Maddalena Archipelago and Past • The Blonde Overseas
I first sailed Sardinia with buddies in 2013, so it felt full circle to return in 2023 and constitution a catamaran with Dream Yacht Charter for a household trip!
The distinctive islands and turquoise waters make Sardinia the proper crusing vacation spot.
We chartered a 42’ catamaran and employed a skipper which made the journey so snug. The one factor I’d have performed otherwise on our journey is opting to additionally rent a hostess so another person might store, prepare dinner, and clear for us.
My son was 11 months outdated on this journey and it might have been good to completely calm down and benefit from the crusing with out some other tasks. In any other case, I wouldn’t change a factor!
Our week at sea included stops at totally different seashores and islands within the La Maddalena Archipelago (the place we frequently had been the one boat anchored in a single day) and we additionally crossed over to Corsica for an evening in Bonifacio (the place we celebrated my birthday)!
Listed below are my ideas and itinerary for crusing Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago!
***
Observe:
I hope that sharing my itinerary helps you propose your personal journey and provides you inspiration on your personal journey!
Yacht Constitution Particulars:
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42′ Catamaran
Booked with: Dream Yacht Charter
Saturday to Saturday: Could 27-June 3, 2023
Base: Olbia, Sardinia
Skippered (subsequent time we’ll additionally rent a hostess!)
Catamaran Structure
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Catamaran
I extremely suggest a catamaran for a crusing constitution (particularly with children). They provide far more deck house for lounging and are extra secure, so there’s a lot much less rocking than with a monohull.
The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Catamaran was the proper yacht for our household.
It options 4 (almost equivalent) inner cabins with ensuite bogs + two extra v-berths. If you happen to rent a skipper and a hostess, they’ll sleep within the v-berths leaving the 4 inner cabins on your crew.
We traveled as 3 adults and a child, however there was loads of house to sleep 8 comfortably.
Take a look at the full details of the catamaran right here!
***
Useful Tip:
Early Test-In
Isola Tavolara
Day 1: Test-In Day
Early check-in (additional value) on the Olbia marina — it’s the one approach to set sail the identical day as check-in (and completely value it)!
***
Sail to Isola Tavolara.
This small however fascinating island is situated on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. With its rugged magnificence, crystal-clear waters, and distinctive pure formations, Isola Tavolara is a haven for sailors and nature fanatics alike.
The island’s centerpiece is the imposing Tavolara Mountain, which rises dramatically from the ocean, creating a surprising backdrop on your crusing journey.
You may get pleasure from dinner on the island however remember the costs are fairly steep!
***
In a single day anchorage.
Spiaggi di Cala Coticcio
Day 2: Spiaggi di Cala Coticcio
Take pleasure in a gradual begin to your day and head to the seashore at Isola Tavolara. If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can pre-book a guided hike to the summit. Hikes meet at 6:00 a.m. and take 6-7 hours.
***
Sail to Spiaggi di Cala Coticcio on Caprera Island.
Situated on the uninhabited island of Caprera, this secluded seashore is famend for its breathtaking magnificence and pristine environment. As you method the cove with its turquoise waters and delicate, white sand, the colourful Mediterranean flora frames the shoreline.
This bay can get extraordinarily crowded but it surely clears out within the night. This was one among our favourite spots of all the journey!
***
In a single day anchorage.
Day 3: La Maddalena
Sail to Cala Napoletana, a secluded cove characterized by its clear azure waters and pristine white sands. Enjoy the beach and swim off the boat.
***
Next, sail to Capocchia d’u Purpu on Maddalena Island.
Capocchia d’u Purpu translates to “octopus head” in the local dialect, named after a small rocky outcrop that resembles an octopus head. We took the dinghy to the beach for a swim, and then had lunch back on the boat.
***
Finally, sail to the town of La Maddalena.
There are two marinas here:
Cala Gavetta is right in the center of town, so it’s popular and louder. If you want to be in the middle of the action, choose this marina.
We opted for Marina di Cala Mangiovolpe which is on the opposite end of town but still within walking distance of everything. If you prefer a calm and quiet atmosphere, choose this marina.
Stroll the town, do some shopping, enjoy a local, freshly caught seafood dinner, and end the night with a stroll along the waterfront with gelato in hand!
***
Overnight in marina.
Cala Corsara
Spiaggia Rosa
Cala Lunga
Day 4: Pink Beach
Explore the town of La Maddalena in the morning. There are some cute cafes and markets so you can enjoy a coffee and restock your food & supplies for the next few days.
I recommend visiting the fish market to get some fresh seafood to cook on the boat for dinner!
***
Sail to Cala Corsara on Spargi Island.
