7-Day Northern Sardinia Motor Yacht Itinerary - The Ultimate Coastal Cruise Guide

Your first move is to base in Olbia and begin a westward loop toward Porto Cervo, then sweep along the granitic coast to Spargi. This plan keeps daily hops short, anchors secure, and packs in real coastline variety–rocky coves, marine water, and sheltered bays where swimming becomes a simple morning routine.

On day two, hug the west flank and approach Spargi and its surrounding coves. Drop anchor near Giunco for a leisurely morning swim, then stroll a rocky shore and photograph the granitic headlands. A compact marina network keeps fuel, meals, and shore passes practical, with quick connections to Olbia and La Maddalena.

Day three and four orbit the La Maddalena archipelago, weaving among pine-fringed inlets and clear bays. Whether you favor an early morning drift to a secluded cove or a longer, leisurely swim, the route delivers a real highlight: Spargi lighthouse views, striated granitic headlands, and vibrant marine life. Teresa and Christina, your local captains, share tips on currents and the best mooring pockets in the porto network.

In the mornings, set a calm cadence: coffee on deck, a brief snorkel, then a short sail toward a new anchorage. If crowds gather at a favorite bay, withdraw a few cables and anchor in a quieter inlet–this withdrawing approach often reveals your best photos and the best part of the coast.

For logistics, choose a yacht with a robust network of ports and a capable crew. This means you can adjust plan and pace in minutes, and let Teresa or Christina guide shore visits, local markets, and authentic meals. The real advantage is a flexible itinerary that aligns with weather, tides, and your group’s mood.

With the marketing emphasis on memorable coastal experiences, the 7-day northern Sardinia cruise becomes a balanced mix of means of leisure and discovery. From polished marinas to rocky coves and giunco-lined bays, the route offers a cohesive end-to-end experience that keeps you coming back to the west coast for more.

Day-by-Day Route and Distances: Porto Cervo to Alghero with Time Estimates

Start in Porto Cervo and push to maddalena, about 28 NM, 4.5–5 hours at 6 knots. Blowing winds set a steady pace on the deck, and their team keeps watch while you enjoy the deep blue and the untouched coves along the costa. If you want a first highlight, anchor near Cala Spalmatore for a calm swim and a european coastline sunset.

Day 2: maddalena to palau, roughly 15–18 NM, 2.5–3.5 hours at 6 knots. The setting shifts to rugged Caprera and pristine coves with sand beaches, a lovely backdrop for photos. Dock in Palau or Cala Caprera, then stroll the streets of the old town before dusk.

Day 3: palau to santa teresa di gallura, about 20 NM, 3–4 hours. The route runs along a coast mainly visited for its mountain silhouettes in the distance and the large, clean bays. Stop near liscia on the Costa Smeralda side for a brief swim, then moor at the harbor to stretch your legs on solid deck duties.

Day 4: santa teresa di gallura to castelsardo, ~28 NM, 4–5 hours. This leg keeps the deep waters near the cliffy shoreline, with winds often gusting lightly on port tack. Castelsardo’s dock area offers a grand setting for an evening ashore and a glimpse into medieval streets and stone walls.

Day 5: castelsardo to costa paradiso/isola rossa, 22–24 NM, 3.5–4 hours. The route threads through rocky headlands and untouched coves; you can swing by a small beach for a sand swim before continuing to Isola Rossa. The team notes statistics on fuel burn and planning, helping you optimize the next day’s spread.

Day 6: isola rossa to staglio/stintino, 20–25 NM, 3–4 hours. Calm seas and consistent winds make this a great day for deck time, with a quick descent into Stintino’s famous sands and a dockside stroll along the water’s edge. The lagoon’s reflections offer a lovely backdrop for photos and a short dive into the town’s charm.

Day 7: stintino to alghero, 18–22 NM, 3–4 hours. Final leg along a european coastline where small towns line the shore. Expect a steady run along deep waters and a last glance at Capo Caccia’s limestone cliffs. Alghero’s dock awaits, a paradise close to historic streets and a vibrant harbor atmosphere, ready for your last evening on deck.

