Portisco
round-trip.
Sail a yacht charter from Portisco across Costa Smeralda—visit Mortorio, Porto Rotondo, Golfo Aranci & Olbia. Emerald waters, island charm & Mediterranean luxury.
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.
Portisco → Mortorio Island
A gentle 6 NM passage from Portisco leads to Mortorio Island, a pristine granite sanctuary. Drop anchor off Cala dei Sassi, where the sea glows emerald over white sand. Explore the "Piscine di Venere" for unparalleled snorkeling before enjoying a quiet afternoon, the only sounds the lapping waves and distant gulls.
Distance
6 NM
Sailing
~1.2h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – early October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Portisco
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.
Portisco → Mortorio Island
Following a leisurely morning in Portisco, set sail for the brief six-nautical-mile journey east to Mortorio Island, a protected natural haven. This wild granite gem, part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, offers a serene contrast to the bustling marinas. Approach Cala dei Sassi on the island's southern side, where the water shimmers with an almost liquid emerald hue over a bright, sandy seabed. Drop the hook in five to eight metres, ensuring good holding in the fine sand. The clear visibility here invites exploration of the "Piscine di Venere" (Pools of Venus), natural rock pools teeming with small fish and vibrant marine life. Spend the afternoon swimming, paddleboarding, or simply absorbing the tranquil atmosphere, occasionally scented by the wild myrtle and juniper from the shore. Mortorio provides excellent shelter from the prevailing maestral, making it an ideal first night's anchorage for settling into the rhythm of the Sardinian coast.
Things to do
Snorkel the "Piscine di Venere" for vibrant marine life
Paddleboard in the emerald waters off Cala dei Sassi
Relax on deck, enjoying the scent of wild myrtle
Spot darting fish in the crystal-clear shallows
Mooring tip
Mortorio Island: Anchor in 5–8 m sand off Cala dei Sassi; holding is excellent. No facilities ashore, so provision accordingly.
Mortorio → Porto Rotondo
From Mortorio, a gentle six-nautical-mile reach west brings the catamaran to Porto Rotondo, a refined port on Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. Drop anchor in the sheltered waters off Spiaggia Ira, a crescent of fine sand overlooked by a 16th-century Spanish watchtower, offering excellent holding in sand at 5–8 metres. The maestral often provides a comfortable afternoon breeze here. Ashore, Porto Rotondo unfolds around the elegant Piazza San Marco, its marble 'chessboard' floor framed by vibrant bougainvillea and chic boutiques. Enjoy an espresso at Caffè della Piazza, observing the evening promenade, or linger over an aperitivo as the limestone buildings glow in the late afternoon light. The marina offers stern-to mooring with lazy lines, though booking ahead is advisable in high season. This port provides a glimpse into the understated luxury of Sardinia, a contrast to the wilder anchorages.
Things to do
Swim off Spiaggia Ira's pristine sands
Explore Piazza San Marco's marble architecture
Enjoy an aperitivo at Caffè della Piazza
Hike to the Spanish watchtower for bay views
Mooring tip
Porto Rotondo Marina offers stern-to mooring with lazy lines; book well in advance during peak season. Excellent holding in sand at Spiaggia Ira.
Porto Rotondo → Golfo Aranci
Depart Porto Rotondo for a short nine-nautical-mile reach north to Golfo Aranci, a charming Sardinian town where the wild granite coast meets a relaxed, yet refined, harbour atmosphere. En route, pass the distinctive turtle-shaped outline of Isola Molara, a natural landmark. The waters around Capo Figari offer exceptional visibility; drop anchor in 8-12 metres of sand and rock to explore the Secca di Capo Figari, a submerged pinnacle teeming with barracuda and vibrant marine life – a dive or snorkel here is often a charter highlight. Later, secure a berth stern-to in the modern marina, or find a well-protected anchorage nearby. As dusk settles, the air carries the scent of wild herbs from the hills; head ashore for an aperitivo at Rosa dei Venti, a stylish spot where local yacht crews exchange stories. Dinner at Ristorante Da Paolo, renowned for its lobster linguine and fresh catches, offers views of the illuminated port, a gentle counterpoint to the star-strewn sky above.
Things to do
Snorkel the barracuda-rich reefs of Secca di Capo Figari
Enjoy sunset aperitivo at Rosa dei Venti
Dine on fresh seafood at Ristorante Da Paolo
Explore the charming waterfront of Golfo Aranci
Mooring tip
Golfo Aranci Marina offers stern-to berths with lazy-lines; book ahead in high season. Fuel is available at the commercial pier.
