Sardinia and Corsica Catamaran Cruise from Marina Portisco - 7 Day Sailing Itinerary through La Maddalena Archipelago and Bonifacio

The northeastern coast of Sardinia and the stretch of water separating it from Corsica form a sailing area that rewards exploration at a slow pace. The coastline alternates between granite formations sculpted into irregular shapes, shallow turquoise bays with white sand only reachable by boat, and small island harbours where fishing traditions have changed little over generations. From Marina Portisco, approximately 12 kilometres north of Olbia, the route develops northward through the La Maddalena Archipelago and then crosses into French waters before returning along the Sardinian coast.

The La Maddalena Archipelago is a protected national park covering 62 islands and islets between Sardinia and Corsica. The waters inside the park are clear and consistently shallow in the anchorage areas, and the granite rock formations that define the coastline above the waterline continue underwater in ways that make snorkeling a natural part of each day. The Pink Beach area around Budelli, the wild bays of Caprera and the sheltered coves of Spargi and Razzoli are among the most visited natural sites in Sardinia, and most of them remain genuinely accessible only by boat.

The Strait of Bonifacio, the narrow passage of open water between Sardinia and Corsica, is one of the most characterful navigations in the Mediterranean. The prevailing wind along this route is the Libeccio from the west-southwest, a relatively moderate wind in settled conditions, though the Mistral from the northwest can build quickly and accelerate through the strait by one or two Beaufort scales. This combination of thermal and regional winds creates reliable sailing throughout the season and gives each day a distinct character depending on direction and strength.

Crossing into French waters, the Lavezzi Islands offer a protected marine reserve with the same granite and turquoise character as the Sardinian side, and the approach to Bonifacio itself is among the most memorable arrivals in Mediterranean sailing, with white limestone cliffs rising directly from the sea and the old citadel perched at their edge above a narrow natural harbour.

The route is not fixed in advance. At the start of the week the skipper plans the itinerary together with the group, taking into account wind forecast, sea state and the interests and sailing experience of guests onboard. Daily navigation decisions are made each morning. This approach is a core part of how Windbeutel organises its sailing holidays, and it makes the itinerary genuinely responsive rather than scheduled. The experience is open to guests with no previous sailing experience and to seasoned sailors equally, with the skipper actively involving everyone in navigation and sail handling throughout the week.