Sardinia Yacht Charter Itinerary: 7 Days in Northern Sardinia
Sardinia Yacht Charter: A 7-Day Costa Smeralda & La Maddalena Itinerary
If Sardinia isn’t on your yacht charter list yet, it should be.
This Italian island has some of the prettiest water in the Mediterranean, but there’s a lot more to it than beautiful beaches. You have the glamorous Costa Smeralda, little waterfront towns, incredible food, and the La Maddalena Archipelago, where the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom.
What I like about Sardinia is that you can experience two very different sides of Italy in one trip. Spend an afternoon exploring Porto Cervo, with its beautiful marina, restaurants, and designer shops, then head somewhere quieter to swim, relax, and enjoy dinner on your yacht.
And that’s exactly why I think Sardinia works so well for a private crewed yacht charter.
Rather than trying to cover the entire island in one week, I recommend spending your time along the northeastern coast. You’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the places you’re visiting instead of spending the majority of your vacation getting from one stop to another.
Here’s a sample seven-day Sardinia yacht charter itinerary to give you an idea of what your trip could look like.
Day 1: Arrive in Olbia and Begin Your Sardinia Yacht Charter
Olbia is a convenient starting point for a yacht charter in northern Sardinia. The airport makes arrivals relatively easy, and several popular yacht charter ports are located nearby.
Depending on where your yacht is based and your boarding time, you may begin in Olbia, Portisco, Porto Rotondo, or another marina along the northeastern coast.
Once you’re onboard, the crew will help you settle in, get familiar with the yacht, and talk through the itinerary for the week. If time and conditions allow, you may head out for your first cruise along the coast.
Porto Rotondo is a lovely place to begin. It’s a beautiful waterfront town with restaurants, shops, and a marina surrounded by Mediterranean scenery.
For your first evening, I’d keep things relaxed. Enjoy dinner onboard or head ashore for some local Italian food. There’s no need to pack your first day with activities, especially after traveling.
Day 2: Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda
Today is all about the Costa Smeralda, one of Sardinia’s most famous coastal areas.
Porto Cervo is known for its luxury marina, beautiful architecture, upscale shopping, restaurants, and summer atmosphere. It’s also a wonderful place to see some impressive yachts.
You can spend time exploring the town, browsing the shops, or enjoying lunch overlooking the harbor. If you’re interested in the more glamorous side of the Mediterranean, this is a stop you’ll probably enjoy.
But I wouldn’t spend the entire day ashore.
The coastline around Porto Cervo has some beautiful swimming areas, including Cala di Volpe, Liscia Ruja, and the beaches around Capriccioli. Depending on the weather and where your captain can safely stop, you may be able to enjoy an afternoon swimming before returning to the yacht.
This is one of the things I love about having a private yacht. You can enjoy an elegant afternoon ashore and still have time to escape somewhere peaceful.
Day 3: Caprera and La Maddalena Town
The La Maddalena Archipelago is one of the highlights of a yacht charter in Sardinia.
This protected island group sits off the northeastern coast and is known for granite rock formations, beautiful beaches, clear water, and quiet coves. It’s an area where you really want time to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Caprera is one of the islands worth exploring. It has a more natural, rugged feeling than the polished Costa Smeralda, with hiking trails, rocky coastline, and some gorgeous swimming areas.
One of its best-known coves is Cala Coticcio, sometimes called the “Tahiti of Sardinia.” It’s beautiful, but visiting requires planning. Access on foot is regulated and requires an authorized guide, while boat access and stopping are subject to protected-area restrictions.
Later, head toward La Maddalena Town. It’s a charming place to walk around, with little shops, cafés, restaurants, and colorful streets.
I’d make time for dinner ashore if your itinerary allows. This is the kind of place where you can sit outside, enjoy fresh seafood or pasta, and spend a little longer at the table than you originally planned.
Day 4: Spargi, Budelli, and the Beautiful Waters of the Archipelago
If you love swimming, snorkeling, and beautiful water, this may be your favorite day.
Spargi is known for its granite coastline, sandy beaches, and clear bays. Cala Corsara and Cala Soraya are two of the areas people often hope to see when visiting the archipelago.
Budelli is another famous island, particularly because of Spiaggia Rosa, its protected pink beach.
One thing I want guests to understand is that Spiaggia Rosa is not a beach you can simply pull up to and enjoy. Landing, swimming, and anchoring in the protected area immediately in front of the beach are prohibited. It’s a place to admire from designated viewing areas while respecting the rules that protect it.
Depending on conditions and park regulations, your captain may also explore the waters around Porto della Madonna, between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.
This is a wonderful day to enjoy the yacht itself. Swim where permitted, relax on deck, have lunch prepared by your chef, and take in the scenery without feeling like you need to be somewhere else.
