Sardinia & La Maddalena: A Week in the Costa Smeralda

If the Amalfi Coast is about villages, northern Sardinia is about water. The La Maddalena archipelago — a protected national park of granite islands off the Costa Smeralda — holds some of the clearest, most Caribbean-like sea anywhere in the Mediterranean. A week here is anchorage-driven, glamorous when you want it and wild when you don't.

Day 1 — Board at Portisco or Cannigione

Board in the afternoon from one of the northern marinas — Portisco, Cannigione or Olbia — and make a short first hop into the archipelago for a calm first night on the hook.

Day 2 — Spargi and Budelli

Anchor in Cala Corsara on Spargi, a luminous turquoise bay in the heart of the park, then sail past Budelli's famous pink beach (Spiaggia Rosa — strictly no landing; you admire it from the water). This is La Maddalena at its postcard best.

Day 3 — Caprera and "Tahiti"

Cala Coticcio on Caprera, nicknamed Tahiti for its colour, is a tiny granite-framed cove; visitor numbers are capped in season, so your captain times the approach. Garibaldi's island rewards a walk ashore too.

Day 4 — Porto Cervo

Slip across to the Costa Smeralda's glamour capital. Anchor in nearby Cala Granu or Liscia di Vacca and tender into Porto Cervo for the evening — the designer marina and piazzetta scene are a deliberate contrast to the empty coves.

Day 5 — Tavolara

Sail south to Tavolara, a sheer limestone monolith rising 500 metres straight from the sea with a single beach restaurant at its foot. A dramatic lunch and swim below the granite coast.

Day 6 — Bonifacio (optional)

With settled weather, the Strait of Bonifacio and its cliff-top Corsican citadel is a routine cross-border day trip — bring passports; the crew handles the French formalities. Otherwise, a second day exploring the archipelago's quieter northern coves.

Day 7 — Disembark

Back to the departure marina Saturday morning, with time for a final swim off Portisco on the way in.

Practical notes

• The national park. Access to La Maddalena is regulated — some coves are buoys-only or capped, and a daily park fee applies per boat. Your captain holds the permits.
• Winds. The northwesterly mistral can funnel through the Bonifacio strait; the archipelago has a sheltered cove for every wind direction. See Italy's sailing seasons and winds.
• Ready to plan? Browse Sardinia charters, or compare grounds on where to charter in the Mediterranean.