A Short Guide on Yachting in Sardinia

Below are some tips and information that may come in handy when yachting in Sardinia.

Italy has plenty of sailing destinations throughout the country, and Sardinia is one of the leading contenders. (Perhaps even rivaling the south of France.) With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and ancient ruins, Sardinia is comparable to the Caribbean.

Let me share with you the things you need to know before your Sardinia yacht vacation. Tips like how to get to Sardinia and what weather to expect will be provided below. I will also list some of the best sailing areas and luxury yacht charter companies for your reference.

Yachting in Sardinia featured photo

How To Get to Sardinia

How To Get to Sardinia featured photo

Sardinia has 3 major airports that accommodate flights in and out all year round. For more information about Sardinia’s regions, you may refer to this guide.

1. Olbia Airport

The Aeroporto Olbia Costa Smeralda is your gateway to Sardinia’s northeast coast. This area is home to the glamourous Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) beaches and is also accessible via the Port of Golfo Aranci and the Port of Olbia. 

2. Alghero Airport

If you’re the type who enjoys history, enter Sardinia through a beautiful medieval town called Alghero. It is the island’s main harbor town and was under Spanish rule for 300 years. 

Alghero Airport is the northwest coast’s entry point. This part of Sardinia can also be reached by ferries through Porto Torres.

3. Cagliari Airport

Your access to the south of Sardinia is through Cagliari Airport. Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. It can also be accessible through the Port of Cagliari.

Don’t forget a set of earplugs. They are not only great to have on the flight, but will be useful while sleeping on the boat. Here is a roundup of earplugs we found to be perfect for the job.

Sardinia Yacht Charter Companies and Sailing Bases

1. Costa Smeralda

Yachts in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Located in the Gulf of Cugnana, Marina di Portisco is the entryway to the first-class cruising grounds of Costa Smeralda. Yachting in Sardinia has plenty of yacht charter fleets that sail away from Marina di Portisco. This luxury yacht charter company has a variety of boats, including motor and sailing catamarans.

Marina di Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy

Marina di Porto Cervo is another remarkable base to explore the sparkling beaches of Costa Smeralda and the turquoise lagoons of the La Maddalena archipelago. 

Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy

Porto Cervo is where the clubhouse of the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is located. It’s also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Some of the events that take place in Porto Cervo are the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in June, the Rolex Cup in September, and the Sardinia Cup Regatta also in September.

2. Porto Rotondo

Another base where your yacht charter could also sail off from is Porto Rotondo. 

Explore the golden sands and wide shoreline of Punta Nuraghe with charters from Yachting in Sardinia that sail off from this serene beach.

Porto Rotondo in Sardinia, Italy

Another famous harbor in Porto Rotondo is the highly-esteemed Marina di Porto Rotondo. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. With 652 berths, 312 sails, 314 motor yachts, and 25 mega yachts, this tourist port has all the amenities and luxury services one could ask for. 

Molo Centrale in Sardinia, Italy

3. Cagliari

Compared to the beaches on the north coast, the south of Sardinia is greener, more rugged, and less crowded. Yachting.com offers a Cagliari cruise that showcases the natural beauty of the south. You may choose between two routes. 

The first one is from Cagliari to Pula to Chia Beach to Tuerredda to Porto Zafferano to Teulada to Porto Pino to Sant’antioco to San Pietro and back to Cagliari. The second one is from Cagliari to Cala Regina to Geremeas to Torre delle Stelle to Capo Carbonara to Isola dei Cavoli and to Villasimius.

Other Notable Yacht Charters

  • IYC – Their itinerary is the best; it’ll let you see Sardinia from the north to the south! It starts at Porto Rotondo and sails towards Cala di Luna to Cagliari to Sardinia’s southwest coast to Alghero and back to the north at La Maddalena.
  • Nautilus Yachting – Their itinerary will take you from Costa Smeralda to La Maddalena National Park and to Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica.
  • Dream Yacht Charter – This company’s Olbia-based charter has 4 different types: bareboat charters, skippered charters, aqualodge villas, and canal cruises.

Weather

Sardinia’s Mediterranean weather is ideal for outdoor fun. It has long, hot summers and short, warm winters. The island’s summer high in August is at 88°F, while the winter low in February is at 41°F. 

Check out the comprehensive guide to Italy with more travel tips and destinations.

The Bottom Line

Sardinia is a great spot for yachting. If you want to visit some of the most beautiful beaches and the major spots of the island, I recommend taking IYC’s 6-day cruise. For more information on these charters, visit their respective websites. If you love outdoor activities, you might also enjoy hiking in Sardinia.