Yacht Charter Corsica & Sardinia
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Corsica & Sardinia Cruising the Heart of the Mediterranean
A Tale of Two Cultures
Corsica and Sardinia, these two French and Italian islands have been cherished by thousand and served as a yacht charter destination for decades. These islands are well adapted for the yachting industry and yet have not lost their charm, they are truly waters to be cruised. Separated by only a few nautical miles across the exhilarating Strait of Bonifacio, these two islands offer a seamless blend of charm and exuberance.
While the yachting infrastructure has evolved to world-class standards, featuring elite marinas like Porto Cervo and the dramatic harbour of Bonifacio, the islands have never lost their raw, authentic soul. Here, the scent of the fragrant maquis scrublands over secluded coves, and medieval citadels stand watch over crystal clear waters.
From the birthplace of Napoleon in Ajaccio to the protected marine sanctuaries of the La Maddalena Archipelago, these are waters that demand to be cruised with the nautical and local insight.
Corsica Mountains
Sardinia Coastline
Corsica Isle of Beauty and Dramatic Citadels
Rising dramatically from the Mediterranean, Corsica is a mountainous masterpiece. From St Florent and Calvi in the north to Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio in the South, the island’s nature remains largely well-preserved, with natural parks covering two-thirds of the territory. This rugged interior is dominated by the jagged peaks of the GR20, arguably Europe’s most famous and challenging hiking trail, which traverses the island’s granite spine and provides a spectacular alpine backdrop for yachts cruising the coast.
The island’s coastline is a series of staggering contrasts: from the deep red porphyry rocks of the Scandola Nature Reserve, an UNESCO World Heritage site, to the white limestone cliffs of the south. The approach to Bonifacio remains one of the most awe-inspiring sights in world yachting. The medieval town is perched precariously on sheer cliffs seventy metres above the sea, overlooking a narrow, fjord-like harbour that provides a safe and spectacular haven.
Further north, the historic citadels of Calvi and Ajaccio offer a deep dive into French history and Napoleonic heritage. Cruising the western coast reveals a succession of deep gulfs and secluded anchorages where the water is exceptionally clear, and the granite mountains provide a majestic backdrop to every sunset.
For more general information of Corsica go:
Visit Corsica
Corsican Top Anchorages
Calvi – The Citadel of the North-West
Perched majestically upon a granite promontory, Calvi serves as the prestigious gateway to the Corsican coastline. Known historically as the “City of Columbus,” this fortified jewel is defined by its massive Genoese Citadel, which rises from the sea with an air of stately invincibility. For the modern voyager, Calvi offers a sophisticated introduction to the island, where medieval history converges with the vibrant, effortless glamour of the French Riviera.
The heartbeat of the town is the Quai Landry, a refined waterfront promenade lined with exclusive cafés and restaurants that offer front-row views of the bustling marina. Within the Citadel’s honey-coloured walls, a labyrinth of cobblestone paths reveals hidden boutiques and ancient baroque churches, offering a sense of profound history away from the sun-drenched shoreline. The atmosphere here is one of unrivalled elegance, where the scent of the pine forests meets the crisp salt air of the Mediterranean.
Beyond the harbour, the Gulf of Calvi unfolds in a sweeping crescent of golden sand, sheltered by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains that remain visible deep into the spring. While the area is favoured for its reliable onshore breezes, making it a premier destination for those who appreciate the technical grace of sailing, the waters remain a private sanctuary for relaxation. Whether exploring the vibrant local markets or anchoring in the shadow of the ramparts, Calvi remains the signature starting point for a refined Corsican navigation.
Ajaccio: The Imperial Gateway
Set within one of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking gulfs, Ajaccio is a city of stately proportions and deep historical resonance. As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Corsican capital exudes an imperial elegance, with wide, palm-fringed boulevards and neoclassical architecture that mirror the grandeur of the French mainland. For the discerning traveller, Ajaccio offers a sophisticated fusion of vibrant city life and immediate access to the island’s wild, unspoiled interior.
The cultural heart of the city is the Maison Bonaparte, a national museum and ancestral home that offers a profound glimpse into the heritage that shaped Europe. A morning stroll through the town reveals a refined local lifestyle, particularly at the open-air markets where the scent of wild maquis herbs and fresh maritime catches provides a true Corsican flair. From the boutiques of the Old Town to the prestigious Fesch Museum, home to an exclusive collection of Italian masterpieces, Ajaccio is a destination of unrivalled cultural depth.
