La Maddalena, National park archipelago between Sardinia and Corsica, Italy.
La Maddalena is an archipelago of seven larger islands and more than 50 smaller islets with granite coastlines and clear waters. The islands feature a wild coastal landscape, with roads only connecting two of them.
The islands remained uninhabited until the 18th century, when Corsican shepherds crossed the Bonifacio Strait seeking grazing land. This early settlement by herders and later fishers shaped the long-term development of the islands.
Residents of La Maddalena have developed their own traditions shaped by isolation and maritime heritage, distinct from mainland Sardinia. Daily life here centers on fishing and the sea, which shows in local crafts and customs.
Regular car ferries connect the port of Palau in Sardinia to the main island. Plan ahead as most of the smaller islands are only accessible by boat and supplies can be limited.
Santo Stefano, one of the larger islands, housed a NATO naval base for nuclear submarines from 1973 to 2008. This military use remains visible in the structures, though the base has been closed for years.
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