Portisco
via Long.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Portisco via Porto Cervo, La Maddalena, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, Cala Santa Maria to Capriccioli. Sardinia-Corsica adventure awaits.
Day-by-day route
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Portisco → Porto Cervo
A gentle 6 NM sail from Portisco leads west to Porto Cervo, the heart of the Costa Smeralda. Anchor in the crystalline waters of Cala Granu for a swim, then explore Porto Cervo's iconic Piazzetta. Experience the elegant evening atmosphere as the sun dips behind the granite hills.
Distance
8 NM
Sailing
~1.6h 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 → Porto Cervo
Set sail from Portisco for a short six-nautical-mile passage west, tracing the sculpted coastline of the Costa Smeralda towards Porto Cervo. This initial leg offers an easy introduction to the Sardinian waters, often under a gentle maestral breeze. Drop anchor in the sheltered turquoise embrace of Cala Granu, just outside Porto Cervo harbour. The bay's white sand seabed offers excellent holding in 5-8 metres, ideal for a leisurely swim in water so clear that distant starfish are visible. After lunch on board, make your way into Porto Cervo Marina, where the architectural elegance of its Piazzetta and surrounding boutiques invites an evening stroll. The air, especially as dusk settles, carries a faint scent of juniper and sea salt, a refined prelude to dinner at one of the village's renowned restaurants. This first evening provides a taste of the island's unique blend of natural beauty and understated luxury.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in the clear waters of Cala Granu
Explore the elegant boutiques and Piazzetta of Porto Cervo
Enjoy sundowners overlooking the superyachts in the harbour
Walk the coastal path towards Faro di Porto Cervo
Mooring tip
Cala Granu offers excellent anchoring in 5-8 m sand; alternatively, Porto Cervo Marina requires advance booking for stern-to berths.
Porto Cervo → La Maddalena
Depart Porto Cervo for the 18-nautical-mile passage north into the La Maddalena Archipelago, a protected marine park where ancient granite islands rise dramatically from the turquoise sea. Aim for the natural harbour of Porto Massimo on La Maddalena island, a crescent of pink-hued rock coves offering excellent shelter and crystal-clear swimming. After dropping anchor, dinghy ashore to explore the nearby Cala Francese, renowned for its striking jade and sapphire waters and historic granite quarries. Later, secure a berth in the main town of La Maddalena, stern-to on the quay, to immerse in island life. The town, largely car-free in its central areas, invites strolls through narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings. Dinner at a harbourside osteria offers local specialities like fregola con arselle (fregola with clams), often prepared with the morning's catch, accompanied by the subtle scent of pine resin carried on the evening breeze. This passage offers a distinct contrast to the glitz of the Costa Smeralda, a true immersion in Sardinian island heritage.
Things to do
Explore the pink-rock coves and clear waters of Porto Massimo
Swim or snorkel in the vibrant jade waters of Cala Francese
Wander the car-free historic streets of La Maddalena town
Dine on fresh fregola con arselle at a harbourside osteria
Mooring tip
Anchor in Porto Massimo in 5-10m sand, good holding. Alternatively, stern-to berths are available on the town quay in La Maddalena, but book ahead.
La Maddalena → Santa Teresa Gallura
Depart La Maddalena for the twelve-nautical-mile passage north, navigating the renowned Bonifacio Strait where the maestral often builds, offering a bracing sail between Sardinia and Corsica. Santa Teresa Gallura welcomes with its distinctive honey-hued granite architecture and a sheltered harbour. Drop anchor off Rena Bianca, a crescent of brilliant white sand where the water shimmers an almost unbelievable turquoise, perfect for a refreshing swim after the passage. Ashore, a short climb to the historic Longonsardo Tower offers panoramic views across the Strait to the dramatic cliffs of Bonifacio on Corsica. As dusk settles, the scent of myrtle and wild herbs drifts through the air. Join the local residents for their evening passeggiata in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, where traditional Sardinian folk music sometimes accompanies the clinking glasses and animated conversation over a plate of porceddu, the island's celebrated suckling pig.
Things to do
Swim at Rena Bianca beach, famed for its brilliant white sand
Hike to Longonsardo Tower for views of Corsica
Stroll Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, experiencing local culture
Dine on traditional porceddu at a local trattoria
Mooring tip
Porto di Santa Teresa Gallura offers stern-to berths with lazy lines; book ahead in high season. Fuel pier available.