Because La Maddalena is a national park, your captain will need to follow its permit, anchoring, and navigation requirements. The exact swimming and stopping locations depend on those rules and the conditions that day.
Day 5: Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa
Santa Teresa Gallura sits near the northern tip of Sardinia, looking toward Corsica across the Strait of Bonifacio.
It’s a beautiful coastal town and a nice change of pace after exploring the smaller islands. You can spend time walking through town, enjoying a meal, or visiting Rena Bianca, the well-known beach close to the center.
Nearby Capo Testa is worth considering for its dramatic granite formations and coastal views.
This stretch of coastline has a different feel from Porto Cervo. It’s a little more rugged, with interesting rock formations and beautiful views of the sea.
For groups who enjoy exploring ashore, this is a great place to spend a few hours.
If Corsica is also on your wish list, Bonifacio may be an option depending on the yacht, weather, travel documents, and route. I would treat it as an alternative stop rather than trying to squeeze another destination into an already full week.
Day 6: Back Along the Costa Smeralda
After several days exploring the northern islands, begin making your way south along Sardinia’s northeastern coast.
This is a good day to enjoy some of the quieter bays and beaches rather than adding another busy destination.
Depending on your route, you might stop near Cala di Volpe, Porto Cervo, Portisco, or Porto Rotondo.
Maybe your group wants a long swim and lunch onboard. Maybe you’d rather visit a waterfront restaurant or spend a little more time shopping. Or perhaps everyone is perfectly happy relaxing on the yacht with a beautiful view.
I always think a good yacht charter should leave some room for that.
Not every hour needs to be scheduled, and sometimes the unplanned afternoons become everyone’s favorite part of the trip.
This is also a good opportunity for a special dinner onboard, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply enjoying your last few evenings in Sardinia.
Day 7: Tavolara, Molara, and Return Toward Olbia
For your final cruising day, consider heading toward the Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, south of Olbia.
Tavolara is hard to miss. It’s a dramatic limestone island rising straight out of the water and one of the most recognizable sights along this part of Sardinia.
Nearby Molara is known for its beautiful turquoise waters, including the area often called the Piscine di Molara.
The scenery here is quite different from the little islands farther north, and it’s a lovely way to finish your time on the water.
As with La Maddalena, Tavolara is part of a marine protected area. Your captain will plan any swimming, navigation, or mooring stops according to the current regulations.
Depending on your yacht’s schedule, you may return to Olbia or your embarkation marina later in the day, or spend your final night aboard before disembarking the following morning.
Either way, I would leave enough time for one last swim and a relaxed meal rather than rushing back.
This is a sample itinerary, not a guaranteed route. Your actual stops will depend on the yacht, embarkation and disembarkation ports, cruising speed, weather, marina availability, and protected-area restrictions. Most full-week charters are seven nights, with disembarkation on the following morning.
What Type of Yacht Is Best for a Sardinia Charter?
Sardinia is a wonderful destination for motor yachts, sailing catamarans, power catamarans, and traditional sailing yachts. The right choice depends on your group and the kind of experience you want.
Motor Yachts
If you want a combination of luxury, speed, and the flexibility to cover more distance, a motor yacht may be the right fit.
Motor yachts are popular along the Costa Smeralda, especially for guests who enjoy beautiful marinas, upscale dining, water toys, and spacious outdoor entertaining areas.
They can also make it easier to include destinations that are farther apart, although weather and cruising conditions still play a role.
Sailing Catamarans
A crewed sailing catamaran is a great option for families and groups of friends who want plenty of outdoor living space and a more relaxed pace.
Catamarans often have wide decks, comfortable gathering areas, and guest cabins arranged between the two hulls. They’re a good choice when swimming, enjoying the water, and spending time together are the biggest priorities.
If your group is more interested in the La Maddalena Archipelago and relaxed cruising than visiting several distant destinations, I’d absolutely consider a sailing catamaran.
Power Catamarans
Power catamarans offer the space and layout advantages of a catamaran with motor-powered cruising.
Depending on the yacht, they can be a nice middle ground for guests who like the roominess of a catamaran but want more flexibility in how they travel between destinations.
Traditional Sailing Yachts
For guests who love sailing itself, a traditional sailing yacht can offer a wonderful Mediterranean experience.
These yachts are often especially appealing to couples or smaller groups who enjoy the feeling of traveling under sail and prefer a quieter, more traditional atmosphere.
The yacht I recommend will always depend on the group, not just the destination.
How Much Does a Private Crewed Yacht Charter in Sardinia Cost?
Sardinia has a wide range of luxury yacht charter options, but it’s important to understand that most fully crewed charters in Italy are priced differently from the mostly all-inclusive charters you may be familiar with in the Caribbean.
