Olbia
round-trip.
Sail a yacht charter from Olbia into the emerald Maddalena Archipelago. Visit Tavolara, Caprera & hidden coves—crystal seas, nature & Sardinian charm await.
Day-by-day route
Click any pin on the map or any day in the Route summary below to see the daily stop, narrative, and photos.
Olbia → Porto San Paolo
From Olbia, a gentle 9 NM southerly passage leads to Porto San Paolo. Anchor in the crystalline waters of Cala Girgolu, where juniper-scented hills meet the sea. Spend the afternoon snorkelling over seagrass beds, then dine ashore at a family-run trattoria, watching the lights of Tavolara Island emerge across the bay.
Distance
7 NM
Sailing
~1.4h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – early October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Olbia
Sailing area
Sardinia
Route summary
Click any day to jump back to the map and see its photos, narrative, and mooring tip.
Day-by-day journey
Named anchorages, restaurants, and route notes for every leg of the week — written by sailors who’ve actually run this passage.
Olbia → Porto San Paolo
After breakfast on deck in Olbia, cast off for a gentle nine-nautical-mile southerly passage to Porto San Paolo, a charming coastal town offering sheltered anchorages and a relaxed pace. Aim for Cala Girgolu, just east of the main harbour, where the water clarity is exceptional and the holding in sand is reliable at 5-8 metres. The bay is fringed by low hills, redolent with the scent of juniper and wild myrtle, providing a tranquil setting for an afternoon swim or snorkel over its thriving seagrass meadows. As dusk settles, the air cools, and the lights begin to twinkle from the imposing limestone mass of Tavolara Island. Take the dinghy ashore to explore Porto San Paolo's promenade and find a local trattoria; many serve freshly grilled octopus and local Vermentino wine, a perfect end to your first Sardinian evening. This well-protected bay offers a peaceful overnight stop, steady even with a light maestrale.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in Cala Girgolu's clear waters
Snorkel over the seagrass meadows near Cala Girgolu
Dine ashore at a Porto San Paolo trattoria
Observe the sunset over Tavolara Island
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Girgolu in 5–8 m sand; holding is excellent. Alternatively, use the small marina in Porto San Paolo for stern-to mooring.
Porto San Paolo → Tavolara Island
The short five-nautical-mile reach east from Porto San Paolo brings the dramatic limestone massif of Tavolara into full view, its sheer cliffs rising majestically from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This imposing island, often glowing amber in the morning light, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and intriguing history. Drop anchor in the protected waters off Spiaggia Spalmatore, a crescent of fine, white sand where the water clarity invites an immediate swim. Ashore, wild goats graze among fragrant rosemary and mastic bushes, adding to the island's untamed charm. Tavolara holds a unique place in history as a former micronation, once ruled by the Bertoleoni family. A gentle hike leads to the island's 'royal cemetery,' a poignant reminder of this intriguing past. As dusk approaches, the limestone reflects the fading light, and the scent of pine resin drifts on the evening breeze. Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the beachside establishments, watching the sun dip behind the mainland, or simply relax aboard, savouring the quiet solitude of this remarkable island.
Things to do
Swim and snorkel off Spiaggia Spalmatore
Hike to Tavolara's historic royal cemetery
Enjoy an aperitivo at a beachside bar
Observe wild goats on the island's slopes
Mooring tip
Anchor off Spiaggia Spalmatore in 5-10m sand and weed; holding is generally good. Buoys are available in season, check local regulations.
Tavolara → Golfo Aranci
Depart Tavolara's dramatic cliffs for a leisurely twelve-nautical-mile passage north, skirting the distinctive granite domes of Molara Island. This stretch often offers a gentle maestrale, ideal for a comfortable reach along Sardinia's northeastern coast. Golfo Aranci presents a well-appointed marina, offering stern-to mooring with lazy-lines, a welcome convenience after a morning at sea. Once settled, the town invites exploration, from its promenade lined with boutiques to the local fish market reflecting its heritage as a working port. As the sun begins its descent, the harbour's elegant atmosphere comes alive. Secure a table at Rosa dei Venti for a sundowner, where the light plays across the water, or take the dinghy to the nearby Secca di Capo Figari. This submerged pinnacle is a renowned dive and snorkel site, home to a rich ecosystem of colourful nudibranchs and schooling fish, a stark contrast to the rugged granite above water. The evening offers a chance to reflect on the day's passage, perhaps over fresh seafood at a harbourside trattoria.
Things to do
Snorkel the vibrant Secca di Capo Figari's marine life
Stroll Golfo Aranci's elegant waterfront promenade
Enjoy sunset cocktails at Rosa dei Venti
Explore Molara Island's granite formations from the water
Mooring tip
Golfo Aranci Marina offers stern-to mooring with lazy-lines; book ahead in high season. Fuel pier available.
