Italy Cruising program

Sardinia 7 day Cruising Program

Departure from Cannigione

A Sardinia sailing itinerary takes you to Italy’s stunningly beautiful Maddalena Archipelago National Park and Marine Reserve and the world-famous Emerald Coast, well known for its superb beaches and myriad coves and bays. On longer cruises you can sail northward to the island of Corsica, France, or transit the Strait of Bonifacio and head south down the northwestern side of the island of Sardinia, where it’s a little less expensive than on the Emerald Coast and much more laid-back (see Sardinia maps). Both the archipelago and the main islands are enchanting cruising grounds regardless of the length of your Sardinia itinerary. They blend the boutique shopping, fine dining, and lively nightlife of chic ports such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo with the quiet and scenic beauty of the largely uninhabited Maddalena Islands. Most of all the sailing in these waters is splendid, with good winds an almost everyday occurrence.

Day 1– Cannigione to Marina dell’Orso, Poltu Quatu

Fort de France, the island's commercial centre and principal city is well worth a visit, while Anse D'Arlet is a popular, photogenic anchorage. Scenic highlights include the peaks of Carbet and Mont Pelée, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain on the island, plus trail upon trail through legendary tropical rainforest. But wherever you explore, you’re likely to discover croissants and baguettes to remind you that you’re in a corner of the Caribbean that is unmistakably French. The island’s large harbour Le Marin and its many marinas have made Martinique a major sailing destination.

Day 2– Marina dell’Orso to Porto Cervo

Sail back through the narrow fjord of Poltu Quatu and bear northeast to pass the headland at Capo Ferro. Head south and you’ll soon see one of Sardinia’s most glamorous ports beckoning you in from your starboard side. Porto Cervo is home to the Costa Smeralda yacht club, and the marina is awash with both race yachts and the playthings of the rich and famous. Step ashore for a spot of boutique shopping in the pretty streets of this Sardinian jewel.

Day 3– Porto Cervo to Porto Rotondo

Point your bow southeast from Porto Cervo, navigating your way past the tiny islets that poke their heads through the surf northeast of Golfo Pevero. Follow the contours of the coast south towards Porto Rotondo—your next port of call and another of the Costa Smeralda’s brightest jewels. Porto Rotondo offers excellent hiking in the nature trails just beyond the town, while snorkellers and divers will want to visit the lush waters of the Tavolara Marine Protected Area.

Day 4– Porto Rotondo to Porto Palma, Caprera

Retrace your steps and sail north along the beautiful Costa Smeralda. Today you’ll leave Sardinia behind, heading for the scenic Maddalena Archipelago. On Caprera’s southern shores you’ll find a large, natural harbour where you can anchor in the clear sapphire waters. Caprera is beloved of hikers, snorkellers and divers, with spectacular scenery and diverse marine life to discover in the hills and bays of this large, craggy island.

Day 5– Porto Palma to Cala Gavetta, La Maddalena

From the rugged natural beauty of Caprera, a short cruise to the west will take you to the sleepy and no less picturesque town of La Maddalena. Moor in the Cala Gavetta Marina to explore the warren of streets beyond and dine in local restaurants serving coastal Sardinian specialities. Hike up to the Guardia Vecchia viewpoint behind the town for panoramic views of the glittering Strait of Bonifacio.

Day 6– Cala Gavetta to Cala Corsara, Spargi

Let your keel cut through the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea as you carve a gentle arc northwest from Cala Gavetta. You’ll see the low green hump of Spargi emerging from the ocean in the near distance. Head for the island’s southern coast and the glassy bay of Cala Corsara. This picture-postcard spot is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in the near uninhabited splendour of this craggy Tyrrhenian jewel.

Day 7– Cala Corsara to Cannigione

On the final day of your Sardinian yacht charter adventure you’ll make the short journey from Spargi back to our base in Cannigione. Sail southeast between the Sardinian coast and the scattered islands of the Maddalena Archipelago, making for the unmistakeable mouth of the Gulf of Arzachena. It isn’t a long journey back to the marina so take the time to explore this beautiful part of the world, calling at the bays and beaches on the western shores of La Maddalena or stopping off at sleepy Isola Santo Stefano.