Corsica or Sardinia - which island is better?

Located off the western coast of Italy is a diverse group of islands that you will undoubtedly want to add to your Mediterranean yacht charter bucket list. Although they are relatively close to one another, Sardinia and Corsica (and its diminutive neighbour Elba) each offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors, especially those travelling by luxury yacht.

But which island is better and how to decide on the one that is best for you? Both possess a distinctive blend of culture and beaches, watersports and nature so it’s a tough call to make for even the most savvy of travellers. Here’s a run-down of the main attractions on Corsica and Sardinia when enjoying a superyacht charter.

The peak yachting season for visits to Corsica and Sardinia is June to August, when you will find buzzing port towns, warm air and pleasant sea temperatures. There is a vibrant social scene at this time of year, with an abundance of shoreside activities as well as options for sporting endeavours on and in the water.

One thing to note is that the summer months bring with them occasional strong winds blowing an average of 15 days a month, which makes them ideal if you enjoy sailing, racing in regattas or sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Ajaccio

Ajaccio, the charming capital city of Corsica, is located on the western coast of the island and is home to a variety of cultural highlights for history and art enthusiasts. These include the baroque 16th century cathedral Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Ajaccio, the Musée Feche museum of fine arts, and the Maison Bonaparte, a museum in the ancestral home of the former French emperor.

Wake early and pull on your hiking shoes for a walk up to the Tête de Mort for a stunning panoramic views across the city before descending to the shoreline on the 90-minute loop before breakfast back on your charter yacht.

Bastia

The second most populous town in Corsica, Bastia is bustling and pretty spot home to picturesque squares, local fishermen and an ancient citadel that dates back to 1380. Hiking is a popular activity along the wild peninsula to the north of Bastia, known as 'le Cap Corse', where you will find many of the historical Genoese towers dotted along the undulating shoreline.

Bastia is the closest Corsican town to the nearby island of Elba, a popular stop on superyacht charters thanks to its multitude of secluded beaches backing onto a lush and mountainous landscape. The island’s largest town is Portoferraio, a historical port that accommodates superyachts up to 65m; here you will find the house that Napoleon Bonaparte occupied during his exile as well as the 16th century Medici fortress.

To the east of Bonifacio, the coastline is dominated by rugged, towering cliffs with a number of trails. A tender tour to the west of Bonifacio reveals numerous secluded coves including the magical Grotte de Sdragonato, while the protected Fazzio beach is a great snorkelling spot for all the family.

South-east of Bonifacio en route to Sardinia you will find the Lavezzi Islands Nature Reserve, offering 80,000 hectares of scuba diving including the famous 'Grouper City', which is renowned for the massive fish species that can reach up to 100kg and 1.5m in length; there are also plenty of snorkelling opportunities for non-scuba divers within the reserve.

Golfo di Sogno

The Golfo di Sogno is located near the busy town of Porto Vecchio to the south-east of Corsica, with a backdrop of lush green hills in the distance. It is protected from the elements, making it a great anchorage.

Palombaggia beach

Enjoy paddleboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding in the bay or ride in a tender to one of the many secluded beaches for a romantic BBQ dinner set up by the crew. From the Golfo di Sogno you are just a short distance to Palombaggia beach, a must-see stop on any yacht charter to Corsica with its vast golden sands and bright blue water.

Carloforte

Carloforte is located on the volcanic Isola di San Petro off the south-west coast of Sardinia. Founded by a colony of Ligurian fishers, the quaint town offers a chance to step back in time and slow the pace of life while sipping on a cappuccino in a bustling cobbled square. Take a tour of the island by jeep to discover its wild coastal landscape studded with fragrant Aleppo pine trees, then explore the various inlets and coves with a private expedition on your charter yacht’s tender.

Castelsardo

On the northern coast of Sardinia, the historic town of Castelsardo is dominated by an ancient castle that presides over the coastline. Founded by a family from Genoa in the 12th century, the town is a fascinating place to visit, whiling away a few hours exploring the winding lanes and purchasing some of the woven baskets for which Castelsardo is renowned.

Cagliari

In the heart of Sardinia’s southern coastline you will find Cagliari, the island’s capital. There is a wide range of cultural highlights on offer, including the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral Santa Maria e Santa Cecilia and the archaeological museum.

Cagliari

A feast for the eyes, the medieval city is dominated by a melange of colourful palazzi, domed roofs and fortified ancient ramparts. Explore the city’s boutiques and winding alleyways before enjoying an early evening aperitif in the port, then head back to your charter yacht for a delicious dinner of local produce while soaking up the views as the sun sets over the horizon.

Alghero

In the north-west of Sardinia, Alghero is celebrated for its vast selection of pristine beaches, many of which have been awarded blue flag status for the quality of their waters. The beaches often back onto fragrant pine trees groves and are flanked by craggy white rocks rising up from the sea, while the sands are powder-soft and the waters gin-clear.

Alghero

While some beaches are more popular with tourists and locals, an advantage to visiting by charter yacht is that you have the flexibility for a tender to speed you along the shoreline until you spot the perfect place to relax and soak up the surroundings. Aim for the stretch between Fertilia and Porto Conte, where you will be able to find a completely private spot for a beach BBQ all to yourselves.

Pula

Situated a short distance down the coast from Cagliari, Pula’s beaches on the south coast of Sardinia are a highlight of any yacht charter to the island. Guests who enjoy watersports will be particularly drawn to the locality, as surfers and kitesurfers are provided with great conditions.

Pula 

Thanks to the strong summer breezes that blow an average of 15 days a month, kite surfers can enjoy waves of up to five metres. Meanwhile, the stunning Su Giudeu beach in Chia, located near Pula, has golden sand dunes backing onto a lagoon that is home to a flock of bright pink flamingos.