Strategically, Ajaccio serves as a pr
emier maritime hub, offering a seamless transition from its international airport to the exclusive berths of the Port Tino Rossi. It is the signature embarkation point for those looking to explore the rugged west coast, providing a perfect balance of stately urban amenities and high-octane outdoor adventure.
Whether trekking the renowned mountain trails that overlook the bay or navigating toward the extraordinary sunsets of the Îles Sanguinaires, Ajaccio remains a private sanctuary of French-Mediterranean chic.
For more information of Ajaccio go:
Ajaccio Tourisme
Musee Maison Bonaparte
The Bay of Girolata & Scandola – A Clandestine Sanctuary
Accessible only by the sea or a narrow mountain trail, the Bay of Girolata is one of the most exclusive and evocative anchorages in the Mediterranean. This roadless hamlet remains a private haven for navigators seeking a world untouched by modern pace. The bay’s skyline is dominated by the Fortin de Girolata, a 16th-century bastioned fortress that is currently undergoing a meticulous, multi-year restoration to preserve its unique military heritage.
Commissioned by the Bank of Saint George and designed by the Ligure engineer Geronimo da Levanto, this stately stronghold was built to protect the bay from Barbary incursions, most notably following the capture of the Pirate Dragut in these very waters. To drop anchor beneath its historic ramparts is to inhabit a living archive of Mediterranean history.
The bay serves as the southern gateway to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site of extraordinary verticality. This protected sanctuary is a prehistoric theatre of red porphyry cliffs and jagged sea pillars that erupt from translucent, sapphire waters. Navigating through these ancient volcanic formations offers a rare glimpse into Corsica’s wild soul, providing a level of profound seclusion that is virtually unmatched. At sunset, the surrounding cliffs glow with a supernatural crimson light, creating a stately and unforgettable maritime experience.
The Gulf of Porto: A Natural Masterpiece
The Gulf of Porto represents the pinnacle of Corsica’s dramatic geological heritage. Anchored by its iconic Genoese Tower, the gulf is a sophisticated landscape of contrasting colours, where deep cobalt waters meet the fiery orange of the granite coastline. Rising 45 metres above the sea on a jagged rocky spur, the tower was built in 1552 to counter Franco-Turkish incursions and stands today as a stately guardian over the marina.
Unlike the circular towers that dot most of the Corsican littoral, the Tour de Porto is one of the few to feature a rare square design. This architectural distinction, combined with its dramatic setting, has made it one of the most photographed monuments in the Mediterranean. Inside, the tower now houses a museum dedicated to the island’s defensive history, offering a profound insight into the era of the Torregiani (tower guards) who once kept watch over these coveted shores.
The jewel of the gulf remains the Calanques de Piana, a labyrinth of wind-sculpted granite needles and soaring rock formations that create a sophisticated natural cathedral. These “calanques” plunge hundreds of metres into the sea, hiding clandestine coves and turquoise rock pools that are best explored from the deck of a yacht. Whether observing the rare ospreys that nest in the cliffs or admiring the architectural precision of the rock faces, the Gulf of Porto remains a prestigious destination for those who value exclusive discovery and the quiet theatre of the natural world.
For more information of Girolata and Porto go:
Visit Corsica – Girolata
UNESCO – Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve
Bonifacio – The Citadel on the Cliffs
Approaching Bonifacio by sea is one of the most cinematic experiences in the maritime world. From a distance, the ancient citadel appears to float precariously atop sheer white limestone cliffs, with no visible path to the shore. It is only upon final approach that a narrow, hidden cleft in the coastline reveals itself, opening into a deep, fjord-like natural harbour that provides a prestigious and sheltered sanctuary for the world’s most impressive yachts.
With a heritage spanning over 8,500 years, Bonifacio is a living monument of stately endurance. The Old Town, fully encircled by formidable citadel walls, is a labyrinth of narrow, sun-bleached alleys that offer a profound sense of history at every turn.
Accessible from the vibrant port via the historic Montée Rastello and Montée Saint-Roch, the upper city provides panoramic views across the Strait toward Sardinia, a sight of unrivalled beauty, especially as the limestone glows brilliantly under the Mediterranean sun.
