Olbia
via Long.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Olbia through Tavolara, La Maddalena, Spargi, Bonifacio, Santa Teresa Gallura & back—crystal coves & coastal beauty 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 → Tavolara Island
A gentle 9 NM reach east from Olbia leads to the majestic limestone massif of Tavolara. Anchor in the crystalline waters of Spiaggia Spalmatore, where the sand shimmers underfoot. Spend the afternoon snorkelling, then dine ashore on local specialities, watching the island's imposing cliffs turn molten gold at sunset.
Distance
9 NM
Sailing
~1.8h 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 → Tavolara Island
Depart Olbia for a gentle nine-nautical-mile reach east, setting a course for the dramatic, sheer-sided limestone island of Tavolara. This imposing natural monument rises majestically from the Tyrrhenian Sea, its cliffs a striking contrast to the turquoise waters surrounding it. Aim for Spiaggia Spalmatore, the island's only accessible beach on its eastern flank, where the anchor finds excellent holding in 5-8 metres of white sand. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant marine life with a snorkel, where octopus often dart amongst the Posidonia seagrass in water so clear it offers exceptional visibility. Later, dinghy ashore to Ristorante da Tonino Re di Tavolara, famous for its authentic Sardinian bottarga pasta and fresh-caught seafood. As dusk settles, the scent of wild thyme drifts from the hills, and the island's formidable cliffs catch the last rays of sun, transforming into a spectacle of molten gold. This sheltered bay provides good protection from the prevailing maestral.
Things to do
Snorkel the clear waters of Spiaggia Spalmatore
Dinghy ashore to Ristorante da Tonino for Sardinian specialities
Hike a short path for panoramic views of Tavolara
Witness the sunset transform Tavolara's limestone cliffs
Mooring tip
Anchor off Spiaggia Spalmatore in 5-8m of white sand; holding is excellent and the bay offers good protection from maestral.
Tavolara → Caprera
Cast off from Tavolara at daybreak for a rewarding 28-nautical-mile reach north-northwest, heading into the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and the historic island of Caprera. This rugged island, linked to La Maddalena by a causeway, is famed as Giuseppe Garibaldi’s final home, his spirit palpable in the windswept pines and granite outcrops. Aim for the protected waters of Cala Portese on Caprera’s southern flank, where anchoring in 6-8 metres of sand offers excellent holding through the afternoon maestral. From here, a short dinghy ride or kayak paddle leads to Cala Coticcio, a truly breathtaking cove with turquoise depths framed by pink granite, often referred to as the 'Tahiti of the Mediterranean'. Later, consider a trek inland to visit the rustic Casa di Garibaldi, a national monument preserving the revolutionary's simple residence. As dusk settles, the air carries the scent of wild rosemary and juniper, a fitting end to a day of history and natural splendour.
Things to do
Kayak to Cala Coticcio, the 'Tahiti of the Med'
Hike to Casa di Garibaldi, a national monument
Snorkel the clear waters of Cala Portese
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Portese in 6-8m sand; note that Caprera is within a protected park, so adhere to designated anchoring zones.
Caprera → Spargi
The short six-nautical-mile reach west from Caprera delivers the catamaran to Spargi, an uninhabited island celebrated for its dramatic pink granite and pristine beaches within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Aim for Cala Corsara, a sheltered bay on Spargi’s eastern side, where the anchor finds excellent holding in 5-8 metres of sand. The water here, often protected from the prevailing Mistral, is renowned for its remarkable clarity, revealing the seabed’s intricate patterns and occasional darting bream. After a swim, take the dinghy to explore nearby coves such as Cala Granara, a crescent of fine white sand, or the natural rock pools known locally as the Piscine Naturali, where the scent of wild myrtle drifts on the breeze. Evenings on Spargi are defined by the quiet rhythm of the sea and the star-dusted sky, a profound contrast to the busier ports.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in the remarkably clear waters of Cala Corsara
Explore the intricate tidal pools of the Piscine Naturali by dinghy
Beachcomb for sea glass along the pristine shores of Cala Granara
Enjoy the quiet solitude and star-gazing from the anchorage
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Corsara in 5-8 m of sand; holding is excellent. The bay can become busy in high season, so arrive by early afternoon for the best spots.
Spargi → Bonifacio
The twelve-nautical-mile passage northwest from Spargi to Bonifacio is a highlight of any Corsican charter, crossing the legendary Strait of Bonifacio, often swept by a strong maestral or libeccio. This stretch demands attention, rewarding careful navigation with a dramatic approach to Bonifacio's natural harbour, a deep limestone fjord carved into the island's southern tip. Entering the narrow channel, the sheer white cliffs rise majestically, honeycombed with caves and historical fortifications. Stern-to mooring is standard in Port de Plaisance Bonifacio, a well-equipped marina at the base of the citadel, where the scent of pine resin mixes with sea salt. Once ashore, the car-free Haute Ville invites exploration: wander the cobblestone alleys to the Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure, or descend the vertigo-inducing King of Aragon's Stairway carved into the cliff face. Dinner at a waterside restaurant like U Castille offers fresh langoustine risotto, the port lights reflecting like scattered jewels.
