A Rugged Island in an Emerald Sea
Sardinia has some of the most beautiful cruising waters in the Mediterranean. Pink granite coastlines, dazzling white beaches and sheltered coves meet remarkably clear emerald and turquoise seas, while ashore there is an intriguing mix of historic towns, rugged countryside, excellent food and local wines.
It is a combination that makes Sardinia particularly rewarding to explore by yacht. There are modern marinas when you want to step ashore and enjoy the towns and restaurants, and countless bays and anchorages for quieter days and nights aboard.
Sardinia has a long-established sailing culture and a well-developed yacht charter industry. Steady summer breezes provide enjoyable sailing, although conditions can become more demanding when the Mistral arrives from the north-west. A flexible itinerary is therefore important, particularly when cruising the north of the island and the Strait of Bonifacio.
Sardinia's Classic Cruising Ground
For most charterers, the big attraction is northern Sardinia, where the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago combine to form an outstanding cruising area.
Distances can be relatively short, so there is no need to spend every day making long passages. You can sail for a few hours, find a beautiful anchorage for lunch and swimming, then decide whether to stay aboard for the evening or head into a marina or harbour.
That makes northern Sardinia well suited to groups looking for a balance between genuine sailing and holiday relaxation.
There is another tempting possibility just across the water. Southern Corsica lies beyond the Strait of Bonifacio, putting France within reach of a Sardinian charter when the weather, itinerary and crew experience are right.
When to Sail in Sardinia
The Sardinia yacht charter season follows the Mediterranean summer, with June and September particularly attractive for many charterers.
July and August offer warm weather and a lively holiday atmosphere, but they are also the busiest months. August is peak Italian holiday season, when popular anchorages and marinas can become crowded and costs ashore are generally higher.
The shoulder months can provide a very good balance of warm weather, enjoyable sailing and fewer boats competing for space.
Whatever the month, weather conditions should determine the day's sailing plan rather than an itinerary fixed before departure. There is plenty to see without rushing, and some flexibility makes for a better Sardinian sailing holiday.
Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed
Experienced sailors will find Sardinia a rewarding bareboat destination. You should be comfortable with anchoring and Mediterranean-style mooring, interpreting local forecasts and changing plans when conditions require it.
Adding a professional skipper is an excellent option for less experienced crews, but it is by no means restricted to them. Experienced sailors also choose skippered charters when they simply want more time to relax and the benefit of local knowledge.
Fully crewed yachts are another option for groups wanting their sailing holiday taken care of from start to finish.
Sail Connections works with established charter operators in Sardinia and throughout Italy. Drawing on more than 30 years in international yacht charter, we compare the available boats and operators to find the combination that best fits your crew, experience, budget and holiday plans.
Hi Robert, I thought you might like some feedback on our charter in Sardinia. First up it was fabulous from beginning to end.
The Bali 4.6 was great for 3 couples. We really only sailed down wind, mast and sails more for decoration but that didn’t bother us. With 2 weeks on the boat, most days were just 2 hours or so travelling and we split our time in marinas and at anchor. Only a few spots were crowded during the day. The operator was good at organising marinas for us, we got everywhere we wanted to go.
Overall this is the best charter we have done, great mix of ports, busy and quiet bays and an excellent skipper in Alessandro.
Susan, New Zealand September 2026
Spoiled for Choice in a Sardinia Sailing Charter
Sardinia offers several quite different charter cruising areas, so deciding where to start is an important part of planning your holiday.
For most visitors, the choice comes down to northern or southern Sardinia. The north contains the island's best-known charter grounds around the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena, with Corsica close at hand. The south provides a quieter alternative centred on Cagliari and the islands and coastline of south-west Sardinia.
There are also possibilities from the east coast for longer and less conventional itineraries.
Northern Sardinia: Olbia, Portisco and Cannigione
Olbia is the principal gateway to northern Sardinia, with good air connections from mainland Italy and elsewhere in Europe.
Charter fleets operate from Olbia and nearby bases including Portisco and Cannigione. All provide convenient access to the north-east coast, although the best starting point depends on your boat, operator and intended itinerary.
From here, two areas naturally dominate most charter plans: the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago.
The Costa Smeralda
Sardinia's Costa Smeralda — the Emerald Coast — is internationally known for its beautiful beaches, clear water and stylish resorts.
Porto Cervo is its famous centre and a gathering place for yachts of every size during summer. But a charter along this coast does not have to revolve around the glamour of Porto Cervo. Much of the pleasure comes from exploring the coastline itself: swimming from the boat, anchoring off sandy beaches and choosing between quiet evenings aboard and going ashore for dinner.
Having your own yacht gives you the freedom to experience both sides of the Costa Smeralda.
The La Maddalena Archipelago
Immediately north lies one of Sardinia's great sailing attractions: La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
The islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and their smaller neighbours form a compact cruising ground of granite outcrops, narrow passages, sandy coves and exceptionally clear water.
Visiting aboard your own charter yacht gives you a considerable advantage over day visitors. Rather than seeing the archipelago to a timetable, you can explore at sailing pace, choose anchorages according to the day's conditions and spend evenings in places that become much quieter once excursion boats have departed.
