The Complete Yacht Charter Guide to Sardinia & Corsica

The Sardinia–Corsica charter region offers something no single island can match: two distinct cultures, two national cuisines, and two dramatically different landscapes, all connected by a strait you can cross in under an hour. On the Sardinian side, the Costa Smeralda delivers the Mediterranean's most refined marina culture — Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and Poltu Quatu are lined with designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and superyachts that define European summer glamour. The Maddalena Archipelago, a national park of seven main islands and dozens of islets, offers anchorages so pristine they rival the Caribbean, with pink-sand beaches, granite boulders sculpted by wind and sea, and water so clear that yachts appear to float in mid-air.

Cross the Strait of Bonifacio and the mood shifts entirely. Corsica — Napoleon's birthplace — is wilder, more mountainous, and less developed. The Lavezzi Islands, scattered across the strait, are a marine reserve of extraordinary beauty. Bonifacio's harbour, tucked beneath limestone cliffs honeycombed with sea caves, is one of the most dramatic port entries in the Mediterranean. Further north, the Scandola Nature Reserve — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — features volcanic red cliffs, sea caves, and waters teeming with grouper, barracuda, and dolphins.

The sailing conditions are excellent. The prevailing Mistral wind from the northwest creates reliable 10–20 knot breezes, particularly in the strait, while the sheltered east coast of Sardinia and the Gulf of Porto in Corsica offer calm-water alternatives. The region's relatively compact geography means you can explore both islands in a single week-long charter, experiencing Italian espresso culture in the morning and French rosé at sunset.

The choice of base marina determines the character of your charter. The main options are:

Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia — The epicentre of Costa Smeralda luxury and the most prestigious marina in the Mediterranean. Home to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (founded by the Aga Khan), Porto Cervo can accommodate superyachts up to 100 metres. The Promenade du Port is lined with Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton boutiques. From here, the Maddalena Archipelago is just 12 nautical miles northeast — a perfect first-day destination.

Marina di Olbia, Sardinia — The most practical departure point, located minutes from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). Olbia offers excellent provisioning, fuel, and crew services, with direct access to the northeast coast. The town itself has a charming historic centre with Roman ruins and excellent trattorias.

Bonifacio, Corsica — The most dramatic harbour in the western Mediterranean. The approach through the narrow fjord-like inlet, with the medieval citadel towering overhead, is unforgettable. Bonifacio is the natural crossover point between Sardinia and Corsica, with the Lavezzi Islands just 30 minutes south and the Maddalena Archipelago an hour across the strait.

Porto-Vecchio, Corsica — A charming Corsican port town with a well-equipped marina, excellent restaurants, and proximity to some of the island's finest beaches (Palombaggia and Santa Giulia). An ideal base for exploring southern Corsica before crossing to Sardinia.

Other notable marinas include Cala di Volpe (the hotel marina made famous by James Bond), Poltu Quatu (a hidden fjord marina), Calvi (northwest Corsica, near Scandola), and Ajaccio (Corsica's capital, with Napoleon's birthplace).

The twin islands offer some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular anchorages, from sheltered granite coves to open-water marine reserves:

Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli), Maddalena Archipelago — The famous Pink Beach, coloured by fragments of coral and shells. Landing is prohibited to protect the ecosystem, but anchoring offshore and swimming in the rose-tinted shallows is an extraordinary experience. The surrounding waters are a kaleidoscope of turquoise, emerald, and sapphire.

Cala Coticcio (Caprera) — Known as Sardinia's "Tahiti," this tiny double cove on Caprera island features powder-white sand, crystalline water, and a backdrop of wind-sculpted juniper trees. Access is by sea only, and the anchorage is sheltered from the Mistral by surrounding granite hills.

Lavezzi Islands — A marine reserve in the Strait of Bonifacio with granite islets, natural rock pools, and water visibility exceeding 30 metres. The main anchorage on the south side of Île Lavezzi is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean. Snorkelling here reveals grouper, moray eels, and fields of Posidonia seagrass.

Cala Goloritzé, East Sardinia — A UNESCO-protected cove on the Gulf of Orosei, accessible only by sea or a steep hiking trail. A 143-metre limestone pinnacle (Aguglia) rises from the beach, and the water is so clear that the pebble seabed is visible at 15 metres depth. One of the most dramatic anchorages in the entire Mediterranean.

Scandola Nature Reserve, Corsica — A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Corsica's west coast, featuring volcanic red cliffs, sea caves, and osprey nesting sites. Anchoring is restricted to designated zones, but the slow cruise through the reserve — with dolphins often riding the bow wave — is a charter highlight.

Gulf of Girolata, Corsica — A tiny fishing village accessible only by sea or a mountain trail, nestled in a bay surrounded by maquis-covered hills. The Genoese watchtower overlooking the anchorage dates to the 16th century. The restaurant on the beach serves freshly caught langoustines — a quintessential Corsican experience.

The Sardinia–Corsica region is primarily a term charter destination, though day charters are available from the main marinas:

Term Charter (7–14 nights) — The classic way to explore both islands. A one-week itinerary typically covers 120–180 nautical miles, with 3–4 days in Sardinia (Costa Smeralda and Maddalena) and 3–4 days in Corsica (Bonifacio, Lavezzi, and the south coast). Two-week charters allow exploration of Corsica's west coast (Scandola, Girolata, Calvi) and Sardinia's east coast (Gulf of Orosei, Cala Goloritzé). All term charters include a professional captain, crew, and chef.

Day Charter from Porto Cervo — A full-day excursion from Porto Cervo to the Maddalena Archipelago, visiting Budelli (Pink Beach), Spargi, and Santa Maria islands before returning via the Caprera coastline. Duration: 8–10 hours.

