Born at the end of the 19th century with military purposes, the paths network of Caprera Island it’s composed of 16 naturalistic trails that allow a slow and immersive experiences in close contact with fauna and flora of this wonderful territory. All the routes have been classified as easy and don’t require special equipment. Nevertheless it’s always important to wear comfortable shoes, and take with you water, binoculars, camera and, depending on the season, a swimsuit or a windproof jacket.

Cala Portese (04)

The path starts from the white beach of Cala Portese, also known as “The Two Seas”, located on the island of Caprera’s south coast. From the beach, following the signs, you turn north through the scented Mediterranean tapeweed (heathers, junipers, strawberry trees and gorse). You must walk along a stretch of coast, with a truly unique view, reaching a nineteenth-century military sighting station that offers a splendid view on Punta Rossa’s fortification and, further away, on the Gulf of Cannigione and Capo Ferro. Continue along the sea and some pebbly coves and then return to the hinterland following a slightly uphill rocky path. Paying attention to the indications and turning left you’ll reconnect to the asphalted road that points towards Cala Portese, thus closing your ring route.

 Start Cala Portese beach
Arrival Cala Portese beach

 Time 1h e 15min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 40mt

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Monte Tejalone (07)

The path that leads to Tejalone Mountain can be easily identified along the asphalted road that connects the Caprera pine forests with Arbuticci’s fortification. Beside a dense Quercus ilex forest (a perfect place, in Autumn and Winter, to observe various species of brightly colored mushrooms), you walk along an uphill path following the signs of the Park. During the walk, you’ll be fascinated by the view over the town of La Maddalena and the Moneta canal. As soon as you reach the twentieth-century barracks, you’ll find a staircase built with blocks of granite rock that climbs up to the mountain’s subpeak. From this position, the panorama is literally majestic, a complete view on the Gallura coast up to the Strait of Bonifacio. Retracing your steps you intercept the path, accompanied by heathers and strawberry trees, until you get to Le Cisterne. From here, it’ll be possible to intercept the paved road that will take you back to the starting point of the itinerary.

 Start Tejalone Mountain
Arrival Tejalone Mountain

 Time 45min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 100mt

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Diga del Ferracciolo (08)

The path towards Diga del Ferracciolo, a reservoir dating back to 1915 and currently under the jurisdiction of the Civil Engineer of the Navy, can be traveled only accompanied by Authorized Park Guides. For information and reservations, you can contact La Maddalena Archipelago National Park by calling +39 0789.728164 or by writing to the email address laboratoriodellaconoscenza@gmail.com.

 Start Poggio Zonza
Arrival Poggio Zonza

 Time 1h e 45min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 75mt

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Fortificazione di Candeo (11)

The itinerary for Candeo’s fortification starts along some hairpin bends that go down to the sea, crossing the scented Mediterranean tapeweed. Juniper, myrtle, strawberry tree, spurge and broom will make the walk even more pleasant. The beautiful, wild and unspoiled landscape accompanies you up to the sea and the granite fortification, an example of military mimetic architectural technique. The anti-ship military battery was built in the early decades of the twentieth century and armed by the Navy during the Second World War. At the end of this fascinating walk in history, the itinerary ends by retracing your steps, without forgetting a refreshing dip in the cove.

 Start Arbuticci Fort
Arrival Arbuticci Fort

 Time 1h e 15min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 100mt

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Punta Crucitta (12)

Linking Arbuticci’s fortification to Candeo’s fortification, this itinerary is the most significant one from an historical point of view. Starting from Arbuticci’s fortification, you must follow the dirt road that descends towards the sea, where its light blue water is gradually revealed among the pinky granite buttresses. After passing the holm oak forest, the road turns into a narrow path surrounded by myrtle trees, indicated by the signs for Cala Crucitta. After a short but steep uphill stretch it’ll be possible to enjoy an excellent panoramic viewpoint surrounded by rocks and military barracks. From this point on, it’s possible to go downhill and proceed towards two close crossroads, the first to the right is the one that will guide you towards Cala Crucitta. A last stretch of wild path, immersed in junipers, until you meet the dirt road that takes you back from Candeo’s fort to the starting point of the itinerary.

 Start Arbuticci Fort
Arrival Arbuticci Fort

 Time 1h e 35min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 100mt

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Cala Napoletana (14)

With its overwhelming landscape, natural beauty and great historical value, this route is one of the most interesting one in the island of Caprera. The path begins near Arbuticci’s Fortification, taking the road heading north you walk downhill to a shady holm oak forest, beyond which the path is immersed in the scrub, among heathers and myrtle. At its thinning, you head towards the crossroads following the sign for Cala Napoletana. Continuing downhill you reach a dilapidated lookout; this panoramic viewpoint will be worth the effort of the entire hike. The view stretches from the Strait of Bonifacio to the islands of Barrettini, Corcelli, Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzòli. After passing the lookout, the clear blue sea of the broad Cala Napoletana will welcome you, an ideal place for a refreshing dip. Behind it, continuing north, the path towards Punta Crucitta will make you immerse again into the low vegetation and its helichrysum scent. Once you reach the golden sand cove, it’ll not be difficult to intercept the steep path that will guide you, crossing some military barracks, towards the starting point of the excursion.

 Start Arbuticci Fort
Arrival Arbuticci Fort

 Time 1h e 15min

 Difficulty E – Excursion

 Altitude 100mt