Golfo Aranci → Porto Rotondo
From Golfo Aranci, a short six-nautical-mile reach west brings the yacht into the renowned Costa Smeralda, a landscape of sculpted granite and turquoise coves. The approach to Porto Rotondo reveals a meticulously designed village, unique for its artistic integration into the landscape. Drop anchor just off Spiaggia Ira, a crescent of fine pink sand fringed by juniper and lentisk, where the water shimmers with an almost peridot hue. The holding here is good in sand, offering a sheltered spot for an afternoon swim. Ashore, Porto Rotondo presents a captivating blend of art and architecture; explore the central Piazzetta San Marco and the marina's promenade, designed by artists like Pietro Cascella whose 'Circle of Life' sculpture graces the waterfront. The scent of salt and sun-warmed granite fills the air as evening approaches, inviting a stroll among the ivy-clad villas and boutique shops. This destination offers a glimpse into Sardinia's more glamorous side, yet retains an authentic charm.
Things to do
Swim in the clear waters off Spiaggia Ira
Explore Porto Rotondo's Piazzetta San Marco and waterfront
Admire Pietro Cascella's 'Circle of Life' sculpture
Mooring tip
Anchor off Spiaggia Ira in 5-8m of sand; excellent holding, though can be busy in peak season. Marina berths in Porto Rotondo require advance booking.
Porto Rotondo → Portisco
Depart Porto Rotondo for the brief three-nautical-mile passage southwest to Portisco, a well-protected bay offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling marinas of the Costa Smeralda. The maestrale typically funnels gently into this wide inlet, providing a comfortable anchorage. Spend the afternoon exploring the crystalline waters; the famed Cala di Volpe, often frequented by larger yachts, offers vibrant marine life for snorkelling, while the more secluded Cupaccia cove, accessible by dinghy, provides a quiet swim amidst granite formations and fragrant myrtle. As dusk settles, the air carries the scent of pine and wild herbs. Head ashore to Trattoria La Sorgente, a family-run establishment where the tradition of Sardinian culurgiones—delicate, herb-stuffed pasta—is upheld, often accompanied by the resonant, polyphonic a tenore singing, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage. This blend of natural beauty and authentic island culture makes Portisco a memorable stop.
Things to do
Snorkel the clear waters of Cala di Volpe
Dinghy to secluded Cupaccia cove for a quiet swim
Dine at Trattoria La Sorgente for Sardinian culurgiones
Experience traditional a tenore polyphonic singing
Mooring tip
Marina di Portisco offers stern-to berths with lazy-lines; anchor in 5-10 m sand and weed in the bay's southern part for excellent holding. Fuel pier available.
Portisco → Porto Cervo
The short seven-nautical-mile hop north from Portisco brings you directly into Porto Cervo, the undisputed hub of Sardinia's illustrious Costa Smeralda. This purpose-built marina, carved into the granite coastline, is a masterclass in elegant architecture and a magnet for some of the world's most impressive superyachts. Secure your berth – stern-to is standard, and booking well in advance is essential, especially in high season – then take time to explore the meticulously designed Piazzetta. For a serene contrast, a short dinghy ride or sail west leads to Cala Granu, a sheltered bay with fine white sand and water so clear it invites immediate immersion, a quiet antidote to the harbour's vibrant energy. As evening descends, the scent of sea salt and blooming oleander fills the air, and the Piazzetta transforms into an elegant stage, perfect for an aperitivo while observing the evening's distinguished promenade.
Things to do
Stroll the elegant Piazzetta in Porto Cervo
Swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Cala Granu
Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the superyachts in the marina
Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Porto Cervo
Mooring tip
Porto Cervo Marina requires advance booking; moor stern-to on designated berths. Depths are ample, but it is a premium-priced port.
Porto Cervo → Olbia
The final morning begins with a leisurely 10-nautical-mile sail from Porto Cervo into the protected waters of Caprera, part of the La Maddalena Archipelago. Drop anchor at Cala Portese, a tranquil bay renowned for its natural beauty and its historical connection to Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose former home and museum are a short walk ashore. Alternatively, venture to the famed Cala Coticcio, often dubbed 'Tahiti of the Mediterranean,' for a last swim in its emerald-blue shallows, framed by pink granite cliffs. The afternoon brings a gentle 20-nautical-mile reach southwest towards Olbia, often assisted by a light maestral, allowing for a relaxed passage back to the charter base. This final leg offers panoramic views of Sardinia's rugged coastline, a fitting conclusion to a week spent exploring the island's unique blend of natural splendour and rich heritage. Prepare for an evening return to the marina, ready for disembarkation.
Things to do
Visit Garibaldi's home and museum at Cala Portese
Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Coticcio
Enjoy a final Sardinian lunch aboard at anchor
Refuel the catamaran upon return to Olbia
Mooring tip
Return to your allocated berth at Marina di Olbia; arrange refuelling and check-out procedures with the charter company upon arrival.
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