Cala Corsara, nestled on the enchanting Spargi Island in Sardinia, is a true slice of paradise. This secluded cove boasts powdery white sand that meets the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
In peak season, this bay will be PACKED so you might not be able to anchor (we went in early summer and still opted against staying long because of how many boats were in the area).
***
Sail to Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Budelli Island.
Spiaggia Rosa, or “Pink Beach,” is a remarkable natural wonder located on Budelli Island. What makes this beach truly unique is its pale pink sand, which derives its distinctive hue from the presence of microscopic fragments of pink coral, shells, and granite.
This beach is a protected area, and its rare beauty has led to regulations that prohibit direct access to the sand in order to preserve its delicate ecosystem. You can dinghy to the trailhead for a short nature walk that follows the shoreline.
Though you can’t walk on the beach, you still get amazing views of the pink sand and turquoise sea!
***
Sail to Cala Lunga on Razzoli Island.
This protected bay graces Razzoli Island’s west coast, a pristine haven where nature truly shows off. It boasts white sands and crystal clear waters, all framed by striking orange-hued granite formations.
We dropped anchor and raised a glass of Aperol Spritz just before the sun set—the best sunset of our trip!
***
Overnight anchorage.
Razzoli Lighthouse
Day 5: Bonifacio, Corsica
Start the morning with a nature walk on Razzoli Island to the old lighthouse. Once you dinghy to shore, it is an easy, mostly flat walk of about 1km. The walk is scenic and definitely worth doing!
***
Sail to Bonifacio, Corsica.
Sailing into Bonifacio is one of the most impressive sights I’ve ever seen—little colorful Lego-like buildings dot the edge of the cliff top. You get the feeling that the slightest breeze could topple them over the edge and into the turquoise sea below.
Bonifacio is split into 2 parts: the seaside port town and the medieval citadel perched high upon the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.
I had sailed to Bonifacio ten years earlier during a much different era of my life. On that trip with friends, we explored the citadel all day and partied all night at B52. This trip, with my 11-month-old baby, gave me an entirely new perspective on the destination.
The afternoon we arrived in port, we did a little shopping in the marina. Then, we took the little tourist train for a scenic loop up and back down the citadel, Then, we rode the carousel. We enjoyed dinner in the marina at Del Ferro (it was nice I positively suggest!). And, we completed the night with a stroll alongside the waterfront—gelato in hand.
***
In a single day in marina.
Observe:
Day 6: Cala della Chiesa
Spend the morning enjoying Bonifacio.
We were up early with the baby so we decided to trek up to the citadel by foot. It’s a steep path, but the views from the top are well worth it!
Spend 1-2 hours winding the narrow walkways and explore the old cemetery. Most restaurants and shops in the citadel don’t open until 9 a.m. or later, so keep that in mind as you plan your journey to the top.
Make your way back down and do some final shopping in the marina.
There are two Spars (chain grocer) and Chez Lucerne Yacht Services (a specialty provision service with gourmand merchandise) on reverse ends of the marina.
For freshly baked French pastries and bread, try Pâtisserie Sorba (conventional baked items) and Anthony Barralon x Ciccio (gourmand pastries and specialty gelato).
***
Sail to Cala della Chiesa within the Lavezzi Islands.
This was my favourite anchorage of the entire journey (and we occurred to be there on my birthday!). The bay is protected and the water is SO blue. It’s additionally the most effective spots for snorkeling—there have been so many fish!
Take pleasure in lunch on the boat, then head to the seashore or take a hike across the island. There are many well-marked climbing paths and the terrain is usually flat. Observe that there isn’t a lot shade, so put on safety and produce water!
***
Lastly, sail to Cala Ferrigno on Spargi Island.
The attract of Cala Ferrigno lies in its exclusivity, accessible solely by boat. There’s a pier so that you’re in a position to moor in a single day and have direct entry to the seashore.
The distinctive amber-sand seashore is exclusive to the opposite locations we visited alongside our journey.
You may as well take a stroll of about 45 minutes to the fortifications of Petrajaccio and Punta Zanotto (outdated navy batteries) embedded and camouflaged in granite rock.
***
In a single day mooring on pier.
Dream Yacht Base in Olbia
Day 7: Return to Base Marina
Take pleasure in a gradual morning on the seashore at Cala Ferrigno earlier than crusing again to the marina in Olbia on your final evening!
Head out and discover the city of Olbia—you’ll discover outlets and eating places alongside Corso Umberto and in Piazza Regina Margherita.
***
Night time in marina.
Day 8: Bon Voyage
Disembark within the morning!
Closing Suggestions!
As talked about in the beginning of the put up, there isn’t any single approach to sail Sardinia! Some days chances are you’ll must improvise resulting from climate or crowds, or chances are you’ll choose to sail to fully totally different locations.
I hope that sharing our itinerary helps you propose your personal journey and provides you inspiration on your personal journey!
