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 Sardinia on a sailing boat

Guide to the most beautiful destinations, coasts and islands of Sardinia

Costa Smeralda, Maddalena Archipelago and San Pietro Island are just some of the best destinations for a sailing or catamaran holiday in Sardinia

The island is a true paradise for lovers of the sea and beaches; some of the most famous ones are obviously very busy in the high season; other beautiful ones, on the other hand, are located on underrated coastlines, such as that of south-western Sardinia, and are less frequented.

In Sardinia, you will find pink beaches and white beaches, coves that can only be reached by trekking and coves that can only be reached by boat. A great variety of landscapes can be observed on the island. There are big differences between northern and southern Sardinia, both culinary and territorial. The north coast is characterised by hidden, mostly rocky coves, hundreds of small islands that can be reached by boat and exclusive, fashionable resorts, such as the Costa Smeralda. The south coast, on the other hand, is characterised by wide bays with fine sand that are certainly less popular than those in the north and quieter, less touristy places; the only centre where you can enjoy a bit of nightlife is Villasimius. 

The best period

The best time for a sailing holiday in Sardinia is from May to September. August is definitely the busiest month, especially in the north of the island. Those looking for a totally relaxing holiday can opt for the May-June period, or for southern Sardinia, which is usually quieter even in the high season.

Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

During a sailing holiday in Sardinia you can always sail with full sails, thanks to the constant wind, and discover hidden coves like real Robinson Crusoes. Flotilla holidays are often organised in July and August, and it will be easy for you to find native skippers who are experts in the area and who will be able to advise you on the best route and typical restaurants for dinners ashore. A fun, relaxing experience or adventure in unexplored places? The choice is yours!

Sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism

Rich in mountains, plains, uninhabited territories, rocky coastlines, sandy beaches and hundreds of small islands, Sardinia has been defined as a micro-continent, due to the variety of its ecosystems. There are several protected marine areas on the island, including: the island of Asinara, home to vulnerable fish species; Capo Caccia with endangered corals; Capo Carbonara with a seabed rich in Posidonia oceanica prairies, but unfortunately, in decline.

Perfect for

Perfect for

Sardinia is a very large island that can offer different travel experiences. The northern part, with the Maddalena archipelago and the Costa Smeralda, characterised by bays, coves and small paradise islands, is ideal for a fashionablefun-filled holiday, especially in July and August. The south coast, with long white sandy beaches and shallow sea, is perfect for lovers of simple, quiet holidays and families.

First time on a boat

First time on a boat

Sardinia is one of the first destinations selected for sailing holidays. As an island, it is characterised by constant wind. The sailing stretches are short, especially in the north, an ideal area for those who want to practice and are looking for adventure. In the south, sailing is quieter and mainly along the coast, ideal for families with children.

Sardinia vacation highlights

5 reasons to visit Sardinia during a sailing holiday

  • Breathtaking waters

    The Sardinian sea is a wonderful palette of colours with shades from emerald green to different shades of blue to deep blue. Only on a sailing boat will you be able to contemplate the colours of the water of one of the most beautiful seas in the world up close.

  • Dream beaches

    Choosing a holiday by boat will give you access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia that are inaccessible by land. Furthermore, by boat you can reach the more than 400 smaller islands that surround it.

  • The Island of the Wind

    A true paradise if you are into kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing. The island is generally windier than the rest of the Tyrrhenian coast, allowing sailing (even sport sailing) throughout the summer.

  • The beauty of nature

    Sardinia is characterised by wild landscapes, unspoilt nature and marine nature reserves. A sailing holiday will allow you to observe this wonder from a different perspective

  • The mysteries of history

    During excursions on land, you can visit incredible places steeped in history, such as the archaeological park in Pula and the splendid Nuragic heritages in Torralba and Abbasanta.

Unique nature on the Caribbean island of the Mediterranean

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The best Sardinian places accessible only by sea

Cala Isola dei Porri and Cala Granara, among the most beautiful beaches in northern Sardinia

Cala Isola dei Porri and Cala Granara, among the most beautiful beaches in northern Sardinia

Cala Isola dei Porri is definitely among the most beautiful places in Sardinia. Located in the Stintino area, it can only be reached by a long and challenging path or by sea. One of the most inaccessible places on the north coast, where you can savour the true essence of the island. The seabed drops quickly and is immediately deep, while the coastline alternates between pebbles and light-coloured sand bathed by a blue-green sea. In the Maddalena Archipelago, on the other hand, is the beach of Cala Granara, embraced by a low cliff and with no access by land. Clear sand, smooth rocks and a crystal-clear sea, this beach will win you over with the absolute charm of its purity.