Golfo Aranci → Olbia
The short eight-nautical-mile passage from Golfo Aranci into Olbia offers a relaxed coastal cruise, bringing the yacht directly into the city's historic centre. Secure a berth within the marina basin, conveniently positioned for the Museo Archeologico di Olbia, which chronicles the city's maritime past and Roman-era shipwrecks. From here, a short cycle or taxi ride leads to Pittulongu Beach, a popular local spot for a final plunge into the shallow, warm waters of the Golfo di Olbia, with views across to Isola Tavolara. As the afternoon wanes, the city transitions; the air fills with the scent of pine resin and roasting meat. Join the residents at Mercato San Paolo, a vibrant hub where families gather for the evening meal, often featuring porceddu – slow-roasted suckling pig – paired with carafes of local Vermentino. This provides a genuine taste of Sardinian hospitality, far removed from the tourist crowds.
Things to do
Visit the Museo Archeologico di Olbia
Cycle to Pittulongu Beach for a final swim
Dine at Mercato San Paolo for traditional porceddu
Explore Olbia's Phoenician and Roman ruins
Mooring tip
Olbia's main marina offers stern-to berths; book ahead in high season. Fuel pier available.
Olbia → Porto San Paolo
Set sail from Olbia for a gentle eight-nautical-mile passage south to Porto San Paolo, a charming fishing community where the pace of life remains tethered to the sea. Observe local fishermen mending nets under the shade of tamarisk trees, a scene unchanged for generations. After securing your berth, dinghy across to Cala Girgolu, renowned for its turquoise shallows and peculiar rock formations, perfect for a refreshing swim in sheltered conditions. Later, for a rewarding vista, take the path up Monte Coda Cavallo, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic limestone massif of Tavolara and the surrounding Marine Protected Area. Return to Porto San Paolo harbour as the evening light softens, ready for a dockside dinner. Local trattorias, such as Il Portolano, serve exquisite pasta dishes generously topped with freshly shaved bottarga, a regional delicacy reflecting the deep maritime heritage. The scent of pine resin often mingles with the evening breeze.
Things to do
Swim and snorkel in the clear, sheltered waters of Cala Girgolu
Hike Monte Coda Cavallo for panoramic views of Tavolara
Dine dockside in Porto San Paolo, enjoying local seafood
Explore the fishing village and observe traditional net mending
Mooring tip
Porto San Paolo offers stern-to berths with lazy lines at its small marina; depths are generally good. Book ahead in high season.
Porto San Paolo → Molara Island
Depart Porto San Paolo for the seven-nautical-mile passage east to Molara, a protected marine park island famed for its wild goats and granite formations. Drop anchor in the sheltered turquoise waters of Cala Spagnola, where the prevailing Mistral has sculpted the coastline into bizarre, beautiful shapes over millennia. The island, uninhabited save for its feral goat population, holds traces of Neolithic settlement, offering a rare glimpse into Sardinia's untouched wild heart. Take the dinghy ashore to explore the coves, perhaps enjoying a picnic of local pane carasau with fig jam under the shade of ancient junipers, inhaling the resinous scent carried on the breeze. The waters here are exceptionally clear, ideal for snorkelling amongst the rocks. Molara offers a tranquil escape, feeling a world away from the mainland bustle, with only the cicadas and the gentle lapping of waves for company as the sun dips below the horizon.
Things to do
Kayak to Cala Spagnola's sculpted granite coves
Snorkel the clear waters of Piscine di Molara
Hike the island paths to spot wild goats
Picnic with local pane carasau under ancient junipers
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Spagnola in 5-8m of sand and rock; holding is generally good, but the bay is exposed to strong easterly winds.
Molara → Portisco
Embark on the final ten-nautical-mile passage from Molara, tracing the dramatic, sheer limestone cliffs of Isola Tavolara, a majestic natural monument where peregrine falcons are often sighted nesting in ancient crevices. This morning offers a last opportunity for an invigorating swim or snorkel at Secca del Papa, an underwater pinnacle renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of parrotfish and damselfish swirling through crystal-clear waters. As the maestrale often offers a gentle push, the sail back to Portisco is typically a relaxed one, allowing time to reflect on the week's adventures. Upon arrival, proceed to the fuel pontoon, then stern-to your designated berth for check-out procedures. A final evening ashore at La Sorgente, perhaps with a glass of local mirto liqueur, offers a fitting conclusion, allowing the scent of myrtle and sea to linger as a promise of return to these captivating Sardinian shores.
Things to do
Circumnavigate Isola Tavolara, observing its limestone cliffs and falcons
Snorkel or dive the vibrant coral gardens at Secca del Papa
Enjoy a final Sardinian meal and mirto liqueur at La Sorgente
Refuel and prepare for check-out at Portisco Marina
Mooring tip
Portisco Marina requires stern-to mooring; refuel at the dedicated pontoon before returning to your berth for check-out.
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