Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

Salve! Welcome to Italy. Your sailing adventure begins in Olbia, on the Northeast coast of Sardinia. Fifty years ago, this coast was farmland, until a group of businesses turned it into a millionaire’s playground – it’s now nicknamed the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast for the green blue of the water. Meet your skipper at 4 pm this afternoon at the café Principe Umberto. After, head to the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. Get settled on the boat, your home for the next eight days, and spend the first night in Portisco on the Costa Smeralda.

This morning, set sail for Caprera Island. This island has been declared a natural reserve for the species of seabirds that live here – the royal seagull, cormorant and peregrine falcon. The island is linked to Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot and fighter who lived in the 19th century and was one of the fathers of Italian independence. He bought the island in 1855 and died here in 1882. His house is now a museum and a memorial chapel and the island itself is a national monument. The island was probably given its name due to all the wild goats living on it (capra means goat in Italian). When you arrive, take a swim in the beautiful water below and set off on your first snorkel of the trip. Tonight, maybe watch the sunset from a nearby beach or from the deck of the boat.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll cross the Bocche di Bonifacio (strait of Bonefacio), famous for the strong wind that hits from the northwest – the Mistral. Your destination is Bonifacio on the French-governed island of Corsica. An ancient, fortified city, this is where according to tradition, you must buy one of the famous knives. Bonifacio is a star attraction in Corsica drawing visitors from all over the island and overseas to marvel at its medieval houses that precariously teeter on the edge of the imposing limestone cliffs. Bonifacio's Old Town, with a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, was built by the Genoese and is a fascinating place to wander around. Explore its busy marina filled with impressive yachts and lined with chic bars, restaurants and hotels or head to one of the several idyllic, unspoiled Corsican beaches, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Tonight, you’ll find a delicious dinner in one of the traditional little restaurants in the Old Town.

This morning after breakfast, if the winds permit, head to the King Aragon steps in Corsico and ascend the 189 irregular steps for vast views over the seas, the cliffs, and glittering Sardinia. Over the next few days, you’ll explore Lavezzi and the Maddalena archipelago.

Visit Lavezzi – a collection of small granite islands and reefs in the Strait of Bonifacio that separates Corsica from Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. This first stop is known as ‘a little paradise’ where the natural world is still well intact.

Visit the Maddalena archipelago, with possible stops on the islands of Spargi, Santo Stefano and Budelli. These uninhabited islands are surrounded by great snorkelling opportunities, stunning natural landscapes home to multiple walking trails and crystal-clear waters full of colourful fish and perfect for swimming.

Set sail to Maddalena Island and dock in the centre of the lively town of La Maddalena. Here, you’ll have the option to rent e-bikes and normal bikes to explore the island. The town has lots of small stores, cafes, bars and restaurants, perfect for wandering on foot by day or partying by night.

For your last night, head back to Portisco in the afternoon, take a refreshing swim and find the perfect little restaurant for a farewell dinner to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and swap stories of the amazing trip you’ve shared.

Relax on board this morning before your unforgettable adventure comes to an end, at around 11 am. Sardinia has so much to offer, see and do, so it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days pre or post trip, to explore inland and further south. If you’d like to stay longer and explore Porto Istana, Porto Brandinchi or Porto San Paolo, just speak to your booking agent.