Sardinia Sailing Itinerary
A Sardinia sailing itinerary takes you to Italy’s stunningly beautiful Maddalena Archipelago National Park and Marine Reserve and the world-famous Emerald Coast, well known for its superb beaches and myriad coves and bays. On longer cruises you can sail northward to the island of Corsica, France, or transit the Strait of Bonifacio and head south down the northwestern side of the island of Sardinia, where it’s a little less expensive than on the Emerald Coast and much more laid-back (see Sardinia maps). Both the archipelago and the main islands are enchanting cruising grounds regardless of the length of your Sardinia itinerary. They blend the boutique shopping, fine dining, and lively nightlife of chic ports such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo with the quiet and scenic beauty of the largely uninhabited Maddalena Islands. Most of all the sailing in these waters is splendid, with good winds on most days.
Cannigione Yacht Charter – 7 Day Itinerary
Porto Cervo
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
Moorings are available. There is room to anchor in the outer reaches of the harbour.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Peach, cream, and white stucco buildings with red terracotta-tiled roofs occupy the slopes overlooking the harbour of Porto Cervo, giving the village its distinctly Mediterranean look. The Piazzetta, or village square, is closed to traffic and is the hub of the port. Exploring the narrow streets extending from it immerses you in the upmarket ambience as you browse in boutiques and jewellery stores featuring the luxury brands such as Gucci, Cartier, and Bulgari. The restaurants and cafés in and around the Piazzetta are excellent; after dark the ever-popular nightclubs reverberate with live music and exuberant dance rhythms. Porto Cervo itself has no beaches, but on either side of the harbour you’ll find superb white-sand beaches stretching for miles. Anchoring off them for a day stop in settled weather isn’t a problem, particularly because you’ll be in the lee of the land in the prevailing northwesterly winds. Porto Cervo is home to the famous Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, which hosts many regattas throughout the sailing season.
Facilities
No facilities are available for yachts.
Porto Rotondo
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available. No anchorage is available in this small harbour.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The village of Porto Rotondo spreads out around the shores of the cove, picturesque and decidedly upscale. A stroll to the centre of the town takes you to the public squares. San Marco Square is constructed of locally quarried granite and was designed by the renowned sculptor Andrea Cascella. The Church of St. Lorenzo, itself an architectural icon, houses more than 2,000 wooden sculptures by Mario Cerioli, who is said to have worked on them for seven years. Live musical performances in the stately granite amphitheatre are a delight, if you are lucky enough to attend one. The miles of white-sand beaches are another major attraction of Porto Rotondo, where all kinds of watersports are popular. Rental cars are available for inland excursions to the archaeological sites such as the Li Muri Necropolis and the Tomb of the Giants of Li Loughi.
Facilities
Dockage and all other facilities for yachts are available. Advance reservations are essential.
Mortorio Island
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Exploring ashore to observe the wildlife and climb the hills to admire the spectacular views is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Bringing along a picnic lunch and a cool bottle of vino adds to the pleasure. The beaches on both islands are extensive, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Facilities
No facilities are available for yachts.
Caprera Island
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available. Among the best anchorages are the fjord-like Cala Coticcio and Cala Portese on the south-east side of the island.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available, but landing the dinghy is easy in the many coves when you want to explore ashore.
Things to do
A visit to the Garibaldi Museum is a highlight of sailing at Caprera. Hiking in the hills and along the many beaches is a delight, and for those interested in a longer walk, a trek along the road built on the dam connecting Caprera to Maddalena is a unique experience, like being in the middle of the sea while still on foot. Snorkelling and swimming are superb at Caprera, which is also one of the premier scuba diving sites in Italy. Dive excursions can easily be arranged to view the many Roman shipwrecks and natural granite features of the seabed, an area abundant with red sea fans and other colourful marine life.
Facilities
No facilities available for yachts.
Maddalena Island
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The main harbour is Cala Gavetta on the south side of the island. There are many excellent anchorages at Maddalena Island. Cala Francese is a firm favourite and provides good protection from northerly and easterly winds. Other excellent choices for anchorages include the deep cove of Stagno Torto, Cala Portolungo, and Calla dello Spalmatore.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
As with neighbouring Caprera, exploring the many coves and bays is a highlight of sailing Maddalena. The swimming and snorkelling is excellent, as is the scuba diving. Spending time in the small port of Gavetta to stroll along the narrow streets and browse through the shops, where you can buy handicrafts, jewellery, and other items made by local artisans, is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Enjoying dinner at one of the intimate cafés or restaurants, or sipping a cocktail aboard your yacht in a scenic anchorage is a wonderful way of savouring the delights of Maddalena.
Facilities
Fuel and water are available at Cala Gavetta. Dockage is also available. Advance reservations are essential.
Cannigione
Sailing in Cannigione waters brings you deep into the Gulf of Arzachena on the north-east coast of Sardinia. The gulf is shaped much a like a fjord and offers similar beauty. Rocky hills front each side, creating a rugged and yet scenic backdrop to the shimmering blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Moorings base in Sardinia is situated on the west side of the gulf near the port of Cannigione, a small, quiet resort town with a laid-back ambience quite different from what you’ll find when you head south along the Emerald Coast to bustling Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. And that’s part of the charm of Cannigione yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available. There are many pretty anchorages near Cannigione.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Cannigione is about a one-hour drive from Olbia, one of the major communities in northern Sardinia, and it’s close to the Emerald Coast and the mountains of Gallura. Along the waterfront you’ll find a number of interesting shops and superb restaurants. There’s also a pleasant beach within walking distance, where you can take a refreshing swim or simply relax and admire the scenery. Taking your yacht to the end of the gulf brings you to a lagoon-like setting surrounded by lush green fields. A charming village perches on the shore. Renting a car to tour the nearby archaeological sites of Arzachena is an intriguing way to learn more about northern Sardinia and its history.
Facilities
All facilities are available for yachts.
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