Day Charter from Bonifacio — A day exploring the Lavezzi Islands and the sea caves beneath Bonifacio's cliffs. The morning is spent snorkelling in the Lavezzi marine reserve, with lunch at anchor, followed by an afternoon cruise through the Bonifacio strait sea caves.

Strait Crossing Charter (2–3 days) — A short charter that focuses on the Strait of Bonifacio, combining the Maddalena Archipelago, Lavezzi Islands, and Bonifacio in a concentrated 2–3 day experience. Ideal for charterers who want the highlights without committing to a full week.

Event Charter — The Costa Smeralda hosts some of the Mediterranean's most exclusive events, including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September), the Perini Navi Cup, and numerous private parties. Bluebnc Yachting arranges event charters that combine on-water hospitality with shoreside access to Porto Cervo's most exclusive venues.

Sardinia is one of the Mediterranean's premium charter destinations, with prices reflecting the exclusivity of the Costa Smeralda and the quality of the yachts available:

All charters include captain, crew, insurance, and basic water sports equipment. An Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 25–35% of the charter fee covers fuel, food, beverages, marina fees, and other running costs. Fuel consumption is a significant factor in this region due to the distances involved — budget €3,000–€8,000 per week for a 25-metre motor yacht. Marina fees in Porto Cervo during July–August can reach €1,500–€3,000 per night for larger yachts.

Bluebnc Yachting provides transparent pricing with detailed cost breakdowns. Early booking (6–12 months ahead) secures the best rates and yacht availability, particularly for the peak July–August period when the Costa Smeralda is at its most vibrant.

The charter season runs from May to October, with each period offering distinct experiences:

May – Early June (Shoulder Season) — Warm days (22–26°C), uncrowded anchorages, and significantly lower charter rates. The water temperature reaches 20–22°C — refreshing but comfortable. The Maddalena Archipelago and Lavezzi Islands are at their most pristine, with wildflowers covering the granite islets. This is the ideal time for nature-focused charters, with excellent birdwatching (ospreys, shearwaters, Eleonora's falcons) and the clearest underwater visibility of the year.

Late June – July (High Season) — The sweet spot for most charterers. Air temperatures reach 28–32°C, water warms to 24–26°C, and the days are long (sunset after 21:00). Porto Cervo's social scene is in full swing, with beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife operating at peak capacity. The Mistral wind is at its most reliable, creating excellent sailing conditions in the strait.

August (Peak Season) — The hottest month (32–36°C) and the busiest period. Italian and French holiday-makers flood the islands, and popular anchorages fill by mid-morning. Porto Cervo during Ferragosto (August 15) is the pinnacle of Mediterranean social life — and the most expensive time to charter. Advance booking 9–12 months ahead is essential.

September – October (Late Season) — Experienced charterers' favourite period. The sea retains its summer warmth (24–25°C in September), crowds thin dramatically, and the light is exceptional for photography. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo (early September) is one of the world's premier sailing regattas. October brings occasional rain but also dramatic skies and empty anchorages.

Bluebnc Yachting's charter advisors have designed these itineraries based on extensive local knowledge:

Classic One-Week: Costa Smeralda & Corsica — Day 1: Porto Cervo to Maddalena Archipelago (Spargi, Budelli Pink Beach). Day 2: Caprera (Cala Coticcio) to Lavezzi Islands. Day 3: Lavezzi to Bonifacio (explore sea caves, dinner in the citadel). Day 4: Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio (Palombaggia beach). Day 5: Porto-Vecchio to Santa Teresa Gallura (Capo Testa granite formations). Day 6: Santa Teresa to Poltu Quatu (hidden fjord marina). Day 7: Poltu Quatu to Porto Cervo via Cala di Volpe. Total: ~130 nautical miles.

Two-Week Grand Tour — Extends the one-week itinerary to include Corsica's west coast (Scandola, Girolata, Calvi) and Sardinia's east coast (Gulf of Orosei, Cala Goloritzé, Arbatax). This comprehensive itinerary covers approximately 350 nautical miles and reveals the full diversity of both islands — from Costa Smeralda glamour to wild, uninhabited coastlines.

Day Trip: Maddalena Archipelago — Depart Porto Cervo at 09:00, cruise to Spargi (Cala Corsara) for morning swimming. Continue to Budelli for the Pink Beach, then lunch at anchor in Santa Maria. Afternoon at Cala Coticcio (Caprera) before returning to Porto Cervo by 18:00. Distance: 35 nautical miles.

Strait of Bonifacio Explorer (3 Days) — Day 1: Porto Cervo to Maddalena (overnight at anchor). Day 2: Maddalena to Lavezzi to Bonifacio (overnight in harbour). Day 3: Bonifacio sea caves, then return via Santa Teresa Gallura to Porto Cervo. Distance: 65 nautical miles.

Bluebnc Yachting brings institutional-grade charter management to the Sardinia–Corsica region, combining our Mediterranean-wide fleet with local captains who have spent decades navigating the Strait of Bonifacio, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the wild anchorages of Corsica’s west coast. Every vessel in our network carries Lloyd’s of London insurance, operates under MYBA E-Contract terms, and is crewed by professionals vetted to our exacting standards.

We source yachts ranging from 15-metre day boats to 60-metre superyachts, each selected for its suitability to these waters. Whether you envision a week of Costa Smeralda glamour with nightly dinners at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, or a quiet exploration of Corsica’s Calanques de Piana with picnic lunches on deserted granite beaches, our advisors design the charter around your vision — not the other way around.

As the flagship brand of the Isle of Mallorca Group, Bluebnc arranges seamless multi-destination itineraries that connect Sardinia and Corsica with the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, or the Amalfi Coast. Our team handles every logistical detail — yacht selection, crew briefing, provisioning, marina reservations, national park permits, and restaurant bookings — so you can focus entirely on the experience.