Sardinia and Corsica Sailing Itinerary from Olbia: A 7-Day Cruise Through the Maddalena Archipelago and the Cliffs of Bonifacio
Sardinia & Corsica, IT
7 days cruise, 43 dates available
Sailboat
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 between northern Sardinia and southern Corsica, navigating the granite islands of the Maddalena National Park, the Strait of Bonifacio and the protected anchorages of the western Mediterranean.
The cruise departs from Olbia on the northeastern coast of Sardinia and develops northward through the Maddalena Archipelago before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio into southern Corsica and returning along the Sardinian coast. The sailing area is compact and varied, with short distances between islands, numerous natural anchorages and a quality of water and landscape that holds consistently throughout the season.
Navigation is shaped by wind and sea conditions rather than a fixed timetable, with daily passages designed to alternate morning sails, swimming stops in turquoise coves and quiet evenings at anchor. Most crossings are short, and the crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio marks the transition from Sardinian to Corsican waters and is one of the defining navigations of the route.
The Maddalena Archipelago is a marine protected area where beaches, shallow granite formations and uninhabited islands can be explored by sailing boat. Islands including Caprera, Spargi, Budelli and Razzoli each offer a different combination of anchorages, walking terrain and underwater scenery. The Pink Beach area around Budelli, the granite pools of Spargi and the sheltered bays of Caprera are natural landscapes best appreciated from the water.
The crossing to Corsica brings a distinct change of character. The white limestone cliffs of Bonifacio rise directly from the sea, the historic citadel sits at the edge of the plateau above the harbor entrance, and the narrow port cuts directly into the rock below the old town, making this one of the more dramatic arrivals in Mediterranean sailing. The Lavezzi Islands, within a French marine protected area in the Strait of Bonifacio, extend the natural quality of the area into Corsican waters with clear granite pools and exceptional snorkeling.
The return leg follows the Costa Smeralda coastline southward, passing some of the most elegant inlets and clearest bays on the Sardinian coast before arriving back in Olbia. Days generally combine a morning sail with swimming stops in sheltered coves and slower afternoons either at anchor or in a small port, with evenings spent on board or ashore depending on the destination.
Itinerary
Day1
Olbia, Boarding and First Anchorage
Boarding takes place at the marina in Olbia. After settling into the cabins, and depending on the boarding time and conditions, the boat leaves the marina for a short introductory sail toward Capo Ceraso or another nearby sheltered bay, or remains in port for the first night. The first evening is unhurried. The night is spent at anchor in calm water or in the marina.
Day2
Caprera and the Wild Bays of the La Maddalena Archipelago
After breakfast, navigation continues toward Caprera, one of the largest and least developed islands in the archipelago. The day develops among shallow turquoise water and sculpted granite formations that define the character of this national park. Possible stops include Cala Coticcio, known for its exceptional clarity and layered granite rock, Cala Napoletana or Porto Palma, selected according to wind direction and sea conditions on the day. Time alternates between swimming, snorkeling and easy sailing between bays. The night is spent at anchor inside the national park.
Day3
Spargi, Budelli and the Pink Shores of the Archipelago
A short morning sail leads to Spargi, one of the most sheltered and visually striking islands in the archipelago, with clear water and protected anchorages well suited to swimming and snorkeling. Later in the day the route moves toward Budelli, whose protected Pink Beach area is one of the most recognized natural landmarks in the Sardinian Sea. Landing on the beach itself is restricted to protect the fragile pink coral sand, but the surrounding lagoon offers spectacular color and excellent swimming from the boat. The afternoon may include additional stops at Cala Connari or Cala Granara. The night is spent at anchor between Budelli and Razzoli.
Day4
Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio and Arrival in Corsica
The crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio is one of the defining navigations of the week, combining open sea sailing with the gradual reveal of the Corsican coastline. The approach to Bonifacio is among the most memorable arrivals in Mediterranean sailing, with white limestone cliffs rising steeply from the water and the narrow harbor entrance cutting directly into the rock below the old town. After mooring, guests have free time to explore the historic citadel, walk through the medieval streets of the upper town or find a viewpoint over the strait. The night is spent in port or at anchor in a nearby bay.
Day5
Lavezzi Islands or Santa Manza, Granite Pools and Protected Nature
From Bonifacio, the route heads toward the Lavezzi Islands, a French marine protected area within the Strait of Bonifacio, known for shallow crystal water, large granite boulders and natural swimming pools formed between the rocks. The islands are uninhabited and the underwater environment is among the clearest available in this part of the Mediterranean. Depending on conditions, alternative anchorages may be selected, including Isola Piana or the protected bay of Santa Manza. The day is centered on swimming and snorkeling in a pristine natural setting. The night is spent at anchor.
Day6
Razzoli and La Maddalena Town
A relaxed morning sail brings the boat back into the northern part of the Maddalena Archipelago, with anchorages selected according to the prevailing breeze and sea state. Possible stops include Cala Lunga on Razzoli or Cala Santa Maria, both offering calm water and easy access to shore. In the late afternoon the boat reaches La Maddalena town, the only urban center in the archipelago, with a character shaped by naval history and island life. Guests can walk through the historic center, find a spot for an aperitivo on the waterfront or have dinner ashore. The night is spent at anchor or in the marina.
Day7
Return to Olbia along the Costa Smeralda and Disembarkation
The final sailing day follows the Costa Smeralda coastline southward, passing some of the most elegant inlets and clearest bays on the Sardinian coast. Time is reserved for a last swim in sheltered spots such as Capriccioli or Cala di Volpe before the boat completes the return to Olbia in the late afternoon. 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
€ 2900
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Standard boat equipment
Insurance for navigation
Dinghy
Yacht additional fees
Mandatory additional expenses of EUR 295 per booking (final cleaning, La Maddalena park fee, gas bottle, linen and towel set, confirmed on booking)
Security deposit: EUR 3,500, refundable
Fuel according to consumption
Provisioning, food and drinks
Mooring fees and water and electricity in ports and marinas, according to use
A comfortable 38-foot cruising sloop for a small group of friends or a family, with three double cabins and two bathrooms, easy to handle and ideal for island hopping.
This cruising sloop sleeps up to 6 guests in three double cabins and has 2 bathrooms. It has a comfortable cockpit with sprayhood and bimini, a bow thruster that makes manoeuvring in port easier, and a 40 hp engine. A practical and well-equipped boat for a relaxed week at sea.
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 skippered charters without a hostess, and on bareboat 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?
When the sea gets rough, the route is adjusted 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 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.