Things to do
Navigate the challenging Strait of Bonifacio
Explore Bonifacio's car-free Haute Ville
Descend the King of Aragon's Stairway
Dine on fresh langoustine at U Castille
Mooring tip
Port de Plaisance Bonifacio requires stern-to mooring; book well in advance, especially during peak season, as berths are limited.
Bonifacio → Santa Teresa Gallura
Leaving Bonifacio, set a course south-southeast for the 10-nautical-mile downwind passage across the Strait of Bonifacio, back to Sardinia's northern tip. This stretch often benefits from the prevailing maestral, offering a comfortable reach into the sheltered waters of Santa Teresa Gallura. The town, built around a natural harbour, is distinct for its pink granite architecture and relaxed pace. Anchor off the stunning Rena Bianca beach, famous for its flour-white sand and crystal-clear shallows, ideal for an afternoon swim before heading ashore. Take the dinghy in and ascend the 16th-century Longonsardo Tower for commanding views across the strait to Corsica and the Maddalena Archipelago. As evening approaches, the main Piazza Vittorio Emanuele comes alive with a gentle hum of conversation; find a spot for a chilled mirto, perhaps hearing stories of Santa Teresa's historic tuna fishery, a tradition that shaped this unique corner of Gallura.
Things to do
Swim and snorkel off Rena Bianca beach
Ascend Longonsardo Tower for panoramic strait views
Enjoy a traditional mirto in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Explore Santa Teresa Gallura's distinctive granite streets
Mooring tip
Anchor off Rena Bianca in 5-8m of sand; good holding but exposed to northerlies. Marina di Santa Teresa Gallura offers stern-to berths; book ahead in high season.
Santa Teresa → Palau
Depart Santa Teresa Gallura for a concise ten-nautical-mile passage southeast, navigating the renowned Strait of Bonifacio towards Palau. This stretch, often invigorated by the maestrale, offers a dramatic transition from the wild cliffs of Corsica to Sardinia's granite coastline. Consider a brief stop near Isola dei Gabbiani, anchoring in its clear, sheltered waters for a swim amidst the island's distinctive rock formations before proceeding to Palau. The town serves as a vibrant hub, providing excellent provisions and a lively atmosphere. Secure your catamaran stern-to in Palau's main harbour, where the energy of the port is palpable. Later, a short drive or an invigorating hike leads to Capo d'Orso, the 'Bear Rock', a natural sculpture shaped over millennia by the elements, offering panoramic views across the La Maddalena Archipelago. Conclude the day with an authentic Sardinian dinner at a trattoria like La Gritta, savouring fresh seafood or saffron-infused Malloreddus as the harbour lights reflect on the water.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in the clear waters off Isola dei Gabbiani
Hike to Capo d'Orso for panoramic views of La Maddalena
Dine on Sardinian Malloreddus or fresh seafood in Palau
Explore Palau's bustling waterfront and artisan shops
Mooring tip
Palau's main harbour offers stern-to mooring; reserve well in advance during peak season. Fuel available on the main quay. Can be busy.
Palau → Olbia
Embark on the 18-nautical-mile journey southeast from Palau, a final, often exhilarating, reach back to Olbia. This passage takes you along the renowned Costa Smeralda, where superyachts dot the horizon and the architectural elegance of Porto Cervo is visible from the water. Consider a final, refreshing dip in the crystalline shallows of Cala Granu, a sheltered cove near Porto Cervo, before turning south. The prevailing maestral often provides a comfortable beam reach, allowing for a relaxed sail. As the afternoon light begins to warm the granite peaks of Monte Limbara, prepare for your return to Marina di Olbia. This is a practical stop for refuelling and preparing the catamaran for handover, the air still carrying the scent of salt and pine resin from the week’s adventures. The final approach into Olbia offers a panoramic view of the city, a quiet close to a memorable Sardinian exploration.
Things to do
Sail past the exclusive harbours of Costa Smeralda
Enjoy a final swim in the clear waters of Cala Granu
Refuel and prepare for handover at Marina di Olbia
Mooring tip
Marina di Olbia offers ample stern-to berths; pre-booking is essential for a smooth return and refuelling. Fuel dock available.
Sail this route — we’ll match a catamaran to it.
Send dates, group size and preferred catamaran style. A broker replies with a tailored quote within hours.