A Sardinian luxury yacht charter vacation encompasses the exciting combination of cosmopolitan and luxury lifestyle with culture, history and scenic beauty. Sitting just off the coast of Italy, this famously fashionable Mediterranean island offers picturesque shores lapped by azure waters as well as designer boutiques, exclusive bars and first-class restaurants to make it one of the finest yachting destinations in the world.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and its location makes it an ideal stop off and destination point for both West and East Mediterranean yacht charter itineraries. To the northeast of Sardinia lie the popular cruising grounds of Costa Smeralda, whilst almost 60 islands make up the Maddalena archipelago and offer some of the best snorkeling, diving and watersports opportunities.
Sardinia Yacht Booking Guide:
- Sardinia Yacht Charters: At a Glance
- Popular Destinations for Yacht Rentals in Sardinia
- Highlights of a Sardinia Yacht Charter
- Who Goes on a Sardinia Yacht Charter?
- History and Culture
- Types of Yacht Charters in Sardinia
- How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht in Sardinia?
- When is the Best Time for Sardinia Yacht Charters?
- Where Should I Begin My Yacht Charter in Sardinia?
- Where to End a Sardinia Yacht Charter
- Popular Marinas and Anchorages in Sardinia
- How to Book Your Yacht Charter in Sardinia
Sardinia’s beautiful coastline is strewn with secluded coves that are perfect for exploring by luxury crewed rental yacht and you’d be forgiven for mistaking Sardinia’s sugar sand and pellucid blue sea for a slice of Caribbean paradise. Set adrift from the Italian mainland, you will also discover ancient old towns and teetering hilltop villages, as well as stylish hangouts and chic cafés.
- Caribbean-blue waters
Mesmerizingly clear turquoise waters abound along the coastline and tiny isles peppered around the Emerald isle, with thriving aquatic life just beneath the waves - Myriad pretty coves and secluded bays
Discover Sardinia’s hidden gems just waiting to be explored by yacht tender - Local specialities
From exceptional seafood to hearty pasta dishes, Sardina is renowned for its mouth-watering food inspired by cuisines from Italy, Spain and Africa - Rich cultural history
From the Nuraghi, one of the symbols of Sardinia, to the megalithic monuments strewn across the islands, history lovers are in for a treat - Suitable for a wide array of itineraries
From upscale dining and designer boutiques to hiking beautiful nature trails and swimming in crystalline waters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy - Close to popular Mediterranean destinations
With Corsica a mere champagne cork’s pop away and Italy's celebrated Amalfi Coast a short hop across the Tyrrhenian Sea, the possibilities for yacht charters are endless
With its dramatic rugged coastline, sublime beaches and enchantingly blue waters, you will be spoilt for choice for destinations to stop off in Sardinia. To make it a little bit easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit:
Costa Smeralda - Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Olbia
Best for: Superyachts, A-listers, upscale resorts, fine dining, glamorous marinas, golden beaches, swimming and snorkeling, sailing
North - La Maddalena archipelago, Asinara National Park, Alghero
Best for: Beautiful anchorages, secluded coves and unspoiled beaches, crystal clear waters, lush island sanctuaries, historic monuments, scuba diving, hiking, wine tasting and olive groves
South West - Costa verde, Isola di San Pietro
Best for: pretty anchorages, scenic beauty, cliff-bound coves, UNESCO Heritage sites, wild beaches
Far South - Cagliari, Nora
Best for: Ancient monuments, medieval castles, hilltop villages, scuba diving, wildlife, sandy beaches, sheltered waters, variety of anchorages, museums, Roman ruins, swimming and snorkeling
A Sardinia yacht charter vacation offers a mesmerizing selection of things to see and do. Here is our small selection of some of the most outstanding:
- Spiaggia di Cala Luna - Tucked away in a sheltered cove on the east coast is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches, an inviting crescent of powder-fine sands set against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs overhung with pink oleanders.
- Historic Cagliari - The island’s capital is brimming with ancient artifacts that date back thousands of years, alongside striking neoclassical architecture and gothic churches.
- Al Tuguri - Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its Catalan-inspired cuisine, located in Alghero’s beautiful old town.
- Su Nuraxi - Located in the heart of Sardinia, a few miles north of Cagliari lies this impressive megalithic settlement and UNESCO Heritage site.
