Costa Smeralda by boat: our sailing itinerary

Sardinia is one of the European places that offer the best landscapes: the beauty of its beaches is known throughout the world and requires no introduction. Ichnusa, as Sardinia was called in ancient Greek, is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. The Sardinian coast has almost 200 km of beaches, cliffs, hidden coves, and rias and it's particularly suitable for boat holidays. 

This island has more than just the sea. There are towns, villages, parks, and hiking trails to explore. Experience the island's culture and the friendly locals. Try the delicious local food and wine. Enjoy paddling along the beautiful coastline and diving into the clear water to see starfish and sea urchins.

The variety of things to see and do would take you an eternity, but we are more than sure that a single week is just about enough to fall in love with the beauties of this amazing Mediterranean island. 

We selected these seven locations to showcase some of the best that Costa Smeralda has to offer. Book your sailing holiday today and live an amazing experience!

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Sardinia Yacht Charter: book your holiday in Costa Smeralda

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Costa Smeralda sailing itinerary

Day 1 - Portisco

Day 2 - Caprera 

Day 3 - Palau 

Day 4 - Spargi

Day 5 - Bonifacio 

Day 6 - Santa Teresa di Gallura 

Day 7 - Porto Cervo

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Day 1 - Enchanting Portisco

Portisco is a relatively small area of the Coast located not far from Porto Rotondo. It is one of the most visited parts of the Emerald Coast because of its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches, so a stop is a must if you are visiting the area. 

Portisco is a beautiful town in Sardinia with hotels, restaurants, and a picturesque marina. It is also home to Portisco Island, which is untouched by human structures and surrounded by pink-colored granitic rocks.

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Best Beaches near Portisco:

- Portisco Beach: located nearby the town and the marina, perfect if you want to dock and visit the area.

- Rena Bianca Beach: not far from the previous one and characterized by fine white sand 

- Portisco Island: sail around this tiny island to discover its narrow coves and admire the granitic rocks 

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Day 2 - Tahitian Caprera

Cala Coticcio - The Sardinian Tahiti 

Caprera is the second biggest island of the Maddalena Archipelago and one of the most visited places on the Emerald Coast for its Polynesian scenarios. The island is little contaminated by man and totally dominated by nature and still does not exceed 150 inhabitants. 

Thanks to the number of stunning beaches and proximity to other main islands, Caprera is perfectly suitable for sailing around. The breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters are what make this place a real paradise on Earth.  

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Best Beaches in Caprera:

- Cala Coticcio - also known as the Sardinian Tahiti, is one of the most beautiful coves of the Maddalena National Park.

- Spiaggia del Relitto - famous for hosting the remains of a shipwreck dating back to the early 20s. 

- Spiaggia dei Due Mari - a paradisiac cove with a water palette that goes from turquoise to deep blue, perfect for snorkeling. 

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Day 3 - Unforgettable Palau

The view from Roccia Dell'Orso

Palau is a vibrant city with lively nightlife and various activities during the summer. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a must-visit lookout point for views of the La Maddalena Archipelago.

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What to see in Palau:

- Roccia dell'Orso - The famous bear-shaped rock eroded by the wind throughout the centuries, it's Palau's main attraction. 

- Li Mizzani Giants' Tombs - A megalithic gallery grave built by the Nuragic civilization during the Bronze Age

- Porto Rafael - A Mediterranean-style village founded in the 60s by the Spanish Count Rafael Neville, now a luxurious and famous spot for parties and events.

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Yacht Rental Costa Smeralda: click here to view our boats

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Day 4 - Spargi, uncontaminated and wild

Cala Connari - The Cove of Love

Spargi is a beautiful island with steep granitic coasts, white sand beaches, and a former military fort.

This island is the perfect spot for scuba divers of all levels as the surrounding seabed offers breathtaking views. Visit its tiny sister islands, Spargiotto and Spargiottello, for the most unforgettable diving! 

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Best Beaches in Spargi:

- Cala Corsara: Enjoy its white sand beach and amazing color palette of the sea. If you love scuba diving, pay a visit to the shipwreck of Roman origins.

- Cala Connari: also known as the cove of love: once you see it, it's impossible not to fall in love! 

- Cala d'Alga: a tiny cove surrounded by granitic rocks and crystal clear waters. 

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Day 5 - Historical Bonifacio

View of Bonifacio from the Marina 

We pay a quick visit to France and stop by Bonifacio, located at the southernmost tip of Corsica (but it's just about 12 kilometers away from Spargi). The town is divided into two main areas: the citadel, perched on top of a steep cliff, and the marina. 

The old town is an unforgettable experience. Get lost in the narrow alleys and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and cafes scattered in the area. 

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What to see in Bonifacio:

- The King of Aragon's Stairway: narrow stairs directly carved in the rock, leading from the town to the sea. 

- Santa Maria Maggiore Church: the most ancient building of the whole town, built in the XII century. 

- The Gouvernail (the helm): a tunnel built in 1890 by the French and used during WWII by Germans and Italians to control the ships that were entering the port. In fact, the tunnel leads to a bunker with a stunning view of the sea. 

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Day 6 - Traditional Santa Teresa di Gallura 

Rena Bianca in Santa Teresa di Gallura

Santa Teresa di Gallura is located on a promontory and was founded by the Savoys with the pure intent of combatting smuggling. The old town is full of craft shops, fish shops, and all kinds of markets. 

The near Capo Testa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in Sardinia: a characteristic cluster of rocks, gathered at the coast by a narrow isthmus of sand and drawing down the two beautiful bays of Rena di Levante e Rena di Ponente. 

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What to see / what to do in Santa Teresa di Gallura:

- The tower of Longosardo: located on Capo Testa, is the largest tower built by the Spaniards in the XVI century to overlook the surrounding sea.

- Walk through the historic center of Santa Teresa di Gallura: shops, markets, and traditional restaurants attend tourists from all over the world. Try the typical Gallurese Soup accompanied by a Vermentino di Gallura DOCG wine. 

- Trek to Punta Falcone: take this easy trail to reach Punta Falcone beach and stop by the historical military buildings along the way 

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Day 7 - Luxurious Porto Cervo

A view of the harbor of Porto Cervo in Sardinia with some boats and yachts

Porto Cervo is the undisputed capital of Costa Smeralda, famous for its luxury lifestyle: an exclusive village on the sea as well as an architectural jewel set among natural beauty. The name of the village derives from the shape of the natural inlet on which it stands, which recalls the aspect of a deer.

In summer, the city turns into a glittering parade of yachts and celebrities and every day is a continuous alternation of parties, social occasions, and sporting events.

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Best Beaches near Porto Cervo:

- Grande Pevero beach: enjoy one of the most famous beaches of the whole Emerald Coast, where you can spot VIPs and related paparazzi during summer. 

- Cala Petra Ruja and Liscia Ruja - sail down South to find these beautiful beaches characterized by red-colored rocks.

- Cala di Volpe - one of the most famous coves in the whole Emerald Coast, surrounded by the typical Mediterranean bush.

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Are you thinking of renting a boat in Sardinia? Start browsing our boats and plan an unforgettable holiday.