Few sailing destinations combine glamour and natural beauty quite like northern Sardinia, the perfect sailing spot. Starting from Portisco, a week on a crewed catamaran can take you from the legendary Costa Smeralda to the extraordinary islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago – with turquoise water, deserted beaches, Italian food and some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular anchorages along the way.
The beauty of starting in Portisco is that you are immediately in the heart of the action. But you can quickly leave the glamour behind and head north towards the islands, where the scenery becomes increasingly wild and the water almost impossibly clear.
Day 1 – Portisco to Cala di Volpe
Board your catamaran in Portisco and begin with a short afternoon sail along the Costa Smeralda. Cala di Volpe is the perfect first stop: beautiful beaches, granite rocks and some of Sardinia’s most glamorous scenery.
Enjoy your first swim from the boat before settling down for dinner on board, or head ashore for a taste of the sophisticated Costa Smeralda.
Day 2 – Cala di Volpe to Caprera
Sail north towards the La Maddalena Archipelago and Caprera. Cala Coticcio, often described as one of the archipelago’s most beautiful bays, is an exceptional place for a swim and snorkel.
The sailing is short enough to leave most of the day for enjoying the water. With a crew, there is no need to worry about anchoring, lunch or finding the best spot – you can simply arrive and start swimming.
Day 3 – Caprera to Spargi
Continue to Spargi, one of the archipelago’s jewels. Cala Corsara is surrounded by granite formations and exceptionally clear water, making it an ideal anchorage for a long lunch and an afternoon of paddleboarding, snorkelling and swimming.
This is the Sardinia that people imagine when they dream of a Mediterranean sailing holiday: white sand, turquoise water and not a hotel in sight.
Day 4 – Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria
Today is all about exploring the islands. Cruise through the extraordinary channels of the national park towards Budelli and the famous Spiaggia Rosa. Access to the beach itself is restricted, but seeing the island from the water is still spectacular.
Continue to Santa Maria for another beautiful anchorage. With barely any distance to cover, there is plenty of time for swimming and relaxing on board.
Day 5 – La Maddalena
Head to La Maddalena town for a change of scene. Wander through its colourful streets, stop for gelato and enjoy a relaxed Italian lunch before returning to the boat.
The island provides the perfect balance to the remote anchorages – a chance to experience local life without giving up the freedom of being on the water.
Day 6 – La Maddalena to Porto Cervo
Turn south and sail back towards the Costa Smeralda. This is your chance to experience its glamorous side properly.
Arrive in Porto Cervo in the afternoon and spend the evening exploring boutiques, enjoying an aperitivo and having dinner overlooking the marina. Porto Cervo remains the undisputed centre of the Costa Smeralda’s luxury scene.
Day 7 – Porto Cervo to Portisco
Enjoy a leisurely final morning, perhaps stopping for one last swim in a secluded bay before making the short sail back to Portisco.
What makes this itinerary particularly special on a crewed catamaran is the balance. You get the glamour of Porto Cervo, the natural beauty of La Maddalena and plenty of time simply enjoying the boat.
There is no need to sail for hours every day. Instead, you wake somewhere beautiful, swim before breakfast, enjoy lunch on deck and let the crew find the perfect anchorage for the afternoon.
One week, two very different sides of Sardinia – and a spectacular introduction to the Mediterranean at its most effortlessly stylish.