Sardinia, with its archipelago islands scattered off the northeastern coast, many of these lands uninhabited and pristine- larger neighbouring islands (Corsica and Sicily), and blend of cultures (thanks to its location, off the coast of Italy, close to North Africa, hugged by both the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean Sea.
There is no shortage of things to do whilst chartering a yacht around this isle, but we have summarised our top picks for you, depending on what your focus is on your trip.
Relaxing
The northeast of Sardinia is a favourite for many wellness guru’s and those looking for a mindful holiday. Our one week itineraries all focus on exploring the beauty and calm of this area and even the more glamorous and more built-up marina areas on these routes (such as Marina dell’Orso, Poltu Quatu and Porto Cervo) have a slow, laziness about them, which makes even hours of quiet exploration feel truly therapeutic.
If you want to spend time lounging on deck, soaking in the Italian sun for a famous tan, we would recommend trying one of our catamarans, as they offer more deck space for lounging.
Exploring
If you’re after beautiful hikes which climb up trails intertwined with ancient archaeological sites and views of the ocean, the Arcipelago La Maddalena is perfect, a national park in itself, this small isle offers lush greenery amongst stone paths and nature.
There are a variety of routes, some more suitable for beginners and others that are more challenging (please consider the time of year & temperatures before setting off on these treks, and bring appropriate footwear).
Eating and Drinking
Sardinia is known for its seafood restaurants and fresh pasta dishes, narrowing our favourites down has been a challenge but, here are our top spots, for different atmospheres:
- Deste, Cannigione – for Michelin star meals and view of the ocean at night that is hard to beat.
- Trattoria Romana da Mario, Olbia – for authentic Sardinian cuisine and a cosy atmosphere.
- Il Pomodoro, Arzachena (in-land from Cannigoine, and a perfect location for an excursion day exploring the city). Perfect for anyone after a warm atmosphere, friendly staff, an expert wine selection and flavourful, freshly cooked dishes.
- Renato Pedrinelli Restaurant, Porto Cervo – a tripadvisor’s favourite (travellers choice awards 2023) and we can see why, reasonably priced, this restaurant offers outdoor dining in a patio surrounded by flowers, a magical experience. We recommend their seafood spaghetti!
- Taverna Baro, La Maddalena – a stunning view of the harbour, platters of meats, cheeses and platters, cocktails, wines and IPA’s, fresh sandwiches and outdoor/indoor seating options? The perfect lunchtime and early evening spot all for a very affordable price point.
Underwater Adventures
Cala Lazarine on the small northern Archipelago of Lavezzi has pristine water and thriving underwater ecosystems, the diverse underwater landscapes here provide stunning clarity and thanks to the protected marine reserves, these dives offer the chance for divers to see some beautiful fish, eels, underwater caves and coral reefs.
Our planned Sardinia flotilla itinerary stops at Cala Lazarina, Lavezzi and gives the opportunity to meet like-minded sailors who may also wish to do these excursions with you (or, go off and explore with a local tour group).
History and Culture
Fortezza di Monte Altura, or, Mount Altura Fortress, is built into the rockside, offers historical tours which guides will dive into the history of the Fortress and the Battles it has survived. Just outside of Palau, this is one of our favourite historical spots in the north of Sardinia. It is also family friendly and will take less than 3 hours to thoroughly explore – giving you the rest of the day to relax or hunt down any local sites.