When sailing in Sardinia, you are spoiled for choice between stunning sailing areas. The scenery is beautiful, the food delicious, and the people exceptionally friendly. No wonder this island is so popular with stars and celebrities. The Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago are among the most sought after charter areas in the world. Come and spend a vacation sailing in style!
What makes chartering a yacht in Sardinia so popular?
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its convenient location in the middle of the Mediterranean and the mild climate make it a top sailing destination. In addition, it has a beautiful landscape with steep cliffs and red rocks along with a simple and authentic culture and cuisine.
Fortunately, it is very easy to get to Sardinia. It has three airports: Cagliari in the south, Alghero in the northwest and Olbia in the northeast. The main ports are Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres. There are ferry connections to Corsica and Sicily, as well as to the Spanish, French and Italian mainland.
The coast offers many safe anchorages due to the deep bays with islands upstream. There are almost no tides. Summers are long, hot and dry, but temperatures are often moderated by sea breezes from the west. Due to the prevailing winds, good sailing skills are required.
The island is characterized by a wonderful combination of elegant ports such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo with unspoilt and largely uninhabited shipping areas such as the Maddalena Islands.
Some relevant information to rent a bareboat in Sardinia:
Location: Center of the Mediterranean Sea; 200 km from the Italian mainland
Capital: Cagliari
Total length of the coastline: 1,849 km
Total area: 24,090 km²
Highest point: Punta La Marmora, 1,834 m
Population: approx. 1,663,000
Country code: +39
Climate: Temperate, Mediterranean
What are the main charter destinations and marinas in Sardinia?
Generally, in Sardinia you find many natural harbors to anchor. The north is busier and offers better infrastructure. The South, on the other hand, is more authentic, virgin and quiet. Sardinia is located only 12 km from Bonifacio in Corsica, so it is possible to combine North Sardinia and Corsica for a boat holiday.
The exclusive Costa Smeralda on the north side is a very popular tourist destination and an attraction for the international jet set with white sand beaches, golf courses, luxury hotels and private jet as well as helicopter services. Particularly famous is Porto Cervo Marina, a superyacht port that is highly protected and has a great infrastructure and 720 berths for boats up to 100m in length. Also on the Costa Smeralda is the Marina dell’Orso with 305 berths for yachts up to 35 m. You will find many other ports around the area and the island, for example Alghero with its pretty old town, Cagliari, Cannigione, La Maddalena, Olbia, Palau and Portisco.
The Maddalena archipelago, just off the Costa Smeralda, features 7 main islands at the northern tip of Sardinia in the Strait of Bonifacio. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a national park with a large number of coves and bays, crystal clear waters and impressive and perfectly preserved nature. Look for the wonderful pink beach of Spiaggia Rosa, for example. Only three of the islands are inhabited and thus it is a largely untouched marine reserve.
Further east is the Gulf of Cannigione, which looks like a fjord. Sailing towards the long cove, you can enjoy the view of the picturesque rocky backdrop and a charming harbor and a quiet resort town at the end. Not far away is the equally sheltered and popular Cala di Volpe with its wide bay and good shelter. Further south you can head to the port cities of Olbia and Portisco where you have good shopping facilities and infrastructure.
The Gulf of Orosei on the east coast and the national park of the same name form a large bay with numerous caves and beautiful aquamarine waters. There you will find many sublime beaches such as Cala Gonone, Cala Goloritze or Cala Fuili and the beautiful Grotte del Bue Marino, a 5km cave with impressive stalactites/stalagmites and neolithic carvings on the walls. Continue south along the coast of the Oligastra province and discover even more fantastic long white sand beaches with amazing waters like Cea beach and others.
Take a look at the island of Sant´Antioco, 87 km from Cagliari off the southwestern coast of Sardinia. It is the fourth largest island in Italy. Next to it, 7 km from the coast, is the sixth largest Italian island, San Pietro. It is of volcanic origin and has a rocky coast with beautiful beaches and natural caves ideal for snorkeling. Its charming port and fishing village Carloforte on the sheltered east coast is well worth a visit.
