Only a few hours by boat from mainland Italy, set like a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, we found the island of Sardinia, a touch of paradise in the Mediterranean, the ideal setting for your charter vacation.
You should decide if cruising the north or the south part of the island, but you will find in both crystal clear waters and white sand that runs for miles.
North Sardinia is the temple of fun. Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo with their nightlife, chic restaurants and boutiques attract the international jet set. In the northern part of the island, between Alghero and Olbia you will also find a rich coastline. The Archipelago of La Maddalena, considered one of nature's authentic masterpieces; the island of Caprera and the island of Asinara famous for its unique landscape, are must-visit destinations.
In the southern part of Sardinia you should cruise along Costa Rei, Porto Corallo, Cala Sinzias and Cala Pira, the Gulf of Angels (Golfo degli Angeli) through the extreme Capo Carbonara.
Explore the deep bays and visit the small and charming fishing village. Visit the markets, taste the local wines or enjoy a leisurely day of water sports in a secluded bay. From dawn to dusk, this romantic region will enchant you.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Sardegna : 7 days
DAY 1: {PORTO CERVO}
Porto Cervo is the center of activity on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and it’s the best place for shopping and stocking up on provisions. Starting here, relax on board while cruising the coastline in the morning and then golf enthusiasts can head to the 18-hole Pevero golf course. Horizontal-based pursuits include spa treatments that can be arranged on board or at one of the five-star luxury resorts around the corner. Visit Cala di Volpe, popular for lazy days that can be followed by late afternoon cocktails and shopping. If you are anxious to rub shoulders with the international jet set, book a table at the famous Billionaire Club, a 10-minute drive from Porto Cervo, where you can dine and dance all night long.
DAY 2: {PORTO ROTONDO}
Porto Rotondo, the resort village just south of Porto Cervo, is best known for its private beaches. Here, small beaches are typical of this stretch of coast, which is characterized by numerous tiny coves good for walking or admiring from the deck. Porto Rotondo is much more laid back than the more up-market Porto Cervo and for those who prefer to go unrecognized, this may be just the right spot. Hotel Sporting has an acclaimed restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine featuring local fish and seafood dishes and a good wine list. The dining room is impressive with a large terrace overlooking the harbor.
DAY 3: {CALA DI LUNA}
Cruising southeast, you’ll reach Cala di Luna, which is so beautiful it looks unreal. With the yacht anchored off shore, relax and enjoy scenic views of limestone cliffs covered by blooming oleanders. In the early morning the sun rises from the sea just in front of the beach and its rays penetrate deep into the large caves that open onto the narrow shoreline. Nearby Cala Goloritzè is a “showstopper” with its fantasy of eroded rocks that tower sculpturelike over clear waters. Smooth your mode with nature and explore this wild coastline.
DAY 4: {CAGLIARI}
Sardinia Day 4 Cagliari, south on the island, has been Sardinia’s capital since at least Roman times and is still its biggest town. It may be ugly in parts and sprawling but the “old town,” known as Il Castello, is a charming hilly labyrinth of sandy-colored medieval buildings in various states of disrepair. This port city was founded in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians – and there’s no better way to see Cagliari than by approaching the city from the sea, the sailor’s vantage point. Between the harbor and castle in the old harbor district lies Cagliari’s marina. The town has an archaeology museum that houses a Nuraghic collection; Nuraghes are the 4,000-year-old stone defense structures unique to Sardinia. Eight thousand Nuraghes structures can be found throughout the island and are all that remain of the original 30,000. The main shopping street, Via Roma, is replete with cool, shaded arcades; more shopping can be found on Via Manu.
DAY 5: {SUD-EST}
The coastline is scattered with coves and small villages from the island’s most southern point to midway up the west coast. While cruising this stretch, you’ll pass the island of Sant’ Antioco, the largest of the smaller Sardinian islands connected to the motherland by an artificial isthmus, and San Pietro Punto di Cala Fico – where the seas are deep, the cliffs high and the countryside wild and rugged. Nearby, Le Dune, the two highest sand dunes in Italy, flow like lava into the sea and are worth a peek either by air or boat.
DAY 6: {ALGHERO}
In northwest Sardinia, the historic city of Alghero has a rich past and a cityscape that reflects the area’s early days. The predominant flavor here is Catalan, owing to a wholesale Hispanicization. The traces are still strong in the old town with its flamboyant churches, wrought-iron balconies and narrow cobbled streets named in both Italian and Catalan. You can stroll along the old fort’s walkways overlooking the sea. The most impressive part of this historic town is the Grotta di Nettuno or Neptune’s Grotto with fantastical stalagmites and stalactites. The vineyards here are also worth a visit. Wine tasting and dinner out on the town could be an opportunity for guests to experience true Sardinian culture.
DAY 7: {LA MADDALENA}
La Maddalena island on Sardinia’s northern tip offers a large variety of sandy and rocky beaches. The Archipelago of Maddalena is a natural oasis, surrounded by a warm, transparent sea. It was declared a national park in 1996. La Maddalena is the only inhabited island in the archipelago, which also includes six others: Spargi, Razzoli, Budelli, Santa Maria, Caprera and Santo Stefano. You will need a park permit to cruise along the shores of these islands, which can be obtained through the park authorities or by your yacht agent. There are many rules for this reserve and you will need to be well informed before entering.
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