Notes: this route emphasizes compact daily legs, steady speeds around 6 knots, and frequent sheltered stops. The distances balance time on the deck with leisure swims on sandy beaches and the chance to photograph untouched coves. In winter, daylight shortens daily windows, so plan early starts and reserve harbor time accordingly. Statistics from similar itineraries show you can cover these legs with consistent seas and clean navigational lines, keeping a calm, safe tempo for the entire team on board. The provider’s recommended berthing and quiet anchorages help you avoid crowds while keeping the charm of the coast, turning each stop into a small paradise that makes the overall trip feel effortless and enjoyable.

Anchorages, Marinas, and Night Moorings: Best Spots in Costa Smeralda, Maddalena, and Alghero

Portisco is the smart first stop for a seven-day coastal cruise, offering sheltered berths, reliable services, and a straightforward approach to Costa Smeralda’s anchorages. This relatively easy start lets you touch the horizon from calm water, enjoy golden sands nearby, and follow a practical guide to nearby stops, with landscapes of granite and turquoise water setting the mood. For the first night you’ll appreciate the calm ambience and efficient facilities, a solid landfall that keeps your heart engaged with the sea.

From Portisco you can head toward Caprera and Maddalena for classic coves and fine swimming, with rotondo point offering a sheltered anchor area. On Caprera and Maddalena, Cala Corsara and Spalmatore Bay shield you from fetches, while Cala Gavetta in La Maddalena town gives ashore options, restaurants, and easy walks along wide streets. In Costa Smeralda proper, Porto Cervo’s luxury marinas and the protected coves near Cala di Volpe provide elegant stops for the night, and in Alghero you’ll find both active nightlife and quieter anchorages around Porto Conte and Capo Caccia. For a longer loop, Teresa Bay on Caprera offers a quiet alternative; if you prefer to stay in the three regions, you can skip it. A lighthearted subpoena joke among crews aside, whether you want a relaxed day at sea or an active itinerary, the horizon always invites more places to explore and enjoy. If you’re charting by user feedback, statistical trends still show Maddalena as a favorite, with distinctive areas that feel exclusive and accessible at the same time.

Suggested Stops and Practical Tips

Provisioning, Water, and Fuel Planning for a 7-Day Passage

Provisioning checklist

Fill water tanks to about 65% before departure and plan refills at Olbia, Porto Torres, and Alghero where infrastructure supports quick top-ups along the coastline. Sardinia is an island with a long coastline, and the landscapes along the north coast change with seasons, so choose sheltered marinas on pleasant days.

For seven days, stock shelf-stable foods and plan visits to markets in Olbia and Alghero for fresh greens and bread. Pack pasta, rice, canned fish, tomatoes, olive oil, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, and a rotation of fruit and sturdy vegetables. Include nuts, oats, and energy bars for days on deck. Stop at liscia inlet when possible to replenish greens. Use a compact cooler for perishables and a dry bag for shore excursions, then rotate meals among passengers to keep energy steady for exploring routes beside lovely coves and deep blue water.

Water and fuel plan

Water use targets run 8-12 liters per person per day, with a 20–30% reserve for heat or showers. For a six-person crew, plan 360-720 liters for the week, plus 100–150 liters as safety. If a watermaker is on board, run it during passages to maintain supply; otherwise rely on marina taps when you arrive. Watch the tank levels closely and schedule a mid-week refill at a reliable port to avoid surprises at arrival. Atlantic winds can influence conditions, and these patterns are relatively predictable in summer.

Fuel planning starts with expected cruise speed and hours. If you cruise at 8–12 knots and burn 60–90 liters per hour, two hours of engine time per day uses 120–180 liters, seven days equals 840–1260 liters. Add 20–30% reserve for detours or wind shifts. Carry a spare 200-liter drum only where permitted by authorities. Refuel at safe, well-supervised marinas along the coastline to keep a comfortable margin, and use shore power when available to preserve fuel. Maintain a fuel log and tally consumption against planned legs; this helps arrival part of the itinerary go smoothly for both crew and passengers.

Indeed, discipline keeps schedules flexible and avoids stress at arrival.

Navigation, Weather, and Safety Protocols for the Gulf of Asinara

Secure all hatches, confirm the forecast, and set a conservative plan for the Gulf of Asinara before departure.

