CORSICA & SARDINIA YACHT CHARTER GUIDE

PROVIDING THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF EFFORTLESS CHARM AND ELEGANCE, CORSICA AND SARDINIA PROVIDE AN INIMITABLE STYLE THAT IS UNIQUE BUT TOTALLY DIFFERENT

From the rugged and mountainous island of Corsica to the manicured and exclusive coastline of Sardinia, the two islands have an inimitable style. Combined in one itinerary, they provide a perfect blend of French and Italian charm. The land that shaped Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica is notorious for its unspoiled, untamed countryside. Just as Corsica is a favored retreat for chic French travelers (the island’s population swells tenfold every summer), Sardinia is one of Italy’s most glamorous places to spend summer. Lying over the Bonifacio Straits, the coastline of the Costa Smeralda sparkles with designer boutiques and exclusive restaurants, along with a staggering variety of landscapes. Its beauty is legendary, while its beaches are often compared to those of the Caribbean.

CHARTER EXPERIENCE

The islands of Corsica and Sardinia may be different in their nationalities but due to their close proximity, most yachts venturing to these cruising grounds will take in both islands during a charter. The incredible diversity of Corsica’s landscape, from the mysterious mountains to perfect powdery beaches, provides a stunning backdrop to any yacht charter, with charming fishing villages and sheltered anchorages along the west coast. The deep bays are ideal for watersports while the southern coastline has plenty of golden sand, with the Gulf of Valinco boasting some of the island’s prettiest beaches. Corsica is always at risk from the mistral and the swells that it brings, however, when calm they offer some of the most picturesque cruising in the Mediterranean.

The Maddalena National Park and Porto Lungo lie between the two islands and offer stunning waters for a peaceful anchorage. The archipelago of sixty islands and islets is perfect for those who love to snorkel. Stretching from Golfo Aranci to Baia Sardinia, the waters off Sardinia offer some of the best sailing conditions in the world. At the heart of the Costa Smeralda is the exclusive enclave of Porto Cervo, with its marina nestling in a sheltered harbor. Long favored by the jet set, the shoreline is where you will find designer boutiques and exclusive restaurants, while the surrounding coves offer warm waters and white sandy beaches. However, the island has a lot more to offer than Porto Cervo (as lovely as it is). The south is home to forested mountains, citrus groves, emerald seas and medieval villages, which combined with the five-star resorts, make for a perfect addition to any charter itinerary.

Location Highlights

Sample fruity Cap Corse, the quinine-rich local aperitif, Corsica
Take a dip in the Roccapina rock pools, Corsica
Enjoy a lazy afternoon at La Paillotte beach club, Bonifacio, Corsica
Snorkel or scuba the UNESCO Scandola Reserve, Corsica
Dine by the water’s edge. at La Scogliera, Porto Lungo, Maddalena Islands
Discover Sardinia’s best-known beach Liscia Ruja
Steer you yacht to Pevero or the uninhabited island of Mortorio, Sardinia
Join the ‘IT’ crowd at Il Portico, Porto Cervo, Sardinia
For Japanese fusion cuisine and cocktails, head to Fingers’ Club, Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Browse designer boutiques, Port Cervo, Sardinia
Play a round at the Pevero golf course, Sardinia

Expert Advice

Nestled in a pretty cove surrounded by crystalline waters right in front of the Napoleonic fortress of Forte Cappellini, Phi Beach Bar and Restaurant is located just outside of Porto Cervo. Relax on oversized lounge chairs, cocktail in hand enjoying the stunning view and chilled-out vibe. As the sun sets dance on the beach under the stars. Easily accessible by tender, it also offers a tender shuttle service.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

CALVI TO GIROLATA (27 NAUTICAL MILES)

Step on board your charter yacht in the bustling marina of Calvi beneath the imposing Genoese citadel. The laid-back town oozes charm and history. Indeed, legend has it that Christopher Columbus was born here. Cruise to your first anchorage in the Golfe de Girolata, stepping up on deck to admire the colors and marine life of the Scandola Nature Reserve as you pass by the headland that divides the Balagne from the Golfe de Porto. Located in the southern part of the Reserve, Griolata is considered one of the most spectacular and scenic places on the Corsican coast.

DAY 2

GIROLTA TO AJACCIO (30 NAUTICAL MILES)

Head south and spend a few hours enjoying watersports in the Golfe de Sagone before cruising on to Ajaccio. Saunter through the old streets of Napoleon’s birthplace, past fountains and monuments. Visit the cathedral, which dates back to 1582, and Maison Bonaparte (Napoleon’s house). Stay ashore for dinner or a drink and enjoy Corsica’s capital city in all its charm.

DAY 3

AJACCIO TO BONIFACIO (50 NAUTICAL MILES)

Head towards the southern tip of the island, swimming ashore to relax on one of a trio of stunning beaches – Palombaggia, Santa Giulia or Rondinara. Cruise alongside the cliffs of Bonifacio before entering the port to allow the true spectacle of the cantilevered 16^th century town to slowly unfold. Explore the old citadel and climb the steep stone Staircase of the King of Aragon for breathtaking vistas. Bonifacio also boasts a busy marina lined with chic bars and restaurants. Alternatively, the sheltered anchorage of Santa Manza is a short hop from the harbor.

DAY 4

BONIFACIO TO MADDALENA ISLANDS (27 NAUTICAL MILES)

Explore the turquoise lagoons and reefs of the uninhabited Lavezzi islands en route to the beautiful Maddalena Islands for a peaceful anchorage. Discover the island of La Maddalena before cruising on to Razzoli and Spiaggia Rosa; the beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Neighboring Santa Maria is the best for a lazy long lunch at La Casitta restaurant overlooking the shallow waters of Manto della Madonna.

DAY 5

MADDALENA ISLANDS TO PORTO CERVO (12 NAUTICAL MILES)

A resort custom built for yachting, Porto Cervo is the epicenter of smart superyacht style with a world-renowned dining scene. The famous Piazzetta and the small streets that wind through the center of the town are packed with exclusive boutiques and jewelers. The architecture of the buildings that house the luxury hotels and villas respect the typical style of the region. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you stroll along the marina at dusk.

DAY 6

PORTO CERVO TO CALA DI VOLPE (8 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cruise around the headland to Cala di Volpe (Bay of Foxes) where the spectacular Hotel Cala di Volpe sits at the end of the bay. Lunch at Hotel Cala di Volpe followed by an afternoon of watersports or a round of golf at the Pevero golf club – the course is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Head back to Porto Cervo and step ashore to dine by the water at Il Pescator.

DAY 7

PORTO CERVO TO PORTO ROTONDO (14 NAUTICAL MILES)

Spend your final day anchored off Porto Rotondo. Take the tender ashore for a beachside morning or to explore the small village with its boutiques and contemporary art galleries. In the early evening, discover the trendy bars and fine dining restaurants as you take a stroll around the stylish port, before cruising back to disembark in Porto Cervo.