Sardinia's islands

• La Maddalena
  The archipelago's main town, with a lively centre and beaches along the panoramic road.
  Ferries from Palau, about 20 minutes, cars allowed.
• Caprera
  Garibaldi's island: pinewoods, white coves and his house museum.
  Linked to La Maddalena by a bridge.
• Budelli, Spargi and Santa Maria
  The national park's most famous coves, with strict access rules to protect them.
  By boat only, on tours from Palau and La Maddalena.
• Asinara
  A former prison, now a national park: no private cars, explore on foot, by bike, by little train or on tours. Home to the white donkeys.
  Ferries and boats from Stintino and Porto Torres.
• San Pietro and Carloforte
  The Ligurian town, tuna, the cliffs of Capo Sandalo and La Caletta beach.
  Ferries from Portovesme (about 40 minutes) and Calasetta (about 30).
• Sant'Antioco
  Punic necropolis, catacombs, a museum and beaches on the south side; ferries to Carloforte leave from Calasetta.
  Linked to Sardinia by a causeway, reachable by car.
• Tavolara
  A limestone mountain rising from the sea, in the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo marine reserve.
  Boats from Porto San Paolo.
• Mal di Ventre
  A flat, wild granite island with crystal-clear water.
  Boat trips from Putzu Idu, in the Sinis marine reserve.

Timetables and park access rules change with the seasons: check before you go.