Isola Santo Stefano

Northeastern Sardinia


Since NATO bid Isola Santo Stefano farewell in 2008, it has once again become a green, tranquil escape. Hikers can visit the fort used by Napoleon during his unsuccessful quest to capture Isola Maddalena in 1793.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northeastern Sardinia attractions

1. Museo Diocesano

1.35 MILES

You could pass half an hour or so inspecting the religious bits and bobs at this museum in the back of the modern Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena.

2. Roccia dell’Orso

1.56 MILES

This weather-beaten granite sculpture sits on a high point 6km east of Palau. The Roccia dell’Orso (Bear Rock) looks considerably less bearlike up close,…

3. Museo Archeologico Navale

2.37 MILES

About 1km out of town, on the road to Cala Spalmatore, this museum exhibits finds from a 1st-century shipwreck. The two modest rooms are presided over by…

5. Fortezza di Monte Altura

2.76 MILES

Standing sentinel on a rocky crag, this sturdy 19th-century bastion was built to help defend the north coast and Arcipelago di La Maddalena from invasion …

6. Compendio Garibaldino

2.9 MILES

Giuseppe Garibaldi, professional revolutionary and all-round Italian hero, bought half of Caprera in 1855 (he got the rest 10 years later). He made it his…

7. Isola Spargi

4.71 MILES

West of Isola Maddalena, Isola Spargi is necklaced by sandy coves and inlets. One of the best is Cala Corsara, where the sea is topaz blue.

8. Isola Budelli

6.84 MILES

This small island near the northwestern corner of the Maddalena archipelago is best known for its Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), so-called because of the…