Sardinia yacht charter guide
Sardinia yacht charter guide: Costa Smeralda, hidden landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets
Published 22 avril 2026
A Sardinia yacht charter is a journey of striking contrasts, prized for its golden beaches, remote bays, and sapphire waters. From the world-renowned Costa Smeralda along the island’s northeast coast to the untouched islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, this blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and pristine waters showcases the Mediterranean as its most alluring.
Costa Smeralda: The heart of Sardinian yachting
Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is the beating heart of Sardinian yachting. Looking at it today, it’s hard to believe it was once a wild and largely untouched stretch of the northeast coast, but its transformation in the 1960s under the vision of Prince Karim Aga Khan transformed it into one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive retreats.
Today it’s one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted cruising grounds, blending effortless glamour with raw natural beauty. From the buzz of Porto Cervo to the quiet allure of hidden bays, Costa Smeralda offers a seamless balance of scene and seclusion.
Porto Cervo
Often referred to as the ‘Billionaires’ Playground’, Porto Cervo on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is a natural highlight for any Sardinia yacht charter itinerary. Its glamorous harbour, Porto Cervo Marina, is the place to see and be seen, with superyachts lining the quayside against a backdrop of pastel architecture and designer boutiques.
The town is also home to the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, host of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and an exclusive social hub. For charter guests, Porto Cervo blends effortless style with vibrant energy, making it one of Sardinia’s most iconic stops both on and off the water.
Beach clubs
Costa Smeralda doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, and its beach club scene is where that energy comes alive. Among the most iconic Sardinia beach clubs, Phi Beach stands out, set dramatically among granite rocks on a promontory above the sea for some of the most incredible views and vibrant evenings. For a more polished, international vibe, Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda brings its signature blend of music, dining and laid-back glamour to the island’s shores – securing its place among the most sought-after Costa Smeralda beach clubs and a staple stop on any Sardinia yacht charter.
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
Lying between Corsica and Sardinia, the Italian Maddalena Islands are Sardinia’s natural playground. This protected scattering of largely uninhabited islands offers a striking contrast to the energy of the Costa Smeralda, with tranquil anchorages, sheltered bays and an unmistakable sense of remoteness.
On a La Maddalena yacht charter, guests can island hop between its 55 islands and islets, enjoying long, lazy afternoons of swimming, snorkelling and watersports in waters so clear and brilliantly blue they are often compared to the Caribbean.
Secluded anchorages in Sardinia
Sardinia is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most secluded anchorages, with pristine turquoise waters found throughout its coastline, particularly around La Maddalena Archipelago, the Gulf of Orosei, and the island’s southern shoes. Among the most striking is Cala Coticcio on Caprera, often referred to as ‘Tahiti Beach’ and accessible almost exclusively by sea for a true sense of seclusion.
Elsewhere in the Maddalena group, Cala Corsara and Cala Granara on Spargi Island offer power-soft white sands and shallow, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, and relaxed anchoring away from the crowds.
Beyond the coast: Sardinia’s mountain landscapes
One of the most geologically ancient bodies of land in Europe, Sardinia’s interior boasts mountain ranges and valleys to make any visitor pause in awe. Trekkers will love the many paths and trails that criss-cross Mount Arcuentu – the highest peak of the volcanic chain that runs through the central part of Sardinia. With vertical walls and jagged ridges, hikers are rewarded with views over the Sinis peninsula, the Gulf of Oristano, the Campidano plain and the Arci Mountain.
But perhaps the most spectacular of Sardinia’s inland landscapes is the Gola Su Gorropu on the Supramonte mountain. Often referred to as Italy’s Grand Canyon, it measures just over 450m deep and over a mile wide with numerous hiking trails, rivers for rafting and swimming, and interesting wildlife. There are two main routes through the gorge, the most dramatic being a five-mile trail that weaves through oak woods, by boulder-strewn slopes and cliffside caves. The easier route is a scenic two hour hike that leads to the mouth of the gorge. Whichever route you take, you will be rewarded with some amazing views and adventurous stories to take home.
A sample seven-day Sardinia yacht charter itinerary
A luxury yacht charter around Sardinia is perfect for those looking for a dose of glamour, a spot of culture, and a chance to discover the stunning mountainous scenery. Begin your journey cruising the coastline of the Costa Smeralda and around Porto Cervo, where exclusive restaurants and beautiful beaches are often compared to those of the Caribbean, and evenings are defined by unforgettable Sardinia sunset views over the glittering marinas.
From here, cruise south towards Cagliari, wandering the elegant boulevards and vibrant markets before continuing west to Carloforte, a charming island town shaped by its Ligurian heritage. Anchoring off Alghero, with its Catalan‑influenced old town and nearby sea caves, invites unhurried exploration, before the route turns north to the La Maddalena archipelago for island‑hopping tranquillity ahead of a return to Porto Cervo.
To start thinking about your Burgess Sardinia charter, explore our yachts available in the region.
Start planning your Sardinia yacht charter
Looking to book a luxury yacht charter in Sardinia?
At Burgess, we pride ourselves on crafting unforgettable yachting experiences. With our extensive fleet and decades of experience, we ensure every charter is tailored to perfection. Whether you’re new to yachting or a seasoned sailor, let us take care of the details while you embrace the journey.
Speak to our yacht charter experts and let us organise the ultimate Burgess Mediterranean charter for you today.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Sardinia?
Sardinia follows the typical Mediterranean cruising season, with the best time to charter a yacht running from May to September. May–June and September are the shoulder months, offering mild temperatures, fewer crowds and warm waters for those in search of tranquillity. July and August are peak months for a Sardinia luxury yacht charter, bringing hotter weather, steady sea breezes, and bustling marinas and coastal towns.
Can you combine Sardinia and Corsica on a yacht charter?
Absolutely. Bonifacio, at the southern tip of Corsica, and the La Maddalena archipelago in northern Sardinia sit remarkably close to one another yet feel worlds apart – one French, the other Italian. We’d recommend more than a week to enjoy both properly, but the contrast makes them natural complements and a highly rewarding pairing on a single charter.
What makes Sardinia different from the French Riviera?
While both are icons of Mediterranean yachting, Sardinia and the French Riviera offer very different charter experiences. Sardinia is defined by its sense of privacy and natural beauty: crystal-clear waters, remote anchorages, and dramatic coastal and inland landscapes that feel refreshingly wild.
The French Riviera, by contrast, is more urban and vibrant, famed for its glamorous ports, nightlife and tightly packed hotspots such as Monaco, Cannes and Saint‑Tropez.
If you’re looking for understated luxury and escapism, head to Sardinia. For luxury amenities and a constant social buzz, charter to the French Riviera.
Amalfi Coast or Sardinia?
If you’re considering for a private yacht charter in Italy but can’t decide between the Amalfi Coast or Sardinia, it’s worth thinking about the style of experience you want. Both destinations offer glamorous marinas, upscale restaurants and designer boutiques, but Sardinia stands apart for its wild, unspoilt nature, with greater space, seclusion, and diversity of landscapes both along the coast and inland.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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