La Maddalena Archipelago

The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park encompasses 62 granite islands and islets in the Straits of Bonifacio, protecting a marine environment of exceptional clarity and biodiversity — water temperatures, current patterns, and the absence of industrial fishing have allowed grouper, barracuda, sea bream, and dolphins to thrive in numbers rarely seen in the central Mediterranean. Underwater granite boulders the size of houses have tumbled into formations that create natural arches, passages, and overhangs draped in pink sea fans and orange encrusting sponges. The park's strict zoning system means that the most protected inner zones see minimal boat traffic and maximum fish density.