Sardinia luxury yacht charter
Sardinia’s scalloped bays, shimmering sands and dramatic coastline have long been the playground of screen starlets, royalty, first families and the yachting elite. With some of the most exclusive harbours, hotels and restaurants in the western Mediterranean, a luxury yacht charter around the Italian island of Sardinia seamlessly combines sun-soaked glamour with timeless elegance and natural beauty. A Tyrrhenian Sea yacht charter around this island can happily balance partying in hotspots like Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda with an escape to secluded islands and jaw-dropping marine parks in places such as the Maddalena archipelago.
Sardinia yacht season and weather
Sardinia is hot and dry from May to October with the island enjoying an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Peak charter months are July and August, though June is also an excellent time to charter. August is particularly busy as most Italians take their holidays during this month.
Most rain falls between October and February, giving much of Sardinia a lush and verdant character. Visitors may well experience balmy summer days in March and April, though evenings will be cool during this time of year. The prevailing wind is north westerly, which can be particularly significant on the Strait of Bonifacio at the north of the island.
Sardinia superyacht charter itineraries
Historic Cagliari crowns Sardinia’s southern edge, and a litter of pretty coves and tiny villages then await. With vineyards inland and towns steeped in history, it is a region rich in cultural and gastronomic offerings. Yachts up to 55 metres LOA can drop anchor at Marina di Cagliari.
To the north, the superyacht haven of Porto Cervo is the central hub for the yachting elite that descend on Sardinia’s glittering Costa Smeralda each summer. Home to some of Europe’s most expensive residences and exclusive resorts, including the iconic Cala di Volpe hotel, Porto Cervo pulsates during the summer season and its bars and restaurants promise a great night ashore.
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is based in Porto Cervo and organises a packed yacht racing season throughout the summer. Highlights of the Mediterranean cruising calendar in Sardinia include the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, the Maxi Rolex Cup and Rolex Swan Cup – all lively events for sailing enthusiasts in Porto Cervo to get involved with. Yachts up to 120 metres can berth at the IGY marina in Port Cervo.
South of Porto Cervo, the resort village of Porto Rotondo’s turquoise waters, pristine beaches and charming piazzas will prove irresistible, and the port here has 25 berths for megayachts. Cruise 20 nautical miles and dock at Marina di Olbia (for yachts up to 80 metres) to discover the city’s café-lined squares. Further south explore the caves near Cala Luna, where the peaks of Gennargentu National Park provide a dramatic backdrop and the snorkelling is excellent. Nearby Cala Goloritzé is another natural wonder.
From the northern coast of the main island cruise about 10 nautical miles offshore toward the spectacular archipelago of La Maddalena. While away long, languid sunny days around Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzoli, and discover some of Sardinia’s best beaches and the island’s breathtaking lagoons. On Isola Maddalena, Cala Gavetta marina can host yachts up to 60 metres LOA, as can the marina of the Hotel Excelsior. On Capera, Porto Palma can accommodate yachts up to 40 metres.
Some luxury yacht charters will combine the magic of Sardinia with French-held Corsica – the islands lie in a north to south run, with Corsica sitting off Sardinia’s northerly tip.
On Corsica, visit the historic capital of Porto-Vecchio, discover the UNESCO wonders of the Lavezzi islands and marvel at the houses perched atop the windswept bluffs in Bonifacio before cruising south to the majestic La Maddelena archipelago.
Sardinia by superyacht
Getting to Sardinia
Olbia, Alghero and Cagliari airports handle commercial and private jets.
Many visiting charters will arrive from the west coast of Italy. Corsica and Sardinia run north to south.
Legal requirements
Sardinia is part of Italy, so the same yachting and travel regulations apply to this island as on the mainland.