The port itself is a sophisticated hub of maritime life, where world-class dining and exclusive boutiques line the waterfront. Beyond the citadel, the surrounding coastline is home to clandestine sea caves and the Lavezzi Islands, offering a rare blend of high-society energy and untouched natural wonder. To berth in Bonifacio is not merely to visit a port; it is to enter a storied fortress that remains the signature highlight of any Corsican navigation.
For more information of Bonifacio go:
Bonifacio Tourist Office
Strait of Bonifacio
Dividing the Tyrrhenian Sea and The Western Mediterranean Sea the Strait of Bonifacio is the waterway in-between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. On the north side of the passage you have the islands of Cavallo and Lavezzi belonging to France and on the south side lies the Italian Archipelago of La Maddalena.
The spectacular coast line is a protected nature reserve, the largest in France – Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio.
For more information of Strait of Bonifacio go:
Réserve Naturelle de France – Bouches de Bonifaci
Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio
Porto-Vecchio: The Saint-Tropez of Corsica
Nestled within a deep, pine-fringed bay on the south-east coast, Porto-Vecchio is a destination of stately charm and effortless Mediterranean chic. Once a historic stronghold known for its salt and cork industries, the city has evolved into a prestigious hub for the global yachting elite. Its natural, fjord-like harbour provides an exceptionally sheltered anchorage, making it a signature stop for those navigating the transition between the Strait of Bonifacio and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The heart of the town is the 16th-century Genoese Citadel, perched high above the marina. Here, a labyrinth of sophisticated pedestrian streets reveals hidden designer boutiques, exclusive art galleries, and candlelit terraces that offer sweeping views across the gulf. As evening falls, the Bastion de France becomes a stately backdrop for a lifestyle defined by quiet luxury and refined local gastronomy.
Beyond the harbour, Porto-Vecchio serves as the gateway to some of the most iconic shorelines in Europe. The nearby bays of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, with their white sands, umbrella pines, and shallow turquoise waters, offer a rare and translucent beauty that feels more Caribbean than Mediterranean. Whether enjoying the high-energy social scene of the waterfront or seeking a clandestine cove along the rugged coastline, Porto-Vecchio remains an unrivalled sanctuary of Corsican elegance.
For more information of Porto Vecchio go:
Porto Vecchio Tourist office
Sardinia An Emerald Coast with Glamour & Untouched Archipelagos
As the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, covering nearly 24,000 square kilometres, Sardinia offers a vast and varied coastline for exploration. While the north is defined by the high-society glamour of the Costa Smeralda, the island’s sheer scale allows for an incredible diversity of experiences. The world-class facilities of Porto Cervo, a hub designed to harmonise with the natural pink granite landscape, and Cala di Volpe remain premier destinations for elite shopping and fine dining.
For those seeking a more tranquil “nautical and local insight,” the La Maddalena Archipelago in the north is a protected National Park and a peaceful sanctuary. This cluster of islands offers a labyrinth of turquoise lagoons and hidden beaches, such as the famous pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli. Navigating these granite-fringed waters reveals calm, shallow bays with sandy bottoms, creating a natural swimming pool environment ideal for both sailing and motor yachts.
Navigating south from the Costa Smeralda, the skyline is dominated by the majestic Isola Tavolara. Beyond its 565-metre limestone peaks lies a fascinating local history; it is known as the world’s smallest kingdom, governed for generations by the Bertoleoni family following royal recognition in the 1830s. Today, it offers a tranquil anchorage where history and high-altitude scenery meet. Its protected marine area offers spectacular diving and a sense of isolation that feels worlds away from the bustling marinas.
Further south lies the vibrant capital of Cagliari, a city steeped in history with its hilltop Castello district overlooking the vast Gulf of the Angels. Between the sophisticated marinas of the north and the historic grandeur of the south, Sardinia’s interior and hidden coves, like those in the Gulf of Orosei, showcase the island’s ancient soul. It is a diverse cruising ground where world-class infrastructure meets timeless Mediterranean beauty.
For more general information of Sardinia go:
Discover Italy – Sardinia
The Maddalena Archipelago – A Sanctuary of Granite and Sapphire
Floating in the narrow strait between Sardinia and Corsica, the Maddalena Archipelago is a world of unspoiled verticality and translucent beauty. Consisting of seven principal islands, La Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Santo Stefano, and Razzoli, this designated National Park – Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena – is a protected maritime labyrinth where wind-sculpted granite meets a sea of impossible clarity. Once a strategic naval stronghold of the Mediterranean, it has been transformed into an exclusive sanctuary for those seeking profound seclusion amidst some of the world’s most delicate marine ecosystems.