- Grotta di Nettuno - One of the largest in Italy, this enchanting marine cave on the south coast abounds with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
- La Maddalena islands - Protected national park home to some of Italy’s best beaches with beautiful clear waters and rich marine life, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Porto Cervo - located on the Costa Smeralda, this is Sardinia’s top hotspot for the SuperyachtSet and A-listers, renowned for its boutique shopping, fine dining and 5-star resorts.
- Stintino - Extraordinary scuba diving spot within the Asinara Marine Reserve on the island's north west peninsula, home to a rich and colorful array of aquatic life as well as beautiful underwater caves and a Roman shipwreck.
- Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta - One of the world’s most exhilarating sailing yacht racing regattas which takes places at the end of May out of Porto Cervo's marina.
- Hotel Cala di Volpe - For a spot of celebrity-spotting, book a table at this chic hotel on the waterfront with private moorings.
Sardinia is the glittering jewel in Italy’s treasure chest, brimming with golden sand beaches, astonishing bright-blue waters and idyllic island sanctuaries. On top of this, visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s rich cultural history and enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine.
The island attracts many A-listers and Hollywood glitterati, who come here to soak up the superyacht lifestyle and luxurious atmosphere in a medley of 5-star resorts, wellness spas, golf clubs and exclusive night clubs
Populated since the Neolithic period, Sardinia bears witness to an astoundingly rich history with influences from many cultures including Phoenicians, Cathaginians and Romans among others, creating a melting pot of archaeological treasures and bountiful architecture.
From the Nuragic settlers that lived in Sardinia in the Bronze Age and archeological site of Tharros which showcases the presence of the Phoenicia, Punic and Roman civilisations, to the glorious amphitheaters and museums in Cagliari, Sardinia abounds in historical artifacts, creating a unique element to your luxury yacht charter, alongside the jet-set havens the island is famous for.
As one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the West Mediterranean, there should be plenty to choose from when it comes to crewed yachts for charter in Sardinia. If you’re unsure about whether you want to book a motor yacht or a sailing yacht for your luxury getaway, there are a few things you should consider first.
Whether you are interested in a small or large motor yacht, or even a sleek and sporty model, you should find a Sardinia luxury charter rental that will more than meet your expectations. With a crewed motor yacht you can truly relax, allowing pure escapism as you marvel at Sardinia’s dramatic coastline from the comfort of your vessel.
Indeed, the crystal clear waters here are perfect for diving into from the aft deck of your motor yacht, where you can take to the sea on the yacht’s myriad toys and accessories, including scuba diving top dive spots found in abundance in this region. Alternatively, you can take a tender ashore to explore the island’s ancient artifacts as well as sampling the local cuisine and wines.
There are plenty of marinas in Sardinia catering to yachts of all sizes, with plenty of sheltered and tranquil anchorage spots to choose from peppered along its coastline and around the numerous islands and islets.
The sailing conditions in Sardinia promise some of the finest in the world, with renowned sailing superyacht regattas taking place each year, including the celebrated Loro Piana Regatta which runs annually at the end of May.
The winds found along the narrow passage of the Bonifacio strait, one of the largest Natural marine reserves in the Mediterranean, promise exhilarating racing conditions where you can unleash the power of the sails and leave the engine gears in neutral. Experience sailing at its finest, where the wind is the master and the only sounds are the billowing sails and the rush of water against the hull. Experience the thrill as your sailing yacht carves through the waves against a backdrop of towering chalk cliffs and diamond-speckled seas.
There are plenty of easy anchorage spots ideal for sailing yachts, as well as numerous marinas offering plentiful overnight slips.
With so many options available, there’s something to suit every type of budget. For convenience we have listed the average prices for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in Sardinia below;
- For motor yacht rentals in Sardinia, prices can range from $32,405 to $1.7m per week, plus expenses
- For luxury sailing yacht rentals in Sardinia, prices can go from $28,198 to $546,804 weekly, plus expenses
The optimal times for yacht charters in Sardina’s turquoise-clear waters are the shoulder months of May/June and September/October. During this time, you can still enjoy beautiful warm weather, with the later months offering the warmest swimming temperatures. Sardinia’s peak season is July and August, so expect both higher charter fees and packed marinas in these months.
