Northern Sardinia Sailing Itinerary from Golfo Aranci: A 7-Day Cruise Through the Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena Archipelago
9 October 2027 - 16 October 2027
Sardinia, IT
7 days trip
8 places avaliable
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one week sailing holiday from Golfo Aranci along the Costa Smeralda and through the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with anchorages in granite coves, turquoise bays and the island town of La Maddalena.
The cruise starts and ends in Golfo Aranci, a small port on the north eastern coast of Sardinia, sheltered by the headland of Capo Figari and just a short drive from Olbia. From here the route follows the Costa Smeralda northward and continues into the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a protected marine area where granite islands, pale sand and shallow turquoise water make for some of the finest sailing in the western Mediterranean.
Distances are modest and the pace is relaxed. Each day combines a comfortable passage along the coast with long hours at anchor for swimming and exploring. The week moves north in easy stages, spends its central days among the islands of the archipelago and returns south on the last day, with the exact route adjusted to wind and sea conditions.
The landscape changes from one day to the next: the smooth rocks and clear coves of the Costa Smeralda, the sculpted granite of Caprera and Spargi, the pale beaches of Budelli and Razzoli and the bays that open between low Mediterranean scrub and white boulders. Many anchorages can only be reached from the sea, so it is easy to choose the bay that is calm and quiet on the day.
Ashore there are harbors and villages worth a visit: the elegant marina and promenade of Porto Cervo, the old streets and fish restaurants of La Maddalena, and the quiet waterfront of Palau and Cannigione. Evenings can be spent at a table in town or on deck, watching the light change over the islands.
Life on board is simple and informal. Breakfast on deck, a swim before leaving the anchorage, lunch in a cove and dinner either on board or ashore set the rhythm of the day, and the whole group can decide together how early to start and where to stop.
Itinerary
Day1
Golfo Aranci and Capo Figari
Boarding takes place at the marina in Golfo Aranci, with time to settle in, stow luggage, provision and go through the safety briefing. Once the boat is ready, a short passage around the headland of Capo Figari leads to a sheltered anchorage for a first swim. The first evening and night are spent on board, giving everyone time to adjust to life at sea before the main route begins.
Day2
Porto Rotondo and Cala di Volpe
After breakfast the boat sails north along the Costa Smeralda, passing Porto Rotondo and the Gulf of Cugnana, with rocky headlands and pink granite shores along the way. A swimming stop at midday is followed by the afternoon passage to the bay of Cala di Volpe, where the evening is spent at anchor in clear green water.
Day3
Porto Cervo and the Gulf of Arzachena
The morning is free for a swim and a short sail to Porto Cervo, the best known harbor of the coast, with its marina, small piazzas and seafront walk. In the afternoon the route continues into the Gulf of Arzachena, a wide and sheltered bay with several quiet anchorages near Cannigione and the island of Mortorio, ideal for an evening ashore or a dinner on deck.
Day4
Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria
Leaving the gulf, the boat enters the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, sailing between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. The shallow water over white sand and the granite shapes around Porto Madonna make this one of the most scenic stretches of the week. Time is spent swimming and snorkeling before a night at anchor in an area of the park where overnight stops are permitted, following the local rules.
Day5
Spargi and its Hidden Coves
The day is dedicated to Spargi, an uninhabited island of granite outcrops and low scrub with a string of small coves reachable only by sea, such as Cala Corsara and Cala Soraya. The boat moves from bay to bay according to wind and swell, leaving plenty of time for swimming, paddling and walks along the shore before dinner at anchor.
Day6
Caprera and La Maddalena
After breakfast the route turns toward Caprera, the green granite island with the famous cove of Cala Coticcio, where the water shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue between white boulders. In the afternoon the boat reaches La Maddalena, the main town of the archipelago, for a walk through the historic center, an aperitivo on the waterfront and dinner at one of the local fish restaurants.
Day7
Costa Smeralda and Return to Golfo Aranci
The last sailing day begins with departure from La Maddalena heading south along the Costa Smeralda for a final swim in a sheltered bay, followed by the return to the marina in Golfo Aranci. The final night is spent on board, and disembarkation takes place the following morning.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, sea state and operational requirements. The person in charge of the boat may adjust the route, anchorages and overnight stops, following the briefing at the base, to ensure safety and comfort.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 2950
€ 2360
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Large tender with outboard motor
Mooring at the base on the night before disembarkation
Espresso machine, gas barbecue
Two stand up paddle boards
Fishing and snorkeling gear and deep sea fishing rods
Satellite internet connection and water maker
Yacht additional fees
Advanced Fuel Deposit: € 300
Comfort Pack: € 500, with a full set of sheets, bath towels, final cleaning, tender fuel and a second gas bottle
Security deposit: not required
Extra services
Skipper: € 1700
Hostess on request: € 1250, to be confirmed at the time of booking
First night in the marina: € 200 to € 350, at the customer's expense
A bright, modern catamaran with four double cabins, a spacious saloon and generous outdoor areas, ideal for a relaxed week at sea with family or friends.
This catamaran offers a calm, stable and comfortable way to spend a week at sea. Wide decks, a sheltered cockpit with a teak floor and a large, airy saloon create plenty of room to share meals, read or simply watch the coast go by. Ten berths are available in total, eight of them in the four guest cabins, while the two further berths in the forward peak are reserved for crew.
The four double cabins are spread across the two hulls and kept fresh by fans, with two bathrooms available to guests. In the galley you will find a fridge and freezer, an oven with gas stove and an espresso machine, so breakfast on deck or an easy dinner at anchor is always within reach.
Life on board is made easy by a gas barbecue, two stand up paddle boards, snorkeling and fishing gear and a large tender with outboard motor for reaching the beach. A water maker, solar panels and satellite internet keep the boat comfortable and self-sufficient at anchor, while an electric windlass and an autopilot make everyday sailing relaxed.
Yacht
Model
2024 Bali Catsmart
Length
11.9 m
Yacht services
Snorkeling equipment
Yes
Fishing equipment
Yes
Toys on board
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
2
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
AED defibrillator
Autopilot
Cockpit cushions
Electric anchor windlass
Electric fridge 12V
Freezer
Oven
Gas stove
Espresso coffee machine
Fans in cabins
Fishing and snorkeling gear
Gas barbecue
Stand up paddle boards: 2
Electric toilet pumps: 2
Full batten mainsail
Furling genoa
GPS
GPS plotter
Inverter 2 kW
Lazy bag
Lazy jacks
Solar panels
Teak cockpit
VHF
Water maker: 240
Satellite internet
Large tender with outboard motor
Second gas bottle
Fishing gear is available on board for those who wish to try their luck at anchor or while sailing, where local rules allow it. Fishing is restricted inside the protected areas of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, so ask at the base briefing where it is permitted.
Coastal Walk on Caprera (On Demand)
Follow the footpaths of Caprera between granite boulders and Mediterranean scrub, with open views over the bays of the archipelago. A short walk from the shore can be organized on request.
Travel organizer tips
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, the person in charge of the boat adjusts the route for your safety, following the briefing at the base. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how these changes are handled? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