The allure of the archipelago lies in its rare geological elegance. On the island of Budelli, the legendary Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) remains a protected masterpiece of nature, its sands tinted by microscopic fragments of coral and shells. Nearby, the Porto della Madonna, a shallow lagoon of shifting azure tones, offers a prestigious and calm anchorage. Here, the water is so startlingly clear it appears architectural, creating a sophisticated backdrop for an afternoon of quiet navigation.
Further east, the rugged, pine-scented shores of Caprera offer a more wild, stately charm. Accessible only by sea, the hidden calas of Cala Coticcio, locally known as “Tahiti“, provide a clandestine escape of white sand and turquoise rock pools. Navigating through these islands is an unrivalled experience of discovery, where every granite outcrop reveals a new, private world of maritime wonder.
For more information of La Maddalena go:
Italia – La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
Parks of Italy – Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena
Porto Cervo – An Epicentre of Mediterranean Glamour
Carved into the emerald curves of the Gallura coast, Porto Cervo is the definitive playground for the global elite. Conceived as a private sanctuary where architectural art meets the sea, the village is a curated dream of sun-drenched terracotta, hidden piazzas and winding stone walkways that blush under the Sardinian sunset. For those who demand an existence beyond the ordinary, Porto Cervo offers a level of prestige that remains unmatched across the Mediterranean.
The heartbeat of this enclave is the Old Port and the New Marina, a theatrical stage for the world’s most spectacular superyachts. Here, the air is thick with the scent of sea salt and high-fashion, as the Piazzetta beckons with its opulent ateliers and candlelit terraces. To berth here is to step into a storied social tapestry, home to the world-renowned Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). It is a place where the days are measured in champagne toasts and the nights are defined by the glittering galas of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
Beyond the velvet-rope allure of the shore, Porto Cervo serves as the ultimate launchpad for a signature maritime journey. Every voyage we coordinate is a couture experience, designed to whisk you from the high-octane energy of the Costa Smeralda to the translucent, silent sanctuaries of the nearby archipelago.
It is a world of rare access and unrivalled elegance and home to top rated restaurants as Italo Bassi Confusion Restaurant, Frades La Terrazza, Belvedere and Lu Pisantinu.
Cala di Volpe, Porto Rotondo & Porto Portisco – A Golden Triangle
South of the main hub lies a triptych of destinations that define the glamour of the Sardinian summer. Cala di Volpe remains the quintessential Sardinian stopover, a destination that has defined the Mediterranean charter experience for generations. The iconic, pastel-hued hotel remains the stage for the coast’s most prestigious midday ritual: a lunch overlooking the emerald bay that is as much a part of the yachting calendar today as it was thirty years ago. To drop anchor here is to inhabit a living postcard of unrivalled elegance, where the transition from the deck to the hotel’s famous wooden pier remains the definitive signifier of a summer well-spent.
Adjacent to this, Porto Rotondo offers a more intimate, sophisticated allure. Its circular stone piazza and granite sculptures create a refined atmosphere of old-world charm, where the evenings are spent in quiet, exclusive corners away from the glare of the flashbulbs. Completing the triangle is the newer Portisco, a premier maritime gateway that serves as the signature starting point for exploring the Gallura coastline. Strategically positioned and impeccably serviced, Portisco provides an effortless transition into the rare beauty and hidden calas that make this stretch of coast the most stately cruising ground in the Mediterranean.
Tavolara & Molara: The Sovereign Sanctuary
Rising majestically from the Tyrrhenian like a limestone fortress, Tavolara is a place of myth and unspoiled grandeur. Once proclaimed the smallest kingdom in the world, this towering massif remains a sovereign escape for the modern voyager. Its sheer vertical cliffs and sapphire waters offer a dramatic, stately contrast to the granite coves of the north, providing a sense of profound seclusion that is increasingly rare in the Mediterranean.
Adjacent to the kingly heights of Tavolara lies Molara, a low-lying island of granite and scrub famous for its “natural pools.” Here, the water is so startlingly clear it appears architectural, a turquoise sanctuary perfect for a private afternoon of swimming in total serenity. This protected marine enclave is a cathedral of biodiversity, offering clandestine anchorages far from the familiar tracks. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking a refined connection with the elements.
