Glitzy 8-Day Sardinia-Corsica Yacht Charter Itinerary

Day 1. Olbia – Porto Rotondo

This Sardinia/Corsica yacht charter starts in Olbia, the perfect launch point for exploring the Costa Smeralda. With an international airport just minutes from the marina, getting here is easy. While Olbia is often just seen as a starting point, we do recommend grabbing a drink along the waterfront, enjoying the laid-back vibe before setting off.

First stop? Porto Rotondo, just a short cruise away and one of Sardinia’s top yachting hotspots. It’s often compared to Porto Cervo, but with a slightly more relaxed feel. That doesn’t mean it lacks luxury—celebrities and politicians have snapped up massive villas here, and the town is buzzing in the summer with beach clubs, bars, and a well-equipped marina with 800 moorings.

For a perfect afternoon, we recommend anchoring off Spiaggia Ira, a stunning beach just outside town. The water is unreal, perfect for swimming, watersports, or just lounging on deck with a drink in hand. From here, the best of Sardinia is at your fingertips.

Day 2. Cala Di Volpe

Cala di Volpe is located right in the heart of the Costa Smeralda. While it is significantly less developed than its flashy neighbors, this is still a glamorous spot. Originally a fishing village, it’s now known for its pastel-colored houses, classic Mediterranean port, and stunning mountain backdrop with views of Golfo Aranci and Isola Tavolara. The beaches here are truly picture-perfect and more low-key than most beaches along the Costa Smeralda— It is an ideal spot for a quiet, laid-back day on your charter before heading to the upbeat Porto Cervo.

Day 3. Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is the heart of luxury yachting in Sardinia, and a rock stars and royalty. With its sheltered marina and the prestigious Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, it’s a hotspot for world-class regattas like the Perini Navi Cup and the Dubois Cup. In peak summer, the harbor is packed with some of the world’s most extravagant superyachts, and the town buzzes with a mix of high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and legendary nightlife.

Porto Cervo is the place to indulge in fine dining and high-end nightlife during your Sardinia yacht charter. We recommend eating dinner at Michelin-starred Italo Bassi Confusion, Frades La Terrazza, which serves authentic Sardinian dishes with stunning views, or Belvedere, a super popular top-tier seafood restaurant. When the sun goes down, Phi Beach is legendary for sunset parties and DJ sets, Billionaire Porto Cervo delivers a mix of fine dining and entertainment, and Ritual Club, set in natural rock formations, offers a one-of-a-kind party atmosphere.

Day 4. Bonifacio

Perched high on dramatic white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio got to be one of the most impressive ports to arrive in by yacht in the whole Mediterranean. Its ancient citadel towers over a natural harbor, now a bustling marina filled with luxury yachts. Sailing into Bonifacio is an experience in itself, with the towering cliffs on either side guiding you into its sheltered waters.

The old town itself is also beautiful, with its cobbled streets and viewpoints from the ramparts and medieval houses that cling to the edge—some just one room deep. If you are interested in a bit of history, we strongly recommend you visit the maritime cemetery, the old convent of St. François –from the Esplanade St. François, you can see all the way to Sardinia.

Day 5. Porto Vecchio

On day 5, you will cruise 30 nautical miles around to the east coast of Corsica to Porto Vecchio. This is another great stop for luxury yacht charters, with a lively harbor packed with high-end yachts each summer. We love this spot for its mix of great restaurants, high-end shopping, and easy access to some of Corsica’s best beaches. Palombaggia Beach is by far the best one—soft white sand, turquoise water, and pine trees offering just the right amount of shade. It’s the perfect place to drop anchor, take the tender ashore, and drink a cocktail with your toes in the sand.

Day 6. Isola Santa Maria

On day 6, it is time to return to Sardinia. Isola Santa Maria, the northernmost island of the Maddalena Archipelago, is one of those places that makes you stop and just take it all in. This little slice of paradise is popular for its powdery white sand and clear shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Our favorite spots for snorkeling are Cala Santa Maria, where you will see a rich sea life, and the nearby Cala Giorgio Marino, offering diverse underwater landscapes.

If you feel like stretching your legs a bit, we recommend the scenic walk up to the old lighthouse. It is only a 1 kilometer walk, and gives you some fantastic views of the surrounding islands.

Day 7. The Maddalena Archipelago

La Maddalena, often called Sardinia’s secret islands, is a dream spot for a yacht charter. This 60-island archipelago on the northeast coast is all about hanging on the beach, swimming in gin-clear water, and enjoying the untouched nature–It is a perfect contrast to the glitzy destinations of Porto Cervo and Vacchio.

The main island, La Maddalena, is the only one permanently inhabited, and its charming old town is worth a stroll. We always recommend anchoring here for a swim and snorkel—the water is unbelievably clear, and spots like Octopus Head Beach are perfect for exploring beneath the surface. Some of the best beaches include Bassa Trinità, Cala Francese, and Spiaggia di Monte di Rena, but honestly, you can’t go wrong anywhere in this paradise. If you’re chartering in Sardinia, this is a must-stop.

Day 8. Return to Olbia

On day 8, you will make the journey back to Olbia. But there are still things to do here. There’s a trendy waterfront to explore, and the marina is filled with fabulous restaurants, bars, and shops all lining the pedestrian walkway. Authentic, energetic, and letting charter guests sample a true taste of Sardinian city life, a visit to Olbia is more than worth it. Explore the old town and the archeological museum, see the tomb of the Giants Su Monte ‘e S’Abe and Pedres Castle, and join the throngs of summer locals who love to queue for ice cream at midnight.

As night falls, the city’s energy shifts to its lively bars and clubs. Devil Kiss Rock Club caters to rock enthusiasts with live performances spanning rock, metal, indie, and alternative genres. For a chic atmosphere with live music and DJ sets, K-Kult stands out as a premier venue. Additionally, the seafront area, especially around Corso Umberto, is lined with numerous bars and restaurants, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and casual drinks.

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