Sailing Sardinia
Sardinia is well known for its chic and classy residents, simply stunning scenery and its gastronomic delights. As well as being able to sail along Sardinia’s coastline perhaps the most appealing reason to sail here is the magnificent La Maddalena Islands. A collection of islands that are so spectacular they have been designated a National Marine Park.
From the National Park to the native cuisine (fresh fish, delicious anti pasti or pizza…take your pick!) there isn’t much that fails to impress us when sailing in Sardinia. Enjoy lazy days in the La Maddelena Archipelago or sail to Bonfacio and enjoy a couple of days cruising the Corsican coast…
What’s the weather like?
June, July, August & September are the perfect time to visit Sardinia. Late summer is particularly good as the sea has had all summer to heat up making swimming an absolute pleasure at this time of year. As one of our most northern destinations temperatures are fortuitously cooler than more southern destinations like Greece and Turkey (no bad thing) but bear in mind that May and October can be a lot cooler here. This is an area for an experienced crew with a powerful West to North Westerly blasting along the West coast and a strong South to South Easterly prevailing along the East coast.
The costs of mooring fees for a 38-39ft yacht range from €20 to upwards of €100 per night, with prices sometimes rising to double the cost when staying over a weekend. If you are looking to save on marina costs there are plenty of bays to anchor off in. Some of the better anchorages have mooring buoys which you do have to pay for, but these are often less expensive than a marina.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Portisco
Once you arrive at the base you’ll be met by the charter company and once you’ve checked-in you’ll be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing you’re ready to relax! Portisco is a great place to spend your first night rubbing shoulders with the superyachts that often pick up their rich and famous clients here.
From Portisco it’s a around a 15 mile sail up to the Maddalena Islands. These are a stunning set of islands that lie to the northeast of Sardinia and their beautiful beaches and clear waters make them a popular sailing destination.
Days 3 – 4, Meandering around the Maddalena Islands
An ideal first stop in the Maddalena Islands is Spiaggia I due Mare. A beautiful starting point on the island of Caprera in the Maddalena Islands.
From Spiaggia I due Mare sail north to Spalmatore. There’s a small port here for you to moor up in and the beach here is easy to spot as it’s surrounded by pink coloured rocks making it quite the photo opportunity.
After Spalmatore continue north to the famous Spiagga Rosa. You might have read about this place, here you’ll get to see first hand the beach that’s sand appears pink due to the bits of coral and seashells that are mixed in with the sand. The best way to see this beach is from a boat (how convenient!)
After you’ve seen the iconic pink beach continue further north to the island of Santa Maria. Santa Maria is part of the Baunei Island and the town is full of character with ancient ruins, tombs and megalithic burial grounds all waiting for you to discover them.
Spiaggia I due Mari
Days 5 – 6, Cruise over to Corsica
From the Maddalena Islands did you know you can sail to Corsica? It’s under 15 miles to the southern tip of Corsica from Santa Maria and a lovely sail. So we suggest popping over the Bonifacio and experiencing some French influences for a night.
Once you’ve spent the night in the scenic town of Bonifacio why not head back down to the island of Spargi in the Maddalena Islands. Spargi island is part of the Maddalena National Park and has many species of protected birds, there’s also the Maritime Musuem which has artifacts and remains from Roman ships.
Bonifacio Spargi
Days 7 – 8, One last stop before heading back to base
A great last stop before heading back to base is the island of La Maddalena itself, this town is bustling but concentrated meaning there are plenty of quiet corners on the island waiting for you to explore them.
And finally its back to Portisco for one last night, the charter company usually like the boats to be back between 4-6pm and this gives you time to have a final Italian feast before heading home the next day.
La Maddalena Island Portisco
Days 1 – 2, Arriving at Portisco
Once you’ve arrived at Portisco, just a short transfer from the airport, you’ll be met by the base staff. They will help you check in before a comprehensive boat briefing after which you’re free to relax and start your holiday! We suggest an well-earned waterside beer after a long days travelling.