Area Marina Protetta Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo
Parks Italy – Area Marina Protetta Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo
The Gulf of Orosei – Nature’s Limestone Cathedral
Steering south from the Gallura coast, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The soft granite curves of the north are replaced by the sheer, white limestone ramparts of the Gulf of Orosei. This is a coastline of unspoiled verticality, where 300-metre cliffs plunge directly into the most translucent turquoise waters in the Mediterranean. Accessible almost exclusively by sea, this stretch of coast is a sanctuary of profound seclusion and stately natural beauty.
At the heart of the gulf lie the iconic Cala Luna, with its massive sea caves, and the iridescent Cala Mariolu, often cited as the most beautiful beach in Europe.
Further south, the monolith of Cala Goloritzè rises like a marble needle from the sea, a protected national monument of rare geological elegance. For those seeking clandestine anchorages, the fjord-like inlets of Portu Pedrosu and Portu Cuau offer silent, deep-water retreats carved into the rock.
Ogliastra – The Wild East & Arbatax
Beyond the Gulf lies Ogliastra, a region that remains one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. The coastline here is defined by Capo Bellavista and the striking Red Rocks of Arbatax, where crimson porphyry formations create a theatrical contrast against the deep cobalt of the sea.
From the refined marina of Santa Maria Navarrese, the journey leads to the Isolotto d’Ogliastra, a cluster of pink granite islets that offer a sophisticated and quiet alternative to the busier northern hubs. This is a land of authentic Sardinian mystery, where the mountains meet the sea in a display of unrivalled rugged grace, a destination for the voyager who values exclusive discovery and the quiet theatre of the natural world.
Gulf of Cagliari
The City of Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia and is located in the very south of Sardinia. It is an ancient city with a history of several civilizations. The fortified quarter of the Castello that overlooks the city and its monuments; the Medieval Rampart of Saint Remy, the Elephant and Saint Pancras Towers, and Saint Mary’s Cathedral all deserves a visit together with the beautiful Palazzo Regio with it’s piazza. Book our Corsica Yacht Charter to get there!
On the South-Eastern end of the bay of Cagliari, just off the Capo Carbonara you will find the protected marine area of Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara. A diverse coastline formed by the natural forces of wind and waves and crystal clear waters makes this a heaven for divers.
For more information of the Bay of Cagliari go:
Discover Italia – Cagliari
Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara
Parks Italy – Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara
Book a Corsica & Sardinia yacht charter
Well-adapted for yachting, a Sardinia & Corsica sailing charter will be a fun cruise experience for you and your crew. Everything you need to sail smoothly, these islands provide. Use this form to create your luxury sailing itinerary and you’ll see what we mean.
From the sea and on land, the French Island of Corsica treats all your senses to its dramatic beauty. Stay close to the gorgeous coastline or explore further in the picturesque city of Calvi or the Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio.
In Sardinia, you will enjoy a variety of things for wonderful tales to tell back home. From its numerous islets and coves, it will be a sailing Sardinia charter you won’t forget.
West Mediterranean Cruising at it's best
Cruise the Corsica and Sardinia on a Luxury Yacht
Motor Yacht
With an infrastructure designed with the yachting industry in mind, a sailing Sardinia charter is incomparable, more so aboard our motor yachts. Cruise to your heart’s content and explore this Italian island before you hop on to the French island of Corsica to visit Bonifacio & Ajaccio.
SAILING YACHTS
A Corsica sailing charter aboard one of our sailing yachts is the perfect opportunity to explore the island’s gorgeous and dramatic coastline with friends and family. Make it an adventure to bond, spend time together, and enjoy warm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
SAILING CATAMARANS
Our spacious sailing catamarans will take your group to Corsica, the Bay of Girolata and the Bay of Porto, the coast of Bonifacio, and further to Sardinia in comfort and style. And, when the sun sets, dine with nature as a backdrop and party at their spacious interiors and exteriors.
POWER CATAMARAN
We offer Corsica and Sardinia yacht services aboard our power catamaran. Spacious and manned by a friendly and professional crew, you will experience excellence during your sailing adventure on these beautiful islands. Book a yacht charter to Corsica and Sardinia today.
