Sailing in Sardinia
If you decide to make Sardinia your next yachting destination, you will make no mistake. Sitting off Italy’s celebrated west coast, the sublime island of Sardinia represents a complex patchwork of Franco-Italian culture. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, with a pearly coastline ideal for soaking up the sultry sun and crystalline water of the deepest blue where every inch of healthy reef is infused with the dream-like beauty of thriving coral beds and diverse marine life.
A long-time favourite with the international jet-set, Sardinia has always been at the forefront of chic Italian getaways. Not only is Sardinia stylish, but it’s every inch the good looking Italian town as well – it’s got it all: the culture, the cuisine, the countryside. Ahoy Club invites you to explore the destination in utmost comfort on a yacht, at the best possible price.
If you’re a first-time sailor to Sardinia, Ahoy Club suggests to check out the Northern part first, choosing the starting point depending on where you come from. Start off your Sardinia sailing tour from the port of Alghero in the North-West and continue to the Eastern coast. Alghero is a historic town with noticeable Catalan influences, as it remained under Catalan rule for a long time in the past. The main sights include the Alghero Cathedral and other sacral buildings, the city walls, towers and bastions. If you have extra time on shore, visit the nearby Palmavera with the remains of the nuraghe – megalithic building structures from the prehistoric Nuraghe era (1500 BC).
Sailing north from Alghero, you will reach Capo Caccia, probably best known for a number of caves, both under and above water, the most famous being Neptune’s Grotto. Apart from impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave also has a saltwater lake inside. Capo Caccia is a sight to remember, as it has large cliffs, reaching up to 300 m in height.
Further north lies the small town of Stintino, with its two impressive beaches: La Pelosa and La Pelosetta. Just across the town is the island of Asinara, an Italian national park since 1997. Bear in mind that swimming is allowed only on three beaches on the island and docking is prohibited for private boats.
Sailing to the west of the island, you will reach the medieval town of Castelsardo, which has remained intact due to its particular position on a rocky promontory above the sea. The sights include archaeological remains such as the Domus the Janas (House of Fairies), the nuraghe, the Doria Castle and several more. The town boasts beautiful beaches and has a marina with around 500 berths.
The next stop on your yacht charter vacation could be Santa Teresa di Gallura, the northernmost port of Sardinia, famous for beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. One of them is the Rena Bianca beach, just North of the town.
Not far away lays the town of Palau, bordering on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. Palau town, located between the rocks in the northern part of the Emerald Coast, in his Odyssey, Homer himself admired. In addition to natural beauty, Palau is known for its various festivals and carnivals, which take place here quite often and with a general scope. The place is also trademarked with stunning beaches and mountain routes.
Opposite Palau lies the Maddalena Archipelago with seven main islands and a number of smaller islets. The whole archipelago was proclaimed a national park in 1994 and is one of the most unspoilt areas in Sardinia. It has amazing beaches with clear blue waters and an almost Caribbean feel.
You cannot leave Sardinia without visiting the Costa Smeralda and witnessing its enormous beauty. Sail to Porto Cervo, the most respectable resort of Sardinia. In the sixties, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV bought the land here and with the greatest architects of the period, including Luigi Vietti, gave birth to an elite resort. The town is built in the original style and is strongly associated with luxury leisure. It connects the typical sardic architectural elements with modern fashion and luxury. Although it is rather exclusive and visited by celebrities and other prominent people, it is worth visiting, at least to see large luxury yachts anchored in the marina.
End your route in Olbia, the island’s economic centre. Olbia is a bustling port city, hosting ferries with tourists from mainland Italy and international flights. Due to this, Olbia has a highly developed tourist infrastructure, with the peak concentration of various restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and other tourist entertainment. In all this turmoil of the city, take the time to see the Regina Margarita Square and take a walk along Corso Umberto Street. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Fausto Noce Park or the Riu Mulinu nuraghe, or explore the beaches a bit outside the town.
