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7-Day Sardinia & Costa Smeralda Itinerary

7-Day Sardinia & Costa Smeralda Itinerary

Sardinia is one of the Mediterranean’s most rewarding yacht charter destinations, combining the legendary glamour of the Costa Smeralda with the remote, Caribbean-hued beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago, and the dramatic straits separating Italy from Corsica. This 7-day itinerary explores the north-east of the island, widely considered Sardinia’s finest cruising ground.

Best SeasonBest June–September. August is peak season — Costa Smeralda marinas must be booked months in advance. June and September are outstanding: warm, beautiful, and significantly less busy.
DifficultyEasy to moderate. The Straits of Bonifacio can be windy — the captain will time the passage. La Maddalena is an outstanding sailing ground with reliable sea breezes in the afternoon.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Olbia / Porto Cervo

Embarkation

Board in Olbia or Porto Cervo. Evening at the famous Porto Cervo marina — the spiritual home of the Mediterranean superyacht fleet. Dinner at one of the Costa Smeralda’s waterfront restaurants. Overnight: Porto Cervo.

Day 2 — Costa Smeralda → La Maddalena

Into the Archipelago

Morning: explore the Costa Smeralda coastline by yacht — anchor off Cala Capriccioli, one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. Afternoon: sail into the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Anchor off the uninhabited island of Budelli — the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) can be viewed from the water.

Day 3 — La Maddalena Archipelago

Full Exploration Day

A full day exploring the archipelago’s 60+ islands and islets. Must-visit: Cala Corsara on Spargi, the bays of Santo Stefano, and the lagoon of Punta Rossa. The water colour here genuinely rivals the Caribbean. Snorkelling is exceptional.

Day 4 — La Maddalena → Bonifacio (Corsica)

The Dramatic Straits

Morning: sail through the Straits of Bonifacio — one of the most spectacular passages in the Mediterranean, with the cliffs of Corsica and Sardinia narrowing to just 11km. Dock in Bonifacio, Corsica — a Genoese citadel perched on white limestone cliffs directly above the marina. Dinner in Corsica.

Day 5 — Bonifacio → Santa Teresa di Gallura

Return to Sardinia

Morning: explore Bonifacio’s extraordinary old city, accessible by steep steps from the marina. Afternoon: sail back to Sardinia’s northern tip at Santa Teresa di Gallura. Visit the ancient watch tower on the headland. Overnight: Capo Testa anchorage — extraordinary granite rock formations.

Day 6 — Capo Testa → Palau → La Maddalena Town

Sardinian Aperitivo Culture

Day sail along Sardinia’s north coast visiting the bays around Palau (gateway port to La Maddalena). Afternoon: dock in La Maddalena town itself — explore the small piazzas and cafes. Evening aperitivo culture — Sardinian mirto liqueur and local cheese at sunset.

Day 7 — La Maddalena → Costa Smeralda → Porto Cervo

Farewell Day

Morning swim in the Archipelago’s finest bay for the last time. Sail south along the Costa Smeralda — passing Cala di Volpe (home of the famous hotel) and Romazzino beach. Farewell lunch at anchor. Return to Porto Cervo or Olbia for disembarkation.

Practical Information

Main bases: Porto Cervo (Costa Smeralda), Olbia (practical choice, close to airport). La Maddalena archipelago has restricted anchoring zones — the captain will know the approved areas. Bonifacio is Corsica (France) — passports required.

Best Suited To

All yacht typesSailing enthusiasts (good sea breezes)FamiliesLuxury motor yachts (Porto Cervo glamour)

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