7-Night La Maddalena & Emerald Coast — Olbia to Porto Cervo
Route Overview
The Route
Day 1 — Olbia: Embarkation
Board at Marina di Porto Rotondo or Olbia Marina. An immediate sense of Sardinia's distinctive character — granite rock formations, aromatic macchia scrubland and a brilliant quality of light. A welcome dinner of fresh spaghetti alle vongole and Vermentino di Sardegna sets the tone.
Day 2 — Porto Rotondo & Cala di Volpe
Sail north along the Costa Smeralda — one of the most scenically spectacular coastlines in the Mediterranean. Porto Rotondo is an Aga Khan-era resort of understated elegance; Cala di Volpe has arguably the most beautiful turquoise water anywhere in Sardinia. Anchor in the bay for an afternoon of swimming.
Day 3 — Porto Cervo
The jewel of the Costa Smeralda — a purpose-built superyacht marina designed by the Aga Khan in the 1960s. The Piazzetta is the social heart; the surrounding boutiques include every major luxury brand; and the yacht watching is second to none in the Mediterranean. Berth overnight for the full experience.
Day 4 — La Maddalena Archipelago
Enter the national park — 62 islands of pink granite, emerald water and near-total seclusion. Anchor off Budelli (the famous rose-pink beach is protected but beautiful from the water), Razzoli or Santa Maria for snorkelling on pristine reefs. The water colour is extraordinary.
Day 5 — Caprera & Garibaldi Museum
The island of Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by a short bridge (dinghy under) — the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi is preserved exactly as he left it in 1882. Walk through the national park forest to some of the finest swimming beaches in the archipelago.
Day 6 — Bonifacio, Corsica (Day Trip)
Cross the 12 miles of the Strait of Bonifacio — one of the most dramatic straits in the Mediterranean — to the extraordinary clifftop town of Bonifacio. The old town perches 60 metres above the sea on white limestone; the harbour below is a perfect creek of emerald water. Lunch at a harbour restaurant before returning to Sardinia.
Day 7 — Santa Teresa Gallura & North Coast
Explore the wild northern coast of Sardinia — the granite headlands, the famous 'Bear Rock' (Capo d'Orso) and the sheltered anchorages around Palau. A final dinner at a fish restaurant in Palau overlooking the Maddalena islands at sunset.
Day 8 — Disembarkation
Return to Olbia for disembarkation. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport connects directly to many European cities; helicopter to Olbia from Porto Cervo is available for late departures.