Sardinia is geographically located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, very close to the French island of Corsica. It has 1800 kilometres of coastline and is famous for its natural beauty, archaeological sites and glamorous cities that attract the rich and famous from all over the world, as well as its delicious cuisine. Sailing around Sardinia you'll discover hidden paradises, sandy beaches and turquoise waters that looks like travel magazine postcards but are real. The constant winds (Mistral) make Sardinia and Corsica a paradise for sailing. The best way to get to know these islands is undoubtedly on a charter yacht.
La Maddalena
Day 1 Cannigione/Portisco – Maddalena
Day 2 Maddalena – Spargi – Bonifacio
Day 3 Bonifacio – Lavezzi – Cavallo
Day 4 Cavallo - Isla Piana
Day 5 Isla Piana – Budelli – Santa Maria
Day 6 Santa Maria - Razzoli – Caprera
Day 7 Caprera – Cannigione /Portisco
Cannigione and Portisco
are ideal starting points for sailing around the archipelago of La
Maddalena, Costa Smeralda and Corsica. The islands, which are located
off the northeast coast of Sardinia, are famous for their crystal clear
waters, pink sand, coves and a panorama of imposing cliffs rising
majestically from the sea. The area around the Strait of Bonifacio has been described as one of the best sailing areas in the western Mediterranean. The island of La Maddalena is surrounded by the islands of Budelli, Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano and Spargi.
The proximity between islands allows you to enjoy a new place every
day, without having to travel too many miles. The Gulf of Arzachena and
the Golfo delle Saline are well protected and there are good harbours at
La Maddalena, Spargi and Budelli.
La Maddalena is the largest of the islands of the archipelago that has the same name. Sailing around the island towards the west coast, you will find a number of small bays: Cala Francese, Cala Inferno and Cala Nido d'Aquila, set among granite cliffs and rocks rising out of the water; Cala Maiore and Punta Cannone. The deep cove of Stagno Torto, the bay of Portolungo, Cala di Spalmatore (ideal for anchoring if there is no north-easterly wind) or the beach of Testa di Polpo with spectacular rocks shaped by the wind, are unique places to enjoy. There are several marinas on the island, such as Marina Arsenale, built to host the G8 and the Louis Viutton Cup in 2010. The largest and best known is in the south, Maddalena Marina, also known as Cala Gavetta. It has all the necessary services for the provisioning of the boat, as well as good leisure and restaurant facilities.
Spargi
is the third largest island and one of the jewels of the archipelago.
It is the most isolated along with the small islands of Spargiotto,
where you will find superb diving and Spatgiotello. The island is
divided into "tanche", which are rectangular portions of land surrounded
by rocks. There are small bays of great beauty around the island such
as Cala Corsana (one of the most beautiful of the archipelago), Cala
d'Alga, Cala Caniccio and Cala Granara. The highest and most panoramic
point of Spargi is Monte Guardia Preposti (155 m).
Arriving in Bonifacio on a yacht is spectacular. Its imposing walled citadel on top of a wind-sculpted cliff is impressive. The town with its Italian flavour and French charm has exceptional medieval architecture alongside picturesque cafés, restaurants, boutiques and shops selling typical Corsican products. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets well worth a walk. Its natural harbour, well protected from the winds, and its impressive fjord, will not leave the sailor indifferent.
Lavezzi and Cavallo are part of the Lavezzi Archipelago in the Strait of Bonifacio. It is a nature reserve with stunning white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, with different shades of blue that catch the eye. Lavezzi is completely uninhabited and, being protected, has no services of any kind. It is worth mentioning the impressive marine fauna of these islands. It is a true natural aquarium with a great variety of fish species, where snorkelling is a delight. The island can be explored on foot, and although the vegetation is sparse, it is pleasant to walk along the paths that connect the different coves. In high season there are many tourists because there are organised excursions from Bonifacio, but still worth a stop.
Cavallo is a private island, so access is limited. You can moor in the small harbour and visit the island on foot or by electric car. There are small shops, some restaurants and luxury villas, including the summer residence of Victor Emmanuelle the King of Italy in exile. In the restaurant of the Hotel des Pecheurs you can enjoy well-prepared fresh fish and delicious French and Italian dishes, all "garnished" with stunning views. To the north of the island the bay of El Greco, to the east the bay of Zeri and to the southeast, the bay of Palma, are of spectacular unspoilt beauty.
Budelli Island has one of the most enchanting beaches in Italy, famous for its pink sand as a result of the corals broken by the sea. It is a highly protected island with excellent moorings and beaches such as the small almost deserted beach of Cala d'Arena, Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) and Cecca di Morto Bay. There are also beautiful beaches in the southern, northeastern and eastern parts of the island. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a spectacular place to enjoy on a charter yacht.
Razzoli is the closest island to Corsica and together with the islands of Budelli and Santa Maria form the lagoon of Porto Madonna. The highest point of this pink granite island is Monte Cappello (65m); it is a fascinating island with an abundance of wildlife and a variety of bird species. The island's irregular coastline forms charming coves and bays.
Caprera is the second largest island of the archipelago and is connected to the Maddalena by a bridge built by the Italian navy. The island is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot who was one of the fathers of Italian independence. His house is now a museum and a memorial chapel that can be visited along with his tomb and gardens. Caprera is a rocky island with Mediterranean vegetation full of coves and anchorages. The beautiful bays of Coticcio (known as Little Tahiti) and Portese have good protection from westerly and north-westerly winds.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is only a suggestion and is subject to change at the captain's discretion, depending on weather conditions and other factors to ensure safety and the best possible experience.