A seven-day cabin charter sailing holiday from Olbia exploring the turquoise bays of Tavolara, the granite islands of the Maddalena Archipelago, the Bonifacio Strait and the Lavezzi Islands aboard a crewed catamaran.
The cruise departs from Olbia, on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, and follows a circular route north through the Maddalena Archipelago before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio into southern Corsica and returning along the Costa Smeralda coastline at the end of the week.
Daily sailing stays relaxed and coastal, with short legs that leave most of each day free for swimming, snorkeling and time ashore. The pace favors long stops at anchor in sheltered bays over longer passages, with the route adapting day by day to the prevailing conditions, particularly the Mistral, which can influence the choice between the Lavezzi Islands, Cavallo or the Sardinian coastline on any given day.
The first days cover the southern approaches to the Maddalena Archipelago, from the limestone island of Tavolara and the natural pools of Molara to the protected coves of Caprera and the archipelago's most celebrated anchorages. Budelli's pink sand beach, Spargi's bright water and smooth granite formations, and the more remote island groups of Razzoli and Santa Maria form the heart of the Sardinian section of the route.
The crossing to Corsica brings a sharp change in landscape. Bonifacio, perched on a narrow limestone promontory above a fjord-like harbor, is one of the most dramatic port arrivals in the western Mediterranean, with the medieval citadel above and the sheer white cliffs falling directly to the sea. The Lavezzi Islands and Cavallo, within the French marine protected area just west of Bonifacio, add shallow clear water and granite formations typical of this stretch of Corsican coastline.
The return south along the Costa Smeralda passes some of the most recognized anchorages on the Sardinian coast before arriving back in Olbia. Meals follow a half-board format, with fresh breakfasts and lunches prepared by the crew on board, and two evenings left free for dinner ashore.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Olbia and First Anchorage at Cala Saline
Boarding begins in the late afternoon at the marina in Olbia, with a welcome from the crew and time to settle into the cabins. The catamaran sets sail for a short navigation toward the Tavolara area, arriving at Cala Saline, a quiet and protected anchorage with clear water, in time for a first swim before dinner on board and the first night at anchor.
Day2
Tavolara, Molara and San Teodoro
After breakfast, the route continues toward Tavolara, the large limestone island rising from the sea just offshore, followed by a stop at the natural pools of Molara for swimming in shallow turquoise water. The cruise then heads south toward the coast of San Teodoro, passing beaches and a coastal lagoon known for calm water and wide views. Depending on conditions, the route may include Cape Coda Cavallo or a stop near Porto Rotondo before the overnight anchorage.
Day3
Caprera and the Maddalena Archipelago
A morning sail heads north toward the islands of Caprera and La Maddalena, with the captain selecting an anchorage based on weather and wind direction, from Cala Garibaldi and Cala Napoletana to the beaches of Giardinelli. The area is well suited to swimming, snorkeling and exploring the coastline by tender. Lunch is served on board, with the night spent in a calm bay within the archipelago.
Day4
Spargi, Budelli and Razzoli
After breakfast, the route continues to the famous Pink Beach area around Budelli, whose sand is tinted by fragments of crushed coral, and on to Spargi, known for bright water and smooth granite formations. The afternoon heads toward Razzoli or the small island of Santa Maria, both ideal for a final swim before the overnight anchorage within the northern Maddalena group.
Day5
Crossing to Bonifacio
A longer sail crosses the Strait of Bonifacio toward Corsica, with an anchorage near Capo Pertusato for lunch before continuing into the natural harbor of Bonifacio. Time ashore allows for a visit to the medieval citadel, the narrow alleys of the old town and the scenic viewpoints above the sheer white cliffs. Dinner and the night are spent on board near Bonifacio.
Day6
Lavezzi or Cavallo and Return Toward Sardinia
If conditions allow, the morning heads west to the Lavezzi Islands or Cavallo for swimming and a relaxed anchor stop in clear, shallow water within the French marine protected area. After lunch, the route turns south toward Santa Teresa or, depending on the Mistral, toward the Gulf of Aranci and the views around Capo d'Orso. The night is spent in a sheltered anchorage on the Sardinian side.
Day7
Costa Smeralda and return to Olbia
The final sailing day follows the Costa Smeralda coastline south, often with a last stop near the islands of Soffi or Mortorio for swimming before the catamaran returns to Olbia in the late afternoon. The final night is spent on board in the marina, with disembarkation the following morning after breakfast.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Bali Catsmart is categorized as catamaran type vessel. With 11.78 meters length, it is a perfect choice for a small group of friends or family.
It can accommodate up to 8 guests. It has 2 bathrooms. This boat is usually available for rent in Mare Fun Charter & Marina. It has a draught of 1.1 meters and a beam of 6.46 meters. It is equipped with 2x20 hp engine.
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?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
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, skippers adjust the route for your safety. 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 crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