La Maddalena itself provides shops, restaurants and a lively harbour town, while other islands offer a much stronger sense of being away from it all.
As a protected National Park, La Maddalena has regulations governing navigation, anchoring and mooring. Current permits and restrictions should always be checked for the season of your charter, with your operator providing the necessary local briefing.
Crossing to Corsica and Bonifacio
Just beyond La Maddalena is the French island of Corsica.
The spectacular harbour of Bonifacio, tucked beneath high limestone cliffs, makes a memorable destination and can add an entirely different character to a northern Sardinia charter.
However, we regard Bonifacio as an opportunity rather than somewhere that has to be included. The Strait of Bonifacio is exposed to stronger winds, and conditions should determine whether the crossing fits comfortably into your itinerary. With so much to explore around La Maddalena and northern Sardinia, there is no need to force a Corsica passage when the weather suggests otherwise.
Southern Sardinia
Southern Sardinia offers a different and generally quieter charter experience.
Cagliari, Sardinia's capital and largest city, is the main gateway and charter base in the south. From here a seven-day charter can explore the southern coastline and work west towards Chia, Sant'Antioco and Carloforte.
The coastline around Chia is particularly attractive, with sandy beaches and clear water, while the islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro bring their own small towns, harbours and local character.
For charterers who have already explored northern Sardinia, or simply prefer somewhere less associated with the Mediterranean's major yachting circuit, the south deserves serious consideration.
Sardinia's East Coast and Arbatax
Arbatax, on Sardinia's east coast, provides another possible starting point and opens up cruising along a more rugged section of coastline.
It can also play a role in longer itineraries for charterers with enough time to explore beyond the island's principal one-week cruising areas.
Sardinia stretches some 250 kilometres from north to south, so attempting to combine large parts of the island in a standard seven-day charter makes little sense. With more time available, however, different starting and finishing points can create some interesting possibilities.
Choosing Where to Start
For a first Sardinia yacht charter, northern Sardinia is likely to be our starting recommendation. The combination of Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena and the possibility of Bonifacio provides tremendous variety within a relatively compact cruising area.
That does not automatically make it the right choice for everyone.Your travel arrangements, time available, sailing experience, preferred boat, time of year and appetite for busy or quieter cruising grounds all come into the decision.
Tell us what you want from your Sardinian sailing holiday and we can help narrow down not only the right boat, but the part of the island and charter base that best fits your plans.
The map below has been produced using internet tools and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.
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Should I plan to use marinas or anchor during a Sardinia charter?
Ideally, use a mixture. Sardinia lends itself to nights at anchor or on moorings as well as visits to marinas and harbour towns.
How busy is Sardinia in July and August?
July is busy and August is the peak Italian holiday period, when the most popular marinas and anchorages can become very crowded. But the sailing season is longer than that.
Which charter base should I choose in northern Sardinia?
Olbia, Portisco and Cannigione all provide good access to northern Sardinia, but the best base depends on your boat choice, travel arrangements and planned itinerary.
How much of Sardinia can I see on a one-week yacht charter?
Concentrate on one cruising region. A week is ideal for exploring northern Sardinia and La Maddalena, or a section of the south, rather than trying to sail around the island.
Can I sail from Sardinia to Corsica during my charter?
Yes. Bonifacio in southern Corsica can be included in many northern Sardinia itineraries, provided weather conditions and your charter arrangements allow it.
Can I anchor anywhere in La Maddalena?
No. Anchoring is regulated within the National Park, and yachts need to follow designated restrictions and protect sensitive seabed, particularly Posidonia seagrass.
Do I need a permit to sail in the La Maddalena Archipelago?
Yes. Yachts entering and cruising within La Maddalena Archipelago National Park are subject to the Park’s permit system and regulations.
What sailing conditions should I expect around Sardinia?
Sardinia generally offers excellent summer sailing, but the Mistral can bring periods of stronger north-westerly wind, particularly around northern Sardinia and the Strait of Bonifacio.
What is the best part of Sardinia for a yacht charter?
Northern Sardinia is the most popular choice for a first charter, particularly for the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena. Southern Sardinia offers a quieter and quite different cruising experience.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Italy
Hi Robert, I thought you might like some feedback on our charter in Sardinia. First up it was fabulous from beginning to end.
The Bali 4.6 was great for 3 couples and our skipper Alessandro really appreciated having the 4th cabin and not the hole up in the bow. Also the open space and seating on the bow and up top is a real plus, plenty of space to hang out.
Weather was great, early 30s and of course the water at 29 was very tempting. Mostly very light winds. As you know the Bali isn’t a great sailboat and we really only sailed down wind, mast and sails more for decoration but that didn’t bother us.
With 2 weeks on the boat, most days were just 2 hours or so travelling and we split our time in marinas and at anchor. Only a few spots were crowded during the day… aka Bay of Islands at Christmas!!, but mostly at night on anchor very quiet.
The operator was good at organising marinas for us, we got everywhere we wanted to go, probably because it was shoulder season. Prices were from 200EUR up to 400 but I understand (it is) way more expensive in most (marinas) during peak season.