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Most Sardinia yacht charters begin in the popular superyacht marina of Porto Cervo in the north west of the island or nearby Porto Rotondo, a slightly quieter marina compared to its illustrious neighbor. After a short stay here, popular charter itineraries tend to make a beeline north to the beautiful Maddalena Islands where the yacht can spend a day or two in a pretty sheltered anchorage while you and your guests take to the Carribean-blue waters for a spot of diving and snorkeling.
From here, the world’s your oyster. Sardinia has numerous must-see destinations and you will be hard-pushed to fit them all in. From the lush archipelagos of the north to the wild, untamed beaches found in the south west of the island, and from the glamorous superyacht havens on the north east coast where you can indulge your every whim to the rich historical treasures found in the south, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Another popular option is to set off from the Amalfi Coast on Italy’s mainland or Corsica in the north and then cruise down through the Bonifacio Strait. It’s simple enough to begin your superyacht vacation in a neighboring country before heading to Sardinia. For more advice please speak to your yacht charter broker.
Sample itineraries
Most yacht charters tend to finish in Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo. As well as the vibrant superyacht lifestyle, these places also offer their own bevy of beautiful beaches and scenic beauty, making these the perfect spots to end your memorable Sardina luxury yacht charter. Alternatively, for longer charters you can finish up in one of the neighboring destinations mentioned above. Speak with your yacht charter broker who can advise you further.
- Marina di Porto Cervo - A well-protected marina with its renowned eponymous village offering a prime superyacht hub replete with numerous amenities and attractions. This marina is home to an impressive 700 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 100 meters in length
- Marina di Olbia - Affording beautiful views of the Golf of Olbia, this charming sheltered marina located on Sardinia’s north-west coast offers plentiful cafes and restaurants all within a short walk from the port. With 270 slips, the marina can accommodate yachts up to 80 meters LOA.
- Marina di Porto Rotondo - Also located in Olbia, this round-shaped marina enjoys an impeccable reputation amongst its international Jet Set clientele, with bespoke VIP services and luxury hotels adding to the allure. Porto Rotondo can host yachts up to 80 meters in length and has 652 yacht slips available.
- Portus Karalis Cagliari - Only a champagne cork’s pop away from the Sardinian capital’s town center, this marina is ideal for those looking to explore the region’s historic treasures, glorious beaches and hidden gems. Close to all major transport links, it offers 140 slips for yachts up to 100 meters in length.
- Porto di Alghero - located in the beautiful province of Sassari, this destination is renowned for its beautiful emerald waters and secluded beaches making it a prime stop-off for those looking for an idyllic retreat away from the main hubs. This marina can accommodate 380 yachts with slips available for vessels up to 50 meters LOA.
- Cala Luna - A beautiful curve of sand with magical caves and astonishing clear blue waters abound in this paradisiacal setting. It does get busy in the peak summer months, but after 7pm all the crowds depart, leaving a stunning anchorage to park the yacht and watch the setting sun, cocktail in hand.
- Passagio della Pelosa - Often likened to a lagoon, this beautiful sheltered cove is considered by some as one of the best anchorages in the Mediterranean, where charterers will be dazzled by the Caribbean-blue waters reflecting the sandy seabed below. This anchorage is an ideal jumping off point to the protected marine reserve of Stintino, with convenient restaurants and shops located nearby in the village and marina.
- Porto Liscia - A pretty peninsula of golden sand beach with cobalt-blue waters and scenic views. The anchorage is well protected and is a popular hangout for superyachts, which means it can get busy.
- Spiaggia di Campulongu - Situated on Sardinia’s south coast, a short hop from Cagliari, this anchorage offers a beautiful calm bay with lots of space and clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling from the back of the yacht. There is a convenient marina close by with all the usual amenities, as well as a short walk into town.
With its A-lister appeal, rich cultural history and bevy of world-class beaches, Sardinia is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, we advise you to book your yacht charter well in advance of your trip to secure your perfect yacht on your preferred dates. If you leave it too late, the selection of yachts at your disposal will be reduced and you may not be able to explore the destinations you have your heart set on. Plus, finding dates when everyone in your charter party is available can be tricky; the longer you leave it, the more challenging it will be.
Your yacht charter broker will also need plenty of time to tailor an itinerary to suit you, and enough time to book ahead for the nights you wish to spend in marinas. We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance to give your broker the optimum time to organize everything down to the last detail.
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