Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica Sailing Itinerary from Porto Pollo: A 7-Day Cruise Through the Maddalena Archipelago, Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands
Sardinia - Porto Pollo, IT
7 days cruise, 67 dates available
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 Porto Pollo through the protected granite islands of the Maddalena Archipelago and the wild southern coastline of Corsica, combining short coastal passages, sheltered anchorages and authentic Mediterranean island life.
The cruise departs from Porto Pollo, a natural departure point on the northern Sardinian coast close to Palau, and follows a circular route through the Maddalena Archipelago before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio into southern Corsica and returning along the same granite coastline at the end of the week.
Navigation stays largely coastal throughout, with short to medium sailing legs between islands that leave plenty of time for swimming stops, walks ashore and evenings at anchor in sheltered bays. The Strait of Bonifacio crossing is the longest open water leg of the route and one of its defining moments, with the white limestone cliffs of the Corsican coast coming into view long before the entrance to the harbor itself.
The Maddalena Archipelago defines the Sardinian side of the route, a national park formed by seven main islands and dozens of smaller islets rising from transparent water over a granite seabed. Islands including Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Caprera each offer a different combination of anchorages, coastline character and access to clear, shallow water. The protected environment of the park keeps the landscape remarkably intact, and many of the best bays here are reachable only from the water.
The Corsican section of the route adds a sharp contrast in landscape and atmosphere. Bonifacio, with its medieval citadel perched on a narrow limestone promontory above the harbor fjord, is one of the most memorable port arrivals in the western Mediterranean. The Lavezzi Islands and Cavallo, both within the French marine protected area just west of Bonifacio, extend the natural quality of the week with smooth granite rocks, isolated coves and water clarity rarely matched elsewhere in this part of the sea.
Days alternate between livelier island harbors and quieter anchorages surrounded by granite cliffs, turquoise water and Mediterranean scrub. The rhythm is unhurried, with mornings given over to sailing and arrivals timed to leave the afternoons free for swimming and exploring.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Porto Pollo and First Anchorage off Spargi
Boarding begins in the afternoon in Porto Pollo, with time for cabin allocation and a crew briefing covering the navigation plan, safety procedures and onboard routines for the week. Depending on arrival time and conditions, the boat departs for a short afternoon passage toward Spargi. The first evening is spent at anchor in one of the island's protected bays, surrounded by granite formations and clear, shallow water suited to a first swim before dinner on board.
Day2
Spargi to Budelli and Santa Maria
After breakfast, the route continues through the central islands of the archipelago with a morning sail toward the waters surrounding Budelli, known for the transparency of the sea and the protected natural environment around the famous Pink Beach, which can be admired and swum from the water but not walked on due to conservation restrictions. The boat continues toward Santa Maria, where calm anchorages and quiet beaches accessible directly from the water make for a relaxed afternoon. The evening is spent at anchor or, depending on conditions, in a nearby harbor.
Day3
Santa Maria to Bonifacio
The route heads north across the Strait of Bonifacio, one of the highlights of the week, with the white limestone cliffs of the Corsican coast becoming visible long before the harbor entrance comes into view. After a lunch stop and a swim along the coast, the boat enters Bonifacio through its narrow natural fjord, with the medieval citadel above and the harbor restaurants along the water below. The evening is free to explore the old town, the panoramic viewpoints and the streets of the haute ville.
Day4
Bonifacio to Lavezzi Islands to Cavallo
Leaving Bonifacio, the route continues toward the Lavezzi Islands, a French marine protected area characterized by smooth granite rocks, isolated coves and exceptional swimming and snorkeling conditions. The afternoon is dedicated to slow navigation and relaxed anchorages between Lavezzi and Cavallo, a small privately owned island with white sand coves and a low granite coastline. The evening is spent at anchor between the two islands.
Day5
Cavallo to La Maddalena
The boat sails back toward Sardinia, re-entering the waters of the Maddalena Archipelago and passing between smaller islands and hidden coves before reaching La Maddalena town. The waterfront offers a lively marina atmosphere, cafés and traditional Sardinian streets worth exploring in the evening. Dinner can be taken ashore or on board in the harbor depending on preference.
Day6
La Maddalena to Caprera
A short navigation leads toward Caprera, one of the greenest islands in the archipelago, with a coastline alternating rocky inlets and beaches accessible only from the water. The day is dedicated to relaxed sailing and swimming stops in protected bays such as Cala Coticcio or Cala Napoletana, selected according to weather conditions and seasonal access regulations. The final full evening on board is spent at anchor in a calm bay surrounded by nature.
Day7
Caprera to Porto Pollo
After breakfast, the boat begins the final navigation back toward Porto Pollo, with the return sail offering a last view across the islands and the northern Sardinian coastline. Arrival is scheduled during the afternoon, with the final night spent on board. Disembarkation and end of services take place the following morning.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and port availability. The captain may modify routes, anchorages and overnight stops to ensure safe and comfortable navigation throughout the cruise.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 3500
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender with outboard engine
Complete equipment of the boat
Boat insurance
Yacht additional fees
Hostess + meals: €1.300
Different Check-in upon Request (price + location): €300
Small Pet on Board: €300
Starter Pack (Final cleaning, bed linen, towels, outboard engine, gas bottle and kitchen equipment included): €650
The Lagoon 42 offers a balanced sailing experience designed for comfort, easy circulation onboard and relaxed life at sea. Its open social spaces, stable navigation and bright interiors make it well suited for island hopping itineraries, family cruises and longer stays onboard.
The Lagoon 42 combines practical catamaran navigation with spacious outdoor living areas designed for life at anchor and coastal cruising. The flybridge and cockpit are connected through wide walkways, creating a fluid onboard layout where guests can move easily between shaded dining spaces, sunbathing areas and the sea access platforms at the stern.
Inside, the saloon benefits from large panoramic windows that provide natural light throughout the day and maintain constant visual contact with the surrounding coastline and anchorages. The galley and common areas are integrated into an open-plan layout that supports both social moments and relaxed daily routines onboard.
The cabins are designed for comfort during multi-day navigation, offering good ventilation, private storage and practical living space for guests sharing the yacht during sailing holidays or cabin charters. Depending on the configuration, some versions may include additional crew cabins or larger owner-style suites.
Under sail, the Lagoon 42 is known for stable cruising performance and smooth navigation in a variety of coastal conditions. Its catamaran design allows access to shallow bays, protected coves and smaller island anchorages that are often difficult to reach with larger monohull yachts.
The exact model and interior configuration may vary depending on departure base and operational planning, while maintaining similar comfort and onboard standards.
Yacht
Model
2020 Lagoon 42
Length
12.8 m
Accommodations
Max guests
12
Double cabins
6
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Water maker
Coffee maker
Dinghy
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
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?
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
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