Practical navigation and anchorages

• Plot a route that hugs the surrounding coastline, avoiding exposed open waters; approach rotondo cove with slow, deliberate turns, keeping 0.5–1.0 nautical miles from reefs and shoals.
• Identify multiple sheltered options: the rotondo area, coves around scorpios islet, and secluded bays along the western shoreline for nights when winds build.
• Maintain a navigation book on deck for quick reference; keep a digital copy accessible on your phone or tablet and a hard copy in storage.
• Anchor choice: mud or sand provides the best holding; in a breeze, use a 5:1 scope, increasing to 7:1 if gusts rise; consider a second anchor if conditions shift.
• Fenders and lines: deploy adequate fenders and set bow and stern lines to prevent chafe when moored in lee; secure all deck gear.
• Traffic awareness: monitor AIS and VHF channel 16, especially near sheltered coves and the scorpios area; give commercial traffic a wide berth and use the cove as a safe base for nights with beautiful views.
• Evenings in a sheltered cove allow a modest party with a cocktail while you watch the sunset; keep the watch and gear secure during this time.

Weather forecast, safety protocols, and readiness

• Check the forecast twice daily from official maritime sources; although the forecast looks calm, keep a watch because conditions can shift quickly; adverse conditions would degrade comfort and safety; adjust plans if wind forecasts show sustained periods above 25 knots or seas exceeding 2 meters.
• Wind shifts and sea states: if a change worsens conditions, seek shelter in rotondo or a deeper cove; monitor neighboring boats and adjust speed to reduce drift.
• Onboard readiness: perform the omnia safety checklist after departure; ensure life jackets are accessible and fit; verify EPIRB, fire extinguishers, and a throwable device; test VHF on channel 16 and communicate a safety plan with crew for nights on anchor.
• Navigational aids: use GPS and paper charts to cross-check; mark hazards such as shipwreck remains along the coast around coves and near scorpios; this awareness helps avoid unlit reefs at night and preserves beautiful views during a dinner or a cocktail on deck.
• Documentation and compliance: keep the book with certificates accessible; in port an official subpoena for records could be issued; ensure logbook, vessel documents, and safety certificates are valid and ready.
• Crew and guests: assign a dedicated watchkeeper for nights; ensure everyone has a life jacket, a headlamp, and a safe place to retreat in a squall; maintain a safe path to the nearest accessible shore if needed.

Shore Excursions and Cultural Highlights Along the Coast: Costa Smeralda Towns, La Maddalena Archipelago, Caprera, and Alghero

Begin with a private boat charter from Porto Cervo to the Maddalena Archipelago, with a stop at spargi for snorkeling and a lunch break in maddalena town. This typical west-coast route showcases beautiful coves, wide coastlines, and world-class marinas, enabling smooth transfers between locations, consenting to flexible arrival times if weather shifts. If you sail on solandge, the crew can tailor arrival times and pace for either active exploration or relaxed downtime.

In maddalena you can stroll the town’s chic streets, then head by tender to Spargi for a sheltered spot and crystal-clear water. Continue to Budelli to see the famous Spiaggia Rosa when access is allowed; if not, the skipper will propose another pristine beach nearby. Each stop highlights the archipelago’s varied moods and the means to combine swimming, culture, and scenery in one loop.

Caprera offers Caprera Nature Park and Garibaldi’s House, with rocky testa promontories and quiet coves ideal for a short walk. The coast here is wide and pristine, perfect for a swim, a picnic on deck, or a grounded afternoon as the vessel swings softly at anchor near vacca beach.

From Caprera, extend west toward Tavolara for a dramatic island silhouette and sheltered coves excellent for snorkeling and sunset views. The west coast run allows you to see contrasts between turquoise bays, pine-fringed shores, and fishing harbors that glow at golden hour.

Alghero on the return leg reveals a fortified old town and Catalan influences that color the lanes with character. Neptune’s Grotto and its sea-carved paths offer a memorable shore excursion, while several marinas along the coast provide a smooth arrival and easy shore access. Dinner in the center blends glamour with fresh seafood, a wonderful way to celebrate an end-to-end coast experience where you can stroll after dark and soak in the holiday mood.

Whether you chase a lively party atmosphere or a quiet holiday mood, this coast provides locations for every taste. For families, there are safe anchor spots and kid-friendly tender rides; for couples, sunset cruises and private tours add a romantic rhythm to your vacation. With sun, sea, and culture in equal measure, this itinerary keeps your boat’s rhythm while you collect memories across the maddalena archipelago and beyond.