What important weather systems exist for sailing in Sardinia?
Sardinia has an average of 300 sunny days per year and 6 months of summer. The heat is often relieved by a pleasant sea breeze from the west. There are no significant tides (max. 40 cm). As for the winds, the Northwest Mistral is cold in winter but makes the air drier and more breathable in summer. The highest wind speed from June to August does not exceed 20 – 25 knots. The warm Sirocco from the southeast brings dust from the Sahara of Africa. Then there is the Eastern Levant that sailors need to be aware of.
Summary of sailing weather conditions for yacht charter in Sardinia:
Months with the highest average temperature: July/August, 28°
Months with the lowest average temperature: January/February, 7°
Month with highest average rainfall: December, 131 mm
Month with lowest average rainfall: July, 11 mm
Average wind speed May – October: 8/9 knots
Month with the highest average water temperature: August, 25°
Month with the lowest average water temperature: January, 14°
Main season: May – October
How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Sardinia and what are the different types of rental?
You can rent a 12m sailboat from around €2,000. Prices increase according to the size, type and equipment of the boat. Luxury charters are available on boats over 24m. In this case of boat rental there will be a captain and a crew. If you choose to charter a bareboat yacht, you can skip the boat yourself. Of course, you can also do a skippered or crewed charter on yachts up to 20m if you don’t want to sail. You also need to decide if you want to charter a catamaran or charter a sailing or motor yacht. Flotilla vacations are also a very popular option. Common in Italy and available in all ports is the rental of a 4 to 10 m long inflatable boat for a pleasant excursion on the water. If this is too small for you, rent a powerboat on a larger yacht.
What activities besides sailing are there on a boat rental in Sardinia?
Visit some of the fantastically beautiful natural parks. The Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu on the east coast contains some of the oldest rocks in Europe, as well as the only ski resorts on the island. Nearby Altopiano del Golgo, a nature reserve near Cala Goloritze, has incredible landscapes. The plateau is ideal for walks in the wild nature. The Sette Fratelli in the southeast has lots of wildlife and thick forest. And Mount Arcosu in the southwest offers more impressive scenery. Go see the enchanting Neptune’s Cave on the west coast, a 2,500m long wonder of nature that offers stunning views.
For a bit of excitement, attend the Swan Cup in September at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo. She admires the regattas with many of the world’s best sailors and beautiful yachts. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in June features an incredible fleet of luxury yachts on some impressive sailing courses in one location.
For sightseeing, visit the island city of Sant’Antioco with its ancient acropolis, Roman bridge and Phoenician and Punic necropolis. There is an archaeological museum where you can learn about the rich history of the island. Visit the bastion of Saint Remy in the old Castello neighborhood of Cagliari. It is one of the symbols of the city with beautiful views over the town and the port. Castelsardo in the north is a beautiful medieval town with great views from the top of Doria Castle over the Gulf of Asinara. Alghero, on the northwest coast, has a charming cobbled center surrounded by ancient walls. The gothic Cattedrale di â�®Santa Maria has an impressive bell tower. Also worth visiting are the Palazzo Guillot, the 14th century Chiesa di San Francesco or the Chiesa San Michele with its beautiful colored tiled dome. Look out for the 6 km long Chia beach, the island’s second southernmost point, and the spectacular Faro di Capo Spartivento lighthouse. Nearby Nora, a Punic archaeological site, is considered the oldest town in Sardinia.
Famed Porto Cervo offers glitz and glamour, boutique shopping, fine wine and dining, as well as a vibrant nightlife that attracts celebrities and movie stars like Leonardo Di Caprio or others partying at Flavio Briatore’s ‘Billionaire’s Club’. There you can enjoy mixing with the international jet set listening to the best DJs.
Try Sardinian cuisine. Practice some of the many water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, diving, snorkeling, etc. Go to one of the festivals like the Sardinia Reggae Festival in early August or L’Ardia di San Constantino in early June, when many towns put on a fast-paced, fast-paced horse race followed by lively music and dancing.