Kitchen equipment was good for cooking on board and ice maker and cold water on tap a real bonus. Big highlight was the final night in port when the company put on a bbq and singer, nice party to finish.
Overall this is the best charter we have done, great mix of ports, busy and quiet bays and an excellent skipper in Alessandro. Now just have to think about where next?
Susan, New Zealand, Sep 17th, 2026
Rating: ★★★★★The boat: Bali 4.4 2024 boat, so all pretty tidy. Came with a water maker, which made life on board a little easier, no need to be extra careful with water use and no need to find on-shore supply. 'Garage' door at rear of saloon and door to foredeck made for a great open space and easy access for all around boat. More space and seating on flybridge so keeps all crew connected. Sailing not a strong point but with light breezes even the mono's were struggling! Overall a great boat for 8.
.
Highlights of the destination: The Aeolian islands are pretty unique, all doable on a 7-day charter. Not many places in the world that you can see active volcanos from a boat. Salina even has a Michelin starred restaurant! Amazing food and the prices aren't too scary if you live in Auckland.
Our service: I keep coming back, so you must be doing something right. Nigel, New Zealand, Oct 16th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★Well, back home now, but what a fantastic trip we had! Two weeks is way better than one, plenty of time to relax and enjoy what the Cilento coast had to offer. We went as far as Isola di Dino, just south of Maratia.
Everisto from Star Sail was most helpful in giving us the heads-up on the best spots to go, and even booked a restaurant at Marina di Camerota for us for my wife’s birthday! In my opinion way better than the Amalfi coast, fewer people, and fewer tourists. There are many beautiful bays and grottos with clear, clear deep-blue water.
The marinas tend to be pretty small, so not a lot of space, but at this time of year we could get in everywhere we wanted. (Marina) prices for the Cat ranged from E200 per night, to E125. Marina di Camerota has a free tourist wharf for 48hrs.
There is a lot of national park along the coast, with marine reserves. You can’t anchor in them, but they provide mooring buoys for use. All in all a great trip, and one that I would recommend.
October 2024 Nigel, New Zealand, Oct 11th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★The boat was in excellent condition - only a couple of years old. All equipment and facilities worked faultlessly.
I would not choose to see the Amalfi Coast any other way than from the sea - especially during the busy season. The scenery was truly breathtaking, and the number of people travelling to and from and around the major towns was remarkable.
We chose to seek out the quieter spots for anchoring, and they certainly exist, allowing for public beach access via our tender to visit and explore at a more leisurely pace.
For the most part everything just seemed to line up as planned. With a long lead time to our holiday communications sometimes fell a bit quiet - but that's because there was not much to say. The wheels all turned, the boat was ready and waiting and lived up to our expectations. Nothing was overlooked, and our trip ran very well indeed. David, Australia, Sep 22nd, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆The boat was as expected for a 2018 catamaran. The only issue was with one of the two toilets.
Amazing place with so many anchorage options. A great 2 weeks with nature and small villages. We loved it!
(Your servise was) Perfect as usual! I can't wait for us to work again together for another destination. Your advices and reliability are priceless :) Thanks again to Sue and Robert! Eric, Canada, Aug 20th, 2024
We had a great time in the Aeolian Islands, and I highly recommend them as a destination. The beauty is that the islands each have a different character and are close to each other. The longest ‘passage’ is about 10 miles, and some are a lot shorter. Two of the largest islands, Vulcano and Lipari, are only 800m apart, but very different!
The marinas are well located and were reasonably priced (€70-100 per night) and at Panarea there are only moorings but for €70 you also get a 24/7 water taxi service which was perfect. We found mid / late July to be superb.
David, New Zealand, Aug 16th, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★We found the boat to be nicely designed and very comfortable. The sails were near new and a treat to sail with. The highlight destination was Capri where because of unsettled weather we stayed in the marina. We found a brilliant restaurant in Ana-Capri and enjoyed strolling the narrow streets. San Michelle villa was delightful. Service was 10/10. Mario at the marina went out of his way to help us with ideas advice and making sure we wanted for nothing. Peter, New Zealand, Oct 24th, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★The cat performed well with everything working as expected. The only issue was batteries not lasting a night and having to run an engine both in the morning and again in the late afternoon when sailing and not motoring. Sails were easy enough to hoist and the electronics worked well.
Lipari was a great spot to stop with a nice town to explore. But the nicest island I found was Panarea. Less tourists with very friendly locals. James, Australia, Jul 22nd, 2018
Rating: ★★★★☆The Aeolian islands are a beautiful part of the world with many highlights. The standout was watching Stromboli erupt at night from nearby offshore. Sail Connections service was as always excellent. Russell, Australia, Jul 16th, 2018
Just a quick note to say we had a fabulous holiday and fantastic charter. The boat was perfect and the skipper Salvo and hostess Lucia were excellent could not fault anything. Salvo took us to some amazing places, always had our comfort and safety in mind, and was a lovely guy, Lucia was an amazing cook we ended up having most of our meals on board she was so good, also great company and very friendly and helpful. Everyone at North Sardinia Sail were also helpful and very friendly. Tony, Australia, Aug 31st, 2016
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