On your first day, we recommend easing into things with a nice short sail down the coastline, to Marinella. Here you’ll find a great beach where you can do diving and watersports.
Days 3 – 5, Exploring the Sardinian sights
From Marinella it is a good sail is over to the island of Tavolara. It’s quite a spectacular sight to see. From the sea the island looks like a huge limestone rock rising up out of the sea. There are some lovely beaches and ports here to moor up in. Due to its beauty there are restrictions on development maintaining it as an untouched gem.
From Tavolara a short sail back to the mainland takes you to the Golf Aranci. This gulf’s name comes from the crabs that are found in the area and there are some stunning beaches to explore where you can go scuba diving. As well as this, the enchanting Cala Moresca pine forest which is a short walk from the port is worth exploring and if you have time the remains of the Sacred Well of Milis is also worth a look.
From Golf Aranci why not then head up to the Maddalena Islands, this is around a 20-25 mile sail and on the way you’ll see some stunning Sardinian coastline.
Days 6 – 9, Meandering around the Maddalena Islands
The Maddalena Islands are the main attraction for the Sardinian sailors and it’s not hard to see why. With their untouched beauty clear to see we suggest you stop at a few of the islands here on the west side of the archipelago.
Starting at Spiaggia I due Mare which can be found on the island of Caprera, one of the southernmost islands in the group. This is a great starting point from the Sardinian mainland and here you’ll find a unique beach that has sea on two sides and therefore is named the beach of two seas. The waters vary from emerald green to clear blue depending on the time of day.
Following on from Caprera head north to Spalmatore. The beach here is the main attraction with pink rocks surrounding it and lovely white sand in between.
From Spalmatore a short hop further north to Santa Maria is a great next days sail. The old town here is lined with olive trees and contrasts starkly to the modern marina which was only built in 1998. The porphyry rocks here that surround the beach are quite stunning due to their orangey red shade.
Days 10 – 12, Cruise over to Corsica
From the picturesque Maddalena islands if you fancy it why not make the sail up to Corsica and explore some of the french influences that the island has to offer.
It’s about a 25-30 mile sail to Porto Vecchio from the Maddalena Islands and its well worth the trip. Porto Vecchio is known as the St Tropez of Corsica and with its vibrant cafes, designer boutiques and well-equipped marina we can see why. This town manages to mix both idyllic unspoilt beaches with its breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
Once you’ve had your fill of chic Porto Vecchio sail south down to Bonifacio. This town is right on the southern tip of Corsica and here you can sit back and relax in a café listening to the French speaking locals as they pass by you.
Bonifacio
Days 11 – 13, A whistle stop tour of the western Maddalena Islands
From the french towns of Corsica you can head back south to Sardinia and explore the western islands in the Maddalena archipelago, starting in Spargi.
Spargi is is part of the Maddalena National Park and there are lots of protected species of birds here that live amongst the vegetation. There are also some remains of Roman shipwrecks to explore in the Maritime Museum there.
After Spargi a nice short sail is to Palau on the mainland. Palau is one of the most noteworthy seaside towns on the Emerald Coast. Its artistic looking coastlines are shaped by the wind and perhaps the most famous part of the coastline is the dell’Orso which is a rock that looks very similar to a bear, quite a sight! Palau is also a mecca for watersports, from windsurfing to diving you can do it all here.
After Palau why not pop back over to the Maddalena islands one last time and head to Maddalena itself. The town here is buzzing with activities and nightlife but there are also plenty of quiet corners of the island you can discover too.
Days 14 – 15, A pit stop in Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo has to be your last stop before heading back to Portisco. The town attracts celebrities by the bucket full in summer with their super yachts visibly anchored out from the harbour. If it’s exclusive champagne bars and designer boutiques you’re after then Porto Cervo is a great stop, and don’t worry you can still find some reasonably priced places to eat and drink mixed in with the garages filled with Rolls Royces and the Harrods boutique!
After Porto Cervo it’s time to head back to base, the sail back to Portisco is a lovely last sail and not a long one at that. Most charter companies expect you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm giving you one last evening to enjoy a true Sardinian feast!