Monti d’Arena
Among the many coves that make up the coastline of the island of La Maddalena, Monti d’Arena beach is one of the most popular bathing destinations for families, as the bay offers a perfect balance of services, safety and natural beauty. This beach, on the western side of the island, takes its name from the dune (U’ monti) in the northern part of the shore. With its golden sand, shallow waters and the presence of parking and a kiosk, Monti d’Arena stands out as an ideal destination for those travelling with children who want a day at the sea without giving up comfort.
Beach features
Monti d’Arena is a semi-protected bay, sheltered from the winds thanks to the natural shape of the surrounding land. The main beach extends for about 300 metres, interrupted halfway by a granite outcrop, and is characterised by medium-grained sand.
The shallow bottom is one of the strengths for family beach days: the water stays at modest depths for several metres from the shore, allowing children to play safely. The sea’s transparency is excellent, typical of the waters of the La Maddalena archipelago, with shades ranging from turquoise to emerald green.
Behind the beach, the hill overlooking the area offers natural protection and helps create a particularly pleasant microclimate. The Mediterranean vegetation, with low scrub and junipers, descends to the edges of the shore.
Sand and configuration
The sand of Monti d’Arena has a compact yet soft consistency, comfortable even for walking barefoot. Unlike other beaches of the archipelago characterised by crushed granite, here a finer composition prevails that is pleasant to the touch. In the early morning and late afternoon, when the crowds thin out, you can appreciate the natural cleanliness of the shore.
Facilities and services
One of the aspects that makes Monti d’Arena particularly family-friendly is the presence of a well-equipped seasonal kiosk. It generally operates from June to September, with hours from 9:00 to 19:00 in the peak-season months. This lets you organise a full day at the beach without needing to return to town for lunch, something particularly appreciated by those travelling with small children.
Environmental protection and responsible behaviour
Monti d’Arena beach falls within the territory of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which entails specific environmental protection rules. Visitors are required to respect some fundamental rules:
Absolute ban on removing sand, shells or rocky material;
Ban on abandoning waste;
Ban on lighting fires or using barbecues;
Respect for fauna and flora;
How to get there
To reach the beach you must follow the panoramic road that loops around the island. You can use the following means:
Private car or scooter (free parking available);
Bicycle: a feasible route but with some uphill stretches;
Local summer bus service with stops nearby (check the timetable here, Case Ornano line, summer period).
When to visit
The ideal months are June and September, when the temperature is pleasant and the crowds smaller than in July and August. The beach is in any case wide enough to host a good number of visitors even in high season without becoming excessively congested.
Conclusion
Monti d’Arena beach is a balanced choice for those seeking an organised day at the sea without giving up the natural beauty of the archipelago. The combination of adequate services, a protected environment and safe seabeds makes it particularly suited to families with children.