Sardinia offers several very different sailing experiences within one destination.
In the north-east, the islands of La Maddalena sit close to the marinas and coastal resorts of Costa Smeralda. Along the east coast, limestone cliffs shelter beaches reached from the water. Further west, Carloforte and Alghero bring fishing traditions, historic streets and more time ashore.
A yacht lets you choose the balance. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling, move between islands or head into port for dinner.
The La Maddalena Archipelago is a national park made up of seven main islands and numerous smaller islets. Its clear water, protected bays and quiet coves make it a natural focus for swimming, snorkelling and time at anchor. You can visit Caprera, cruise past Budelli and Spargi, then spend an evening ashore in La Maddalena town.
Sardinia gives your crew room to change the pace. You can anchor beside granite cliffs, visit a traditional harbour town or head into Porto Cervo for restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Costa Smeralda is known for emerald water, pale beaches and polished coastal resorts. The Gulf of Orosei has steep limestone scenery and remote beaches. Carloforte offers a quieter fishing-town atmosphere, while Alghero combines a marina with Catalan heritage and a historic centre.
Searching across hundreds of listings does not always make it easier to choose.
You speak directly with Ronen, an experienced sailor who searches across multiple fleets rather than trying to sell you a yacht from one company. He takes the time to understand:
You then receive a focused shortlist with clear guidance on the strengths and compromises of each option.
Ronen can also help with licence and document checks, route questions, transfers, local logistics and what to expect at check-in. During the charter, the local operator remains your first point of contact, but Ronen is also available when an issue needs following up.
The aim is to save you time and reduce the risk of choosing the wrong boat or operator.
Bareboat is the main choice for qualified sailors who want to skipper the yacht themselves.
You control the route, daily schedule and time spent in each place. Ronen can help compare suitable monohulls and catamarans, check your documents and narrow the search to yachts that fit your experience and crew.
A skippered charter includes a professional to handle the sailing, navigation and mooring.
It can suit intermediate sailors, families or groups who would rather not take full responsibility for the yacht.
A crewed yacht offers more support on board and less involvement in the practical side of the charter.
It suits guests who want to focus on relaxing, swimming and exploring the coast.
The right choice depends on your preferred layout, crew, sailing style and budget.
Ronen can explain how the available options compare rather than treating one yacht type as automatically better.
Ronen can help you compare the regions, departure bases, yacht options and suitable operators before you commit.
Let’s make your sailing holiday in Sardinia smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
The information below covers the practical details you may want to understand before booking, including the sailing season, routes, marinas, travel and preparation.
Tavolara is a limestone island south of Costa Smeralda. The original itinerary includes anchoring near Spiaggia Spalmatore.
Golfo Aranci offers a different atmosphere, with the feel of a fishing town and the option to spend time ashore before returning towards Olbia or Cannigione.
La Maddalena is one of Sardinia’s best-known sailing areas.
Caprera, Budelli and Spargi are among the islands included in the original route from Cannigione. The area offers clear water, protected bays and opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
La Maddalena town provides marina facilities, restaurants and a chance to walk ashore.
Budelli is known for Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach. Landing is not allowed, so it should be viewed from the water.
The Gulf of Orosei lies along Sardinia’s eastern coast.
High limestone cliffs shelter beaches including Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu. Some are reached by boat, giving this stretch of coastline a more remote feel than Sardinia’s developed resorts.
Carloforte is a colourful harbour town on San Pietro Island, off Sardinia’s south-western coast.
It has Ligurian roots, a strong fishing tradition and a quieter atmosphere than the better-known resorts.
Alghero is a port city on Sardinia’s north-western coast.
It is known for its Catalan heritage, Catalan-Gothic architecture, coral jewellery and evening views across the water. Its marina and historic centre make it a natural place to combine sailing with time ashore.
Alghero is a port city on Sardinia’s north-western coast.
It is known for its Catalan heritage, Catalan-Gothic architecture, coral jewellery and evening views across the water. Its marina and historic centre make it a natural place to combine sailing with time ashore.
This sample route combines La Maddalena, Costa Smeralda and Tavolara. It should be adapted around the weather, yacht and crew.
Days 1–2: Cannigione, Caprera and La Maddalena
Sail from Cannigione towards Caprera, whose rugged coastline includes Cala Coticcio.
Continue to La Maddalena town for restaurants, marina facilities and time ashore.
Day 3: Budelli and Spargi
Cruise towards Budelli to view Spiaggia Rosa from the water, then continue to Spargi for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 4: Porto Cervo
Leave the quieter islands and head towards Porto Cervo for its marina, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Days 5–6: Tavolara and Golfo Aranci
Sail south towards Tavolara and anchor near Spiaggia Spalmatore if conditions allow.
From there, choose between a quieter stop around Cala di Volpe or time ashore in Golfo Aranci.
Day 7: Return to Cannigione or Olbia
Plan the final leg so you can return without rushing and complete the operator’s check-out process.
You need an appropriate sailing licence to charter a bareboat yacht in Sardinia.
A VHF radio certificate may also be required. Requirements vary according to the qualification held and the operator’s acceptance criteria.
Most EU-issued licences are accepted in Italy, but approval should be confirmed before booking.
Ronen can check your documents with the operator and explain what evidence is required. Without an accepted licence, you can choose a skippered or crewed charter instead.
For July and August, the original guide recommends booking around three to six months in advance, particularly for larger yachts and popular departure areas.
For May, June, September and October, one to three months may be sufficient.
Last-minute yachts can sometimes be available, but the choice of layouts, yacht types and starting bases will be more limited.
Yes. Your plans can reflect your preferred starting base, sailing experience and the places you most want to visit.
The final route should remain flexible because it may need to change with the weather and local conditions.
The original north-eastern itinerary starts from Cannigione and can finish in either Cannigione or Olbia.
The right base depends on the selected yacht and the part of Sardinia you plan to explore.
Bareboat charter is available for qualified sailors whose licences and experience meet the operator’s requirements.
Ronen can check your documents and help match the yacht to your sailing background.
Yes. Skippered and crewed options are available for guests who do not hold the required licence or would rather leave the sailing responsibilities to a professional.
With a bareboat charter, you and your crew operate the yacht.
A skippered or crewed charter includes a professional who takes responsibility for sailing and navigation. A fully crewed yacht may include additional onboard service.
For island-hopping, clear-water coves and access to Costa Smeralda, consider the north-east and La Maddalena.
For limestone cliffs and beaches reached from the water, look at the Gulf of Orosei.
Carloforte and San Pietro offer a quieter harbour-town atmosphere, while Alghero combines a marina stop with Catalan heritage and a historic centre.
You can view Spiaggia Rosa from the water, but landing on the beach is not allowed.
No. Sailing Around searches across yachts from multiple operators.
This allows Ronen to recommend the yacht that fits your crew rather than steering you towards one company’s available boats.
The local operator is your first point of contact for technical or practical problems.
You can also contact Ronen. He can follow up with the operator when an issue risks taking time away from your holiday.
Tell Ronen about your crew, qualifications, dates and the kind of holiday you have in mind.
He will search suitable fleets, compare the strongest options and help you prepare for the charter.
Spend less time working through endless listings and more time looking forward to the sailing.
