One Week Sailing around Sardinia
Lazy days in La Maddalena Islands
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.
This route is our favourite way to spend a week making the most of the sensational Sardinian scenery. From National parks 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.
Local Sailing Tips
The costs of mooring fees for a 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.
Typical Itinerary & Highlights
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.
Portisco
Days 3 - 4, Meandering around the Maddalena Islands
An ideal first stop in the Maddalena Islands is Spiaggi I due Mare. A beauiftul starting point on the island of Caprera in the Maddalena Islands.
From Spiaggi 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 famour 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.
Spiagg 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 from french influences for a night. You might recognise the town when you get here as its the setting for the famous film V for Vendetta.
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