Cala Mariolu is a must-see in eastern Sardinia

Cala Mariolu is a must-see in eastern Sardinia

North of Arbatax is Cala Mariolu, a true piece of paradise with small white and pink marble pebbles and surrounded by a cliff that reaches a height of 500 metres and falls sheer to the sea. The shallow water makes this place ideal for children. Before getting back on the boat, don't miss a visit to the nearby Grotta del Fico to observe the rocky seabed that is home to a wide variety of species. Don't forget to go in the morning, the cove is only exposed to the sun until the early afternoon hours. 

Cuccureddu beach and Golfo della Mezzaluna: the beaches in southern Sardinia not to be missed

Cuccureddu beach and Golfo della Mezzaluna: the beaches in southern Sardinia not to be missed

There are many breathtaking beaches on the south coast, because it is here that the island reveals African nuances with a landscape characterised by dunes, cacti and agaves. Cuccureddu beach is a jewel set in the Villasimius coastline and reserved for those who choose a sailing holiday. For this reason it is one of the most unspoilt beaches, an expanse of white sand bathed by transparent waters. Even the Golfo della Mezzaluna can only be reached by boat, due to the high cliffs on this stretch of coast. It hosts suggestive coves and beautiful caves to visit: a paradise for diving enthusiasts. On the eastern side of the gulf, there is the Scogliera del Bue Marino (Sea Ox Reef), with a large open cave, a treat not to be missed!

Island of Mal di Ventre, an enchanting oasis a few miles off the west coast

Island of Mal di Ventre, an enchanting oasis a few miles off the west coast

On the central west coast of Sardinia lies this completely uninhabited, specially protected island. The name is said to derive from the often rough sea due to the strong Mistral. Mal di Ventre is a flat granite expanse, two and a half kilometres long and a maximum of one kilometre wide. At its highest point, 20 metres above sea level, stands the lighthouse that dominates it. The island holds many natural treasures and scenery that continually amaze with their variety, from the cliffs and granite stacks on the western side, to the beautiful coves on the eastern side, from the fine sand of Cala Saline, to the quartz grains of Cala Tamerici and Cala Valdaro. The arid land with patches of Mediterranean scrub is populated by rabbits and land tortoises. The seabed is ideal for snorkelling, and is a habitat for crustaceans, molluscs and a multitude of fish. Dolphins are often spotted. If you love diving, you can explore numerous underwater wrecks, Roman and Spanish ships and many boats.

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Travel stories

Crystal-clear sea, rocks that look like sculptures and the desire to be guided by the wind. An adventure sailing holiday, crossing the Bocche di Bonifacio in Corsica to land in the Maddalena archipelago. Ready to get excited?

Practical info

Geography

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by several small islands, it has a very varied landscape. In the northern part, the coasts are high, rocky and with small inlets; in the southern part, low, sandy shores can be found. 

How to get there

For holidays in northern Sardinia, Olbia is recommended and for those in southern Sardinia, Cagliari is recommended. Both are well connected by ferries and flights to major European cities.

Getting around

The railway network in Sardinia is not very developed; the best means of getting around are by car/motorbike, bus and ferries.

Climate

The climate in Sardinia is ideal for a sailing holiday from May to September. With August warm but often windy, the other months offer perfect weather conditions. 

Winds

Being an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is very windy. The most important winds are the Scirocco, blowing hot from the south-east; the Ponente from the west; the Maestrale from the north-west, strong between October and April, particularly on the northern coast but also present in summer.

Ports and marinas

Sardinia's main ports are Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres and Cagliari. They are also landing points for ferries and cruise ships. There are also small marinas and marinas that can accommodate thousands of boats and differ in size and services offered.

Costs

For northern Sardinia, weekly cruises can be found starting from 600 euro per person. For southern Sardinia, one can also start at slightly lower prices, but one must always consider that costs vary greatly depending on the period and the service offered.

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