[ENG] Linea delle Isole. Itinerary 2

We have arrived at the port of Palau. You can now begin disembarking. Thanks again!

We are arriving at the port of Palau, which you can see on the left, where our journey will end. Meanwhile, take a glance at the islands around us: in front of us, on the right, is the island of Spargi, where we made our first stop this morning. The island of La Maddalena stretches further to the right, as we leave Caprera behind. Today we have circumnavigated the Maddalena archipelago together, passing through some of the most striking places in this extraordinary area. Thank you for choosing us. We hope you had a pleasant day in our company. Have a great holiday everyone, and thank you from all the Sea Star staff.

Also here on the island of Santo Stefano, high up on the right, is the fort of Napoleon, a military structure dating back to the period of the Napoleonic Wars. In these very waters, in 1793, Napoleon Bonaparte took part in an attempted attack on the Maddalena archipelago, during which he was ordered to bomb the island. This was one of the first episodes of his military career.

Slightly ahead on the right is the island of Santo Stefano. The large quay that you can see was used until 2008 by the American military to moor their ships, when there was a NATO base in the archipelago. The other structures that stand out on the island belong to the Italian Navy and are still operational. It is a place that testifies to the relatively recent military past of these islands.

In the direction of the “four little houses” lies the Centro Velico Caprera, one of the most prestigious sailing schools in Italy. Founded in 1967, it has been welcoming sailing enthusiasts from all over the world for over fifty years, offering courses surrounded by the archipelago's extraordinary natural scenery.

Also on the right side, we can observe Punta Rossa, characterised by the presence of a military fort, used during the two World Wars to control this stretch of coastline. To your left, on the other hand, is the view of Baia Sardinia and, following the profile of the coastline, the Gulf of Cannigione.

Still on the right, we can observe one of Caprera's most famous beaches: Il Relitto (the Wreck), so called because of the remains of an old boat that still emerge in its depths. Continuing, we come to Cala Andreani, another picturesque cove immersed in the unspoilt nature of the island.

On the right is the Spiaggia dei Due Mari, located on the island of Caprera. It is also known as Cala Portese.

We have just left Cala Coticcio and are now continuing our sail along the coast of Caprera.The first cove we come to on the right is Cala Brigantina, a small inlet of fine white sand set among the rocks.

Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, it will not be possible to stop and swim at Cala Coticcio today. We are therefore continuing our itinerary by skirting the island of Caprera.

We will now make a swimming stop from the boat here in Cala Coticcio. Please note that, for safety reasons, diving is only permitted from the lower deck, on the sides of the boat, or using the stern ladder. The stop will last approximately 30 minutes. To facilitate entry and exit from the water, a ladder will be opened at the rear of the boat. Please be extremely careful: always stay in the immediate vicinity of the boat and do not stray too far out. Only experienced swimmers should enter the water.

In front of us is Cala Coticcio, one of the most spectacular bays on the island of Caprera. Also known as 'Tahiti', it owes this nickname to its incredibly crystal-clear waters, with colours reminiscent of tropical lagoons. The cove is easily accessible by sea, while by land you reach it via a scenic path of about an hour along the mountain. This isolated location helps to keep its wild and unspoilt beauty intact. We will make a brief photo stop as close as possible to the beach and then head for the mooring buoy reserved for us.

Ahead, on the left, we can see the islets of the Monks, also known as 'the lost ones of Caprera'. Their name recalls an ancient function: it was in fact the monks who were in charge of the light signals to guide those sailing in these waters.

This area of Caprera is called Candeo. At the top is the Antonio Candeo anti-ship gunship, built in 1928: a medium-calibre battery that once guarded the north-eastern coast of the island. Today it remains as a silent testimony to Caprera's military past, immersed in a landscape that over time has once again become overtaken by nature. We will soon reach Cala Coticcio, Tahiti. 

