Ciao from Sardinia! We’re sending you a postcard from one of Italy’s hidden gems: La Maddalena, a beautiful island off Sardinia’s northeastern coast. One of our core values is that everyone should travel as widely as they can as often as they can. We had the opportunity to help dear friends celebrate their twentieth anniversary in La Maddalena. So, of course we said we'll meet you in Sardinia!
Known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and authentic Italian charm, La Maddalena is an under-the-radar destination for those looking a quiet place to experience the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean.
La Maddalena and the Sardinian archipelago may look familiar because it has been used as filming locations for many movies, such as The Spy Who Loved Me. Many scenes with James Bond and Anya Amasova were in Sardinia, including the iconic moment which Bond's Lotus Esprit plunges off a pier and re-emerges on the beach. Other films that showcase the Sardinian coast include Guy Ritchie's Swept Away (2002) and Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur (2004) (using the island’s dramatic landscapes to represent an ancient, untamed Britain).
The archipelago was used as a naval base by various powers, including the Romans, and more recently, by the Italian Navy and even the U.S. Navy, which operated a submarine base here until 2008. This history is visible in the remnants of forts, barracks, and military structures scattered throughout the islands.
La Maddalena is famed not only for its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches but also for its dramatic granite landscapes. This unique geological feature is one of the defining characteristics of the Maddalena Archipelago and plays a significant role in the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local economy.
The Maddalena Archipelago sits on a foundation of granite rock formations, shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion. These granite formations give the islands their rugged beauty, with natural sculptures, cliffs, and smooth boulders dotting the coastline. Granite is the dominant rock type on the islands, and its presence influences everything from the soil composition to the color of the beaches and coastal views.
Taking in the views after a morning run. 
Two restaurant recommendations: The first is Zi Anto, located on the beach, and perfect for a lingering lunch of pasta, seafood and aperol spritzes. You have to order fregola: a unique Sardinian pasta with a toasted, nutty flavor and pearl-like appearance, often featured in traditional Sardinian seafood dishes and a staple of the island’s culinary heritage. A popular traditional dish is fregola con arselle, where it’s cooked with clams in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
The second recommendation is La Locanda del Mirto, located in the interior of the island and specializing in meats like wild boar and steak. There is a large grassy outdoor seating area, but the night we went it was cold so we sat inside by the fire. The cuttlefish ink risotto with seafood was a standout dish.
Lobster spaghetti with tomatoes. Chef's kiss.
Our taxi driver Christina told us that La Finistrella was the best gelato in the world. We are still empirically testing her assertion, but we can say that La Finistrella is a strong contender. The honey blueberry flavor is highly recommended, as are the old standbys like tiramisu and stracciatella.
Happy twentieth anniversary to these two!
Cat nap (abandoned granite quarry in the background).
Sardinia nights
la fine.