The Complete Yacht Charter Guide to Sardinia & Corsica
Sardinia and Corsica form one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular yacht charter destinations, where emerald waters meet granite coastlines, and centuries of Italian and French culture converge across the narrow Strait of Bonifacio. Sardinia's Costa Smeralda is synonymous with superyacht glamour — the playground of European royalty and international billionaires since the Aga Khan developed Porto Cervo in the 1960s. Corsica, just 12 kilometres across the strait, adds a rugged French counterpoint — the Lavezzi Islands' crystalline waters, the dramatic red cliffs of Scandola Nature Reserve, and the fortified citadel of Bonifacio perched 70 metres above the sea.
Why Charter a Yacht in 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. The Costa Smeralda delivers the Mediterranean's most refined marina culture — Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and Poltu Quatu are lined with designer boutiques and superyachts. The Maddalena Archipelago offers anchorages so pristine they rival the Caribbean, with pink-sand beaches and water so clear yachts appear to float in mid-air. Cross the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica — Napoleon's birthplace — is wilder, more mountainous, and less developed. The Lavezzi Islands marine reserve and Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) offer extraordinary natural beauty.
Best Marinas and Departure Points
Marina di Porto Cervo — The epicentre of Costa Smeralda luxury, home to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Marina di Olbia — The most practical departure point, minutes from Olbia Airport. Bonifacio, Corsica — The most dramatic harbour in the western Mediterranean. Porto-Vecchio, Corsica — A charming port with proximity to Palombaggia and Santa Giulia beaches. Other notable marinas include Cala di Volpe, Poltu Quatu, Calvi, and Ajaccio.
Best Anchorages in Sardinia & Corsica
Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli) — The famous Pink Beach in the Maddalena Archipelago. Cala Coticcio (Caprera) — Known as Sardinia's 'Tahiti.' Lavezzi Islands — A marine reserve with water visibility exceeding 30 metres. Cala Goloritzé — A UNESCO-protected cove on the Gulf of Orosei. Scandola Nature Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site on Corsica's west coast. Gulf of Girolata — A tiny fishing village accessible only by sea.
Types of Yacht Charter Available
Term Charter (7–14 nights) — The classic way to explore both islands, covering 120–180 nautical miles. Day Charter from Porto Cervo — Full-day excursion to the Maddalena Archipelago. Day Charter from Bonifacio — Exploring the Lavezzi Islands and sea caves. Strait Crossing Charter (2–3 days) — Focused on the Strait of Bonifacio highlights. Event Charter — Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Costa Smeralda events.
How Much Does a Yacht Charter Cost?
Day charters from Porto Cervo: €3,000–€10,000. Day charters from Bonifacio: €2,000–€7,000. Weekly term charters: €20,000–€600,000+ depending on yacht size. APA of 25–35% covers fuel, food, and marina fees. Marina fees in Porto Cervo during July–August can reach €1,500–€3,000 per night for larger yachts.
When Is the Best Time to Charter?
May–June: Uncrowded anchorages, lower rates, wildflowers. Late June–July: Perfect balance of weather and social scene. August: Peak season, Ferragosto glamour, book 9–12 months ahead. September–October: Experienced charterers' favourite — warm sea, thin crowds, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
Recommended Itineraries
Classic One-Week: Porto Cervo → Maddalena → Lavezzi → Bonifacio → Porto-Vecchio → Santa Teresa → Poltu Quatu → Porto Cervo (~130 nm). Two-Week Grand Tour: Extends to Corsica's west coast (Scandola, Girolata, Calvi) and Sardinia's east coast (Gulf of Orosei, Cala Goloritzé). Day Trip: Maddalena Archipelago: Spargi, Budelli Pink Beach, Santa Maria, Cala Coticcio (35 nm).
Bluebnc Yachting: Your Charter Experts
Bluebnc Yachting offers a curated selection of motor yachts and sailing yachts for charter in Sardinia and Corsica, from 15-metre day boats to 60-metre superyachts. As part of the Isle of Mallorca Group, we arrange multi-destination Mediterranean charters combining Sardinia and Corsica with the Balearic Islands, French Riviera, or Amalfi Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Sardinia for a yacht charter?
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the most convenient gateway, with direct flights from London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Munich. The airport is 25 minutes from Porto Cervo. For Corsica, Figari (FSC) is closest to Bonifacio.
Can I charter across the Strait of Bonifacio?
Yes, cross-strait charters are one of the region's great attractions. The crossing takes 45–90 minutes. Most itineraries include 2–3 crossings during a week-long charter.
Is the Maddalena Archipelago accessible by yacht?
Yes, the archipelago is a national park with designated anchorage zones. Some beaches prohibit landing to protect the ecosystem, but you can anchor offshore and swim.
What is the best yacht size for Sardinia & Corsica?
For couples or small families, 15–20m. For groups of 6–10, 25–35m. Superyachts (40m+) are popular on the Costa Smeralda but may have restricted access to smaller anchorages.
Do I need special permits to anchor?
The Maddalena Archipelago requires designated anchorage buoys. The Lavezzi Islands have specific anchoring regulations. Scandola Nature Reserve prohibits anchoring entirely. Your captain handles all permits.
Can I combine Sardinia & Corsica with other destinations?
Popular combinations include Sardinia + French Riviera, Sardinia + Amalfi Coast, and a grand Balearics–Sardinia–Corsica–Riviera circuit.
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Contact Bluebnc Yachting to start planning your charter. Email: [email protected] | Phone: +34 871 045 850