitely one of the most beautiful of all the Maddalena archipelago.
The wooden skeleton of an ancient ship rests on the shoreline of this beach, seemingly a reminder of the fights between pirates in a distant time. In reality, the remains belong to the motorsailer “Trebbo”: the ship was sailing from Savona to Cagliari in 1922 and sank due to a fire on board.
Swimming in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the wreck is a really peculiar experience!
The sand is fine and white, the water is shallow and transparent. The creek is surrounded by thick Mediterranean bush. The wreck’s beach was awarded a Blue Flag, by the European Environmental Federation.
The beach of the two seas (Spiaggia dei due mari)
Three thin tongues of sand bathed by crystal-clear water on the right and left side: a dream for sea lovers!
This beach is located on the southernmost side of the island and was awarded the Blue Flag by the European Environmental Federation. On one side the sand is snow-white, on the other it has an amber hue. There is also a little bar where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers.
Along the short coast of Caprerathere are several small coves, little wonders of nature.