La Maddalena archipelago by boat

The archipelago is a national park of granite islands twenty minutes off Palau, and the good frames are all from the water or from a landing that only a boat reaches. Cala Coticcio on Caprera and the anchorages around Spargi give white sand, clear shallows and rock that turns from grey to gold in the last hours of the day.

A skippered boat for half a day is the practical unit: it lets the photographer work from the tender or from the rocks while the light moves, instead of racing a ferry timetable. Book it well ahead in July and August, and agree the route with your photographer rather than the crew — the best cove for photographs is not always the best one for swimming.

Park rules matter here. Landing is restricted on some islands and forbidden on others, Cala Coticcio is guided and capped, and Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli can only be seen from the water. Check the current rules before promising anyone a specific beach.