In front of us, slightly to the right, is the island of Caprera. Here stands the house museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi, patriot and hero of the Italian wars of independence. It was on this island that he spent the last years of his life, where he died. His grave is also located here, next to those of some of his family members.

On the right, we can see Porto Massimo, located to the north of the island of La Maddalena: a renowned marina and one of the main landmarks for tourism in the archipelago.

Welcome back on board the Sea Star!We have just left the island of Santa Maria behind us and are now sailing towards Caprera, where we will discover one of the most fascinating bays in the archipelago: Cala Coticcio, also known as 'Tahiti'.This is the longest stretch of sailing we will do today, but it will be accompanied by amazing views and panoramas that will make the journey even more enjoyable.During this stretch of navigation, we remind you that the bar on board is open and at your disposal.In addition, our chef will be preparing crepes with Nutella if you’d care for a delicious snack. Crepes can be booked directly at the bar. Ahead on the left you can see a small group of islets: these are the Barrettini and Barrettinelli, characterised by granite rocks shaped by the wind and the sea, which emerge strikingly from the crystal-clear waters.

Welcome to the island of Santa Maria.In just a few moments, you will be able to disembark from the boat via the gangway at the bow to reach the beach.When you return to the boat, you will find a sign posted on the quay indicating your departure.We kindly remind you to be punctual: the boat will have to leave the berth to allow other boats to moor. See you back here at the indicated time, thank you.

Facing us is the island of Santa Maria, located at the northern end of the archipelago of La Maddalena, a stone's throw from the Strait of Bonifacio on the border with Corsica. It is one of the few islands still permanently inhabited, retaining a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.It is home to a beautiful beach of pale sand, washed by crystal-clear, shallow waters that are among the most popular in the archipelago.The island also has a small church dedicated to Santa Maria and a lighthouse, a landmark for navigation in this often windy stretch of sea.A simple, charming place where nature takes centre stage.

We are now leaving Porto della Madonna and heading towards the island of Santa Maria.

We are now at the Porto della Madonna: a beautiful sea lagoon with very shallow waters and extraordinarily crystal-clear waters. It is famous for its incredible shades of colour ranging from turquoise to deep blue, which is why this place is also known as 'Natural Swimming Pools'.

We have just left the Pink Beach in Budelli behind us and are now sailing towards the Porto della Madonna, also known as the ‘Natural Swimming Pools’.This is an extraordinary stretch of water set between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria.

In front of us you can see the famous Pink Beach, here on the island of Budelli. It is famous for its unmistakable colour, due to the presence of a microorganism, Miniacina Miniacea, which lives in seagrass meadows and, mixing with fragments of shells, mollusks, and granite, gives the sand its characteristic pink hue. Since 1994, the Pink Beach has been a fully protected area, Zone A of the Park: it is therefore forbidden to walk on the beach, swim there or moor. In recent years, the National Park of the La Maddalena Archipelago has introduced guided tours on special wooden paths, to allow visitors to admire the archipelago up close in an environmentally friendly way. This form of protection was required because, in the past, many visitors took the sand away, endangering its characteristic colour, which was slowly disappearing.

In front of us we can see three islands: Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. To the right is the island of La Maddalena. In the distance, towards the left, you can also make out the coast of Corsica, which is French territory. The stretch of sea we are about to cross is known as the Strait of Bonifacio. This name derives from the French town of Bonifacio, which in turn was named after Marquis Bonifacio II of Tuscany, a nobleman of Bavarian origin who was prefect of Corsica in the 8th century. In about ten minutes we will arrive in front of the island of Budelli, where we will make a short photo stop to show you the famous Spiaggia Rosa, the Pink Beach.

Still looking left, you can see Cala Connari, a small, picturesque inlet with clear, turquoise waters, typical of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. This cove is named after the Connari,a small fish very common in the archipelago, which are traditionally cooked fried and eaten whole, becoming one of the typical dishes of the area. Soon, again on the left, we will see the last beach on the island of Spargi: Cala Ferrigno. This area is characterised by rocky coves and Mediterranean shrub, and is also the starting point of several hiking trails leading to the northern part of the island.