Santa Teresa → Bonifacio
Depart Santa Teresa at first light for the short, but often exhilarating, eight-nautical-mile crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio. This passage, frequently swept by the maestral, offers a memorable approach to Corsica's southern tip, culminating in the dramatic entrance to Bonifacio harbour. The deep, fjord-like gorge carved into brilliant white limestone cliffs feels like sailing into a natural cathedral, with the ancient citadel perched precariously above. Once inside, find your berth along the quay, stern-to under the imposing fortifications. Spend the afternoon exploring the Haute Ville, walking the ancient ramparts and descending the famed King of Aragon's Steps, a dizzying staircase carved directly into the cliff face by prisoners. As dusk settles, the scent of pine resin mixes with salt air, and the harbour lights begin to twinkle. Dinner at a traditional establishment like U Castille offers hearty Corsican fare, perhaps a rich civet de sanglier, with views of the bustling port below.
Things to do
Navigate the dramatic fjord entrance to Bonifacio harbour
Explore Bonifacio's ancient citadel and ramparts
Descend the King of Aragon's Steps carved into the cliff
Dine on traditional Corsican civet de sanglier at U Castille
Mooring tip
Bonifacio harbour offers stern-to mooring; book well in advance, especially in high season, as berths fill quickly.
Bonifacio → Porto Vecchio
The 15-nautical-mile passage east from Bonifacio presents a striking contrast, leaving behind the dramatic limestone cliffs for the gentler, pine-scented shores of Corsica's eastern coast. With a favourable maestral often assisting the beam reach, the journey to Porto Vecchio is a pleasant one, offering views of the Alpine peaks that seem to meet the sea. Secure a berth in the modern Porto Vecchio Marina, nestled beneath the imposing Genoese bastions of the old town, where the scent of warm stone mingles with sea air. From here, a short dinghy ride or taxi brings you to Palombaggia Beach, celebrated for its powder-soft sand, distinctive red porphyry rocks, and liquid-topaz waters perfect for swimming. Alternatively, explore the protected marine park around Île de Cerbicale, where extensive Posidonia meadows teem with marine life, offering superb snorkelling.
Things to do
Explore Porto Vecchio's historic Genoese bastions and old town
Relax and swim at the iconic Palombaggia Beach
Snorkel the vibrant Posidonia meadows near Île de Cerbicale
Sample local Corsican charcuterie and wines in the old town
Mooring tip
Porto Vecchio Marina offers stern-to berths with lazy-lines; book ahead in high season. Fuel pier available.
Porto Vecchio → Cala Santa Maria
Set sail from Porto Vecchio for a serene 12-nautical-mile passage south, threading through the Bonifacio Strait towards the Lavezzi Islands archipelago. This cluster of granite islets, a designated nature reserve, offers some of Corsica's most pristine anchorages. Cala Santa Maria, nestled on Île Lavezzi, is a particular highlight: a sheltered cove where the water glows with an almost otherworldly turquoise, framed by gnarled juniper and ancient, wind-sculpted granite. Drop anchor in the sandy patches, ensuring good swing room, and immerse yourself directly from the deck into the tranquil, clear waters, often frequented by curious ornate wrasse. Ashore, a network of well-marked paths invites exploration of the island's unique flora and the historic lighthouse, offering panoramic views towards Sardinia. The air carries the scent of immortelle and wild thyme, a sensory counterpoint to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. This protected bay provides excellent shelter from the prevailing maestral, making it an ideal overnight stop for those seeking genuine tranquility.
Things to do
Anchor and swim in Cala Santa Maria's turquoise waters
Explore Île Lavezzi's walking paths and unique flora
Visit the historic Lavezzi lighthouse for panoramic views
Observe ornate wrasse and other marine life while snorkelling
Mooring tip
Cala Santa Maria: Anchor in 5-8m of sand and rock; ensure ample swing room due to potential wind shifts. No facilities ashore.
Cala Santa Maria → Portisco
Depart Cala Santa Maria for the approximately 25-nautical-mile passage southeast, marking the final leg of the charter. This scenic run takes the catamaran past the iconic granite formations of Capriccioli and the exclusive coves fronting Cala di Volpe, a glimpse into the sophisticated coastal architecture of the Costa Smeralda. A final opportunity for a swim presents itself in the clear, shallow waters of Liscia Ruja, where the white sand and juniper-scented air offer a serene farewell to the open sea. As the afternoon progresses, prepare the yacht for its return to Marina di Portisco, ensuring all refuelling and check-out procedures are handled efficiently. The sun setting behind the Gallura hills, casting long shadows over the marina, provides a quiet moment to reflect on the week's exploration of the Maddalena Archipelago, a journey that imprints the senses with salt, sun, and the timeless beauty of Sardinia.
Things to do
Enjoy a final swim off Liscia Ruja beach
Cruise past Capriccioli's distinctive granite formations
Refuel the yacht at Marina di Portisco fuel dock
Complete charter check-out procedures at Portisco
Mooring tip
Marina di Portisco offers ample berths; fuel dock often busy, so plan arrival for refuelling before final berthing. Book ahead.
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