A 7-day itinerary exploring the wonders of North Sardinia and Corsica aboard your sailboat
Sardinia, with its breathtaking beaches and crystal clear sea, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most desirable tourist destinations. The archipelago of La Maddalena is one of the jewels of this wonderful island, with its ultra-white beaches and crystal clear waters that look as if they were painted by an artist’s brush. So many wonders await you: from theisland of Caprera, with its Cala Coticcio, the Sardinian “Tahiti,” to the island ofSpargi, the third largest island in the Archipelago National Park, which will give you a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Granara or Cala Corsara. Then sailing towards Bonifacio, Corsica’s unmissable port of call, you will encounter theisland of Lavezzi, a small gem dotted with beaches and rocky outcrops declared a protected nature reserve where wild and unspoiled nature will enchant you. The Bay of Rondinara is another Corsica stop not to be missed: a small bay enclosed between two headlands covered in Mediterranean scrub, with white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters. On the way back to Sardinia, there will still be plenty to see: pit stops at the three “sister” islands of Razzoli, Santa Maria and Budelli-with its incredible world-renowned Pink Beach-are unmissable and can only be reached by sea. Your journey straddling Italian and French culture ends in Porto Rotondo, a small natural harbor surrounded by green junipers, where it seems as if time has stood still and where the authenticity of the past will enchant you.
Day 1: Porto Cervo
Departing from the port of Marina di Olbia, the first stop on your journey is Cannigione, a small resort located a few kilometers from Porto Cervo, a favorite Sardinian destination for celebrities. Cannigione is famous for water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and rafting. Every year, numerous tourists come here to admire its beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea and history.
From Cannigione, you can easily reach the pearl of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, one of the most exclusive resorts in Sardinia. Here you can indulge in shopping in luxurious boutiques, enjoy a fine seafood dinner, and end the evening at one of the area’s exclusive clubs.
Day 2: Caprera & La Maddalena
Set sail for the enchanting La Maddalena Archipelago, a true piece of natural paradise protected by strict park preservation regulations. Once you arrive, you can moor in the picturesque Cala Gavetta, one of the most charming seaside villages in the area.
The next stop will take you to theIsland of Caprera, with its singular beauty given by the pinkish rocks, white sandy bays, unspoiled nature, and vividly hued sea that seems to merge with the sky on the horizon. Here, don’t miss the chance to dive into the turquoise waters of Cala Coticcio, one of the most beautiful and famous bays in the National Park of La Maddalena Island in the northeastern part of Caprera, the Sardinian “Tahiti” that enchants with its fine white sand beach. A narrow cove with crystal clear sea framed by pinkish rock cliffs and Mediterranean shrubs making it a natural swimming pool with dreamy waters.
Your itinerary will then continue to the island of La Maddalena, the largest and busiest island in the archipelago, which is home to an enchanting historic village waiting to be discovered.
Day 3: Spargi & Lavezzi
We set course for another of the beautiful islands of the Maddalena archipelago, Spargi, a genuine unspoiled paradise of sandy coves characterized by a wild and craggy coastline. Spargi is the third largest island in the archipelago, located next to its “little sister” Spargiotto, where some rare bird species nest.
Among the wonders not to be missed is undoubtedly Cala Corsara, located on the southern coast of the island, voted the most beautiful beach in Italy in 2016. Once a den of pirates, today it is an idyllic place accessible only by boat that captivates with its wilderness and the color contrast between the green granite rocks and the endless hues of its dreamy waters.
From Spargi you will head into French territory, anchoring at the beautiful Lavezzi Island, surrounded by rocks and small uninhabited islands that form the archipelago of the same name. The crystal-clear, shallow waters invite diving for a rejuvenating swim and are ideal for snorkelers.
Day 4: Bonifacio
We set out for Bonifacio, on the southern tip of Corsica. This charming center, a mix of history and cultures, is known for its bustling marina and charming medieval citadel. It overlooks a small fjord surrounded by sheer white cliffs, which opens onto the beautiful Strait of the Straits of Bonifacio, offering breathtaking views on sunny days.
We recommend visiting the Madonnetta Lighthouse, the spectacular Sdragonato Caves and the beautiful waters of the Plage du Fazzio. Here the sea takes on an emerald color, and thanks to the clarity of the water, it seems as if the boat is flying over the surface, creating a surreal atmosphere of incredible beauty.
Bonifacio’s history, intertwined between French and Italian culture, makes this place unique in the entire Mediterranean and gives the city a special charm.
Day 5: Rondinara Bay
The next leg includes a long stop at the beautiful Rondinara Bay, a magnificent natural bight characterized by two peninsulas immersed in turquoise waters, from which you can enjoy breathtaking scenery. The fine, off-white sand, crystal-clear waters and pristine environment of perfect proportions make Rondinara one of the most extraordinary bays in the Mediterranean. Despite the intense influx of tourists, the bay still remains wild and unspoiled, giving it the reputation of the most beautiful beach in France.
Day 6: Budelli
After three days immersed in French culture and natural beauty, it was time to take the way back by stopping at Budelli, a small island located a short distance from Rondinara and reachable only by boat. This small island will offer you an unforgettable experience!
To preserve its pristine environment, many of Budelli’s beaches are closed to the public. However, you can enjoy a privileged view from your boat, admiring the wonders that are not accessible to visitors, including the Pink Beach, world-famous for its distinctive color that comes from the microscopic fragments of corals and shells on the beach.
Another must-see is the Spiaggia del Cavaliere: a paradisiacal expanse of the whitest sand and crystal-clear waters in turquoise hues overlooking Porto della Madonna, a veritable natural pool enclosed between Budelli and the nearby ‘twin’ islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria.
Day 7: Porto Rotondo & Return to Base
Arriving at the last stop before returning to base, we find ourselves in Porto Rotondo, one of the leading luxury tourist destinations in the whole of Sardinia. The resort was built in 1964 by two noble Venetian brothers with the idea of creating a meeting place for artists and intellectuals of the time, thanks to the natural and scenic backdrop that could stimulate their artistic vein. Only later did the beauty of its facilities and beaches turn Porto Rotondo into a popular tourist destination.
After visiting the city, you can return to your boat to make your way back to base and enjoy the relaxation that only the boat can offer before returning to life on land.