The advertised weekly rate is generally the base cost of the yacht and its crew. Additional expenses are usually charged separately.
For early planning, here are some broad weekly base-rate ranges:
| Yacht Type | Approximate Weekly Base Rate |
|---|---|
| Crewed sailing yacht or catamaran | €15,000–€45,000+ |
| Crewed power catamaran | €25,000–€75,000+ |
| Luxury motor yacht | €45,000–€150,000+ |
| Larger superyacht | €150,000+ |
These are general planning ranges, not specific yacht offers. Actual rates depend on the yacht, size, season, guest capacity, crew, and availability.
What About APA, VAT, and Additional Expenses?
In Sardinia, you should plan for expenses beyond the base charter rate.
Many Mediterranean yacht charters use an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which is commonly around 25–40% of the base rate, depending on the yacht.
The APA is an advance fund used to pay charter operating expenses such as food, drinks, fuel, marina fees, and other agreed expenses. It isn’t an automatic additional fee that the yacht simply keeps. Actual expenses are accounted for, with any unused balance returned and any shortfall settled.
Italian VAT also needs to be considered. The standard Italian VAT rate is 22%, although the rate and treatment applicable to a particular charter must be confirmed based on its contract and itinerary.
Crew gratuity, transfers, special requests, and any applicable delivery fees should also be considered when budgeting.
For example, a yacht advertised at €30,000 per week with a 30% APA would require an additional €9,000 in advance operating funds, plus the applicable VAT and any gratuity. That doesn’t mean the final operating expenses will necessarily total €9,000; the actual amount depends on what is spent.
When I help clients compare yachts, I want them to understand the complete expected cost, not just the number they first see online.
When Is the Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Sardinia?
The main yacht charter season in Sardinia runs from late spring into early fall, with June through September being especially popular.
June is a wonderful time to consider if you want pleasant weather and fewer crowds before the busiest summer weeks.
July and August bring warmer water, lively marinas, busy restaurants, and the full Costa Smeralda summer atmosphere. They’re also among the most expensive and requested months for yacht charters.
September can be a great option if your group has flexibility. The water is often still warm, and some of the summer crowds have started to thin out.
May and October can also work for some itineraries, but conditions and yacht availability need more careful consideration.
Sardinia can experience strong winds, particularly the Mistral, even during the summer. That’s one more reason to keep your itinerary flexible and allow your captain to make decisions based on conditions.
Is Sardinia Right for Your Group?
I think Sardinia is especially appealing to groups who want beautiful water and swimming, but also enjoy good restaurants, coastal towns, and some of the more glamorous parts of Mediterranean travel.
It’s a great destination to consider for couples, families, groups of friends, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations.
If your group wants a relaxed week with lots of swimming, I’d focus on northern Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago. If upscale marinas, beach clubs, shopping, and restaurants are a priority, I’d include more time around Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda.
And if you want to explore southern Sardinia, including Cagliari, Villasimius, or the Gulf of Orosei, I’d recommend a separate itinerary or a longer charter rather than trying to squeeze everything into seven days.
You don’t need to see the whole island to have an incredible week.
Ready to Plan Your Sardinia Yacht Charter?
If Sardinia is somewhere you’ve been thinking about visiting, I’d love to help you explore your options.
At Songs In The Sails, I help clients find private crewed yacht charters throughout Italy and the Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking for a sailing catamaran, power catamaran, or luxury motor yacht, we’ll look at what makes the most sense for your group.
You don’t need to know exactly which yacht you want. Just tell me your preferred travel dates, how many guests are coming, your approximate budget, and what kind of experience you’re hoping for.
From there, I can help narrow down yacht options, explain the pricing, and work with you to plan a route that makes sense.
Explore the world’s most breathtaking islands in style! Let Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters guide you on a private yacht adventure through the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Greece, and the Bahamas.—or let us customize your dream getaway anywhere you desire.
Top Blog Suggestions from Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters
If you’re planning a yacht charter and want the easiest, most stress-free path from “dreaming” to “booked,” these next reads will help:
Breaking Down the Costs of Crewed Catamaran Yacht Charters: What to Expect
(Perfect if you’re deciding between all-inclusive vs. plus-expenses and want a real-world budget picture.)
What to Tip on a Yacht Charter Vacation: A Guide to Showing Your Appreciation
(Clear gratuity guidance so you’re never guessing at the end of the week.)
Fully Crewed vs. Bareboat: A Taste of Opulence vs. Sail on Your Own Terms
(The simplest way to decide what style of charter fits your group.)
The Ultimate Charter Planning Timeline
(A practical schedule for booking, flights, deposits, and decision points.)
Preference Sheet for Clients on a Yacht Charter Vacation (The #1 tool for getting the food, vibe, and itinerary you actually want.)
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