To your left you can see Cala Granara, one of the most striking beaches on the island of Spargi. It is famous for its turquoise waters, fine sand and the lush Mediterranean shrub that surrounds it, creating a natural landscape of great beauty.

We now leave Cala Corsara behind and continue sailing along the coast of the island of Spargi, where some of the most fascinating beaches in the archipelago can be found. The first one we encounter is Cala Soraya, a true pearl of white sand framed by pink granite, with a crystal-clear turquoise sea.

Welcome back aboard the Sea Star. We hope you had a wonderful time on the island of Spargi. In a few minutes we will serve lunch on board to those who have booked it. Our staff will move between the tables to serve you and, as always, the bar will remain open for those who wish to purchase sandwiches, snack, drinks or coffeeThe staff of the Sea Star wishes you bon appétit.

Welcome to the island of Spargi. We are in Cala Corsara, at the Zavagli quay, one of the most beautiful, striking spots on the island. In front of you, you will find the first beach then, continuing along the path, you will come to three even bigger beaches, so you can choose your favourite place to relax and enjoy the sea. When disembarking, please watch your head and avoid making sudden movements; our staff will be on hand to offer assistance. A special sign indicating the time of return to the boat will be displayed on the quay when you disembark. Please read it and ensure you are punctual. The boat must leave the berth on time to allow other boats to moor. See you back here at the indicated time, thank you. For those who wish to do so and have not yet done so, please book your lunch at the bar before geting off the boat. Have a wonderful stop and enjoy your time in Spargi.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you enjoy  your day. Please do not leave litter on the beaches. On your return to the boat, you can dispose of any waste in the containers provided on board. Please also remember that it is forbidden to smoke on the beaches and to feed wild animals, in order to protect the natural balance of this wonderful park. One final guideline: please return to the boat at least five minutes before the departure time indicated by the staff. In a few minutes we will arrive at our first stop on the island of Spargi. Once there, you can get off the boat, make your way to the beach and enjoy the crystal-clear seawater in this beautiful spot of the La Maddalena Archipelago.

Now some information on our position.On our left you can see the Punta Sardegna Lighthouse. Continuing along the coast, clockwise, we find Cala di Trana and Porto Pollo, well known for its wind, which is ideal for sailing sports. And finally we reach the northern point of Sardinia with Santa Teresa Gallura. Ferries depart from Santa Teresa Gallura connecting Sardinia with Corsica, and we will have the chance to see these later on during our sail. Meanwhile, enjoy the panorama of the Gallura coastline that accompanies us along this first part of our journey.

On our left is Porto Rafael, a small seaside village in the municipality of Palau, near Punta Sardegna, at the northern tip of Sardinia.Porto Rafael was founded in the early 1960s by Rafael Neville, Count of Berlanga. Neville was a Spanish nobleman, and the son of film director Edgar Neville and Ángeles Neville y Rubio-Argüelles. According to tradition, he was deeply struck by the beauty of this coastline after seeing it in a dream. That inspiration gave rise to an exclusive village, with whitewashed buildings, little squares, and sea views set among Mediterranean scrub.

Good morning, everyone, and welcome aboard Sea Star. We have just left the port of Palau and are sailing into the heart of the amazing La Maddalena Archipelago, one of the most beautiful and unspoilt locations in the Mediterranean. Ahead of us, you can already see the beautiful island of Spargi, famous for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. And in fact it is here that we will make our first stop of the day, where you will have time to relax and bathe. Looking instead to your right, you can see the island of Santo Stefano and, a little further on, the mother island of La Maddalena, which we will visit later in our excursion. The archipelago is now a Protected National Park, world-famous for the purity of its waters and its natural landscapes. Please also note that you can book lunch directly on board. You can make a booking by asking our staff, as they pass among you, or by going to the bar at the bottom of the boat. The staff are at your disposal for any information you may need.