Sailing Sardinia, Italy
A yacht rental in Sardinia is the best way to discover and explore the beautiful Costa Smeralda starting from Portisco or one of the smaller bases.
During the summer, medium and sometimes strong winds typically blow from the northwest with local patterns around the islands.
There are plenty of sheltered harbors, anchorages, and bays, although care must be taken due to tides and underwater rocks.
You can expect warm temperatures between 25 and 35 - degree Celsius in the summer months.
We recommend visiting Sardinia between May and August, as this is when you will be able to enjoy warm and pleasant weather.
More experienced sailors (or those sailing with a professional skipper on board) can also visit Sardinia in September or October, although winds are typically stronger then.
The most famous start-point marina in Sardinia is Portisco, which is well-served by the airport of Olbia. Yachts are also available from Olbia, Cagliari, and Cannigione.
Transfer Time from Olbia Airport to Portisco: 15 mins
You can also reach Sardinia (Olbia) by ferry from the mainland: either by Moby lines (from Genova, Livorno, Piombino, Civitavecchia) or by Tirrenia (from Genova and Civitavecchia).
Starting your holiday from Portisco or Olbia, you can either head South and explore the breathtaking East Coast of Sardinia, or North towards the Maddalena Archipelago and Corsica. You can visit Corsica as many times as you like, and no special permit is needed!
The Maddalena Archipelago is a must-see for everyone visiting Sardinia. Now a preserved National Park with 7 granite islands and more than 40 islets.
There is a fee (local charge) to enter Maddalena and our charter brokers will be happy to provide you with more details regarding the cost and entrance procedure.
As winds can be quite strong in this destination, we usually recommend it to our more experienced sailors.
Day 1. Arrival to Olbia
Welcome to Olbia! Welcome from 4 pm aboard the beautiful Lagoon 400, in the Marina of the port of Olbia, located 3 kilometers from Olbia airport.
Installation in the boat, refueling by the crew. Welcome drinks on board, overnight at the marina.
Day 2. Olbia → Gulf of Aranci
We set sail on the mythical and majestic island of Tavolara, 3 hours away.
Lunch at anchor under the island, swimming. In the afternoon, we head to the Gulf of Aranci, 2 hours away, where we spend the night at anchor.
Day 3. Gulf of Aranci → Porto Cervo
Depart for Mortorio Island or Soffi Island, located 3 hours away, where we anchor in a beautiful cove.
Beautiful white sand beaches, and crystal clear water, ideal for spending a good part of the day, punctuated by swimming, island excursions, nap, tanning, and snacks. Then we take the road for 2 hours in the direction of the charming and world-famous village of Porto Cervo, where a beautiful marina awaits us, as well as a refined restaurant and, if the heart tells us, a posh nightclub.
Day 4. Porto Cervo → Maddalena and Caprera
We continue our navigation (about 4 hours) to the north of Sardinia, passing in front of beautiful white sand beaches and crossing the small islands of the water park of Maddalena, a picturesque and uninhabited place where wildlife is abundant. After anchoring in a heavenly place to eat and swim for lunch, we will anchor to Cala Santa Maria, or the beautiful island of Caprera, where we spend the night.
Warning: to sail in the Maddalena Archipelago, you must obtain a special permit.
Day 5. Caprera → Isola di Spargi → Bonifacio (Corsica, France)
Today, we cross the Mouth of Bonifacio, direction Corsica, which we skirt the east coast. Direction to the beautiful world-famous Bonifacio - a lovely medieval town and the oldest town in Corsica, having been founded around 830. It is situated on the cliffs of a limestone peninsula above a natural harbor on the site of a 9th-century citadel and the combination of resort, medieval town, scenery, and nearby beaches make it one of the unmissable highlights of your trip to Corsica. Spend the night, at anchor or at the port
Day 6. Bonifacio → La Maddalena and Cannigione Bay
Heading south, we cross the archipelago of Maddalena, where we stop at anchor after a good half-day of navigation to cool off and enjoy its beautiful seabed.
In the afternoon, we leave for the bay of Cannigione, 2 hours away, where we spend the night, at anchor or at the port, according to your convenience.
Day 7. Cannigione Bay → Olbia and its night market
Sail along the beautiful Sardinian coast, and drop anchor after 2 or 3 hours of sailing in front of the Spiaggia Piccolo Pevero, Romazzino, or Capriccioli. After a good lunch and snorkeling or idleness, we reach the port of Olbia, where we spend a festive evening in the city. Unless you prefer to enjoy your last night at sea, at anchor in the bay of Olbia.