Read on to find out about the best summer yacht charter destinations in Corsica and Sardinia guide, including Bonifacio and the Costa Smeralda. When booking a charter yacht with 212 Yachts your won’t miss out on the best spots to visit. While you cruise along the coastline in luxury and style.
Corsica Guide, the best yacht destinations
With temperatures in summer averaging around 22-28.5 degrees Celsius, you will definitely want to get yourselves in the water! Fortunately, Corsica is incredibly diverse and versatile for private yachts with its sandy, rocky and pebbly beaches, sheer cliffs, picturesque coves and plenty of anchorages. Here are our top must see Corsica Guide destinations for your charter:
Ajaccio
Many charterers start their Corsica voyage from the island’s capital: Ajaccio. Port Tino Rossi in Ajaccio is popular among holidaymakers, many of whom are attracted by its historic sites and thriving café scene. As the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, there’s plenty of history to absorb as well as some excellent beaches to lounge at such as the Iles Sanguinaires. Or visit the less touristy southern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio, where you can laze at Isolella.
Corsica has over 2000 kilometres of nature trails and many areas of unspoiled natural beauty. You could meander along the Chemin des Crêtes that overlooks the bay of Ajaccio.
If you’re looking for a cultural excursion, why not visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Fesch, established following the gift of the palace by its owner: Cardinal Joseph Fesch (uncle of Napoleon I). Today, it houses a Napoleonic collection and fine artworks from Italian masters. You can also see relics from his early years at Maison Bonaparte, his childhood home.
While at sea, cruise by the four islets of red granite that make up the Sanguinaires Islands – located close to Ajaccio and accessible only by boat. Here, you’ll likely encounter seabirds and dolphins.
Head to Campomoro in the Southwest
Steeped in history, it is worth visiting some of Campomoro’s megalithic sites, Genoese fortifications and Romanesque churches. You can really see the influence of different civilisations. If you anchor in the Gulf of Valinco, ensure you make time to go ashore and see the most significant prehistoric site on Corsica. Filitosa has a series of granite menhirs spanning from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age.
Bonifacio
Of course no Corsica guide would be complete without mentioning the stunning Bonifacio. Approaching Bonifacio by private yacht is incredibly evocative – hilltop fortifications and a citadel sit on the limestone clifftop. You can spend the day swimming at Roccapina beach west of Bonifacio, or Cavallo Island.
From the sea, there are several caves at sea level that can only be seen by boat, such as the Grotte de S’Dragulinu (the cave of the little dragon). Or from Bonifacio, drop anchor near the Lavezzi Islands (a designated marine reserve) and dive in the clear turquoise waters.There is also the Reserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, for nature-lovers.
Or, for a cultural trip, visit the historically-listed Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure which is the oldest building in Bonifacio and traditional Corsican butcher and cheese shops. Corsican specialities include: chestnut bread, ewe’s milk cheese, cured meats, wild boar stew or sea bass.
Sardinia by yacht
Olbia
Located in northern Sardinia, Olbia is predominantly still a transit city for those going towards the beaches or the airport, but it’s worth spending a few hours exploring the picturesque lanes and beaches.
Head West
Il Pescatore Restaurant has a great view across the port and a delightful atmosphere. Or why not visit La Pelosa beach, arguably the most popular beach in Sardinia. Which is located opposite the island of Asinara. Imagine clear, shallow waters and bright, white sand, and soon you’ll think you’re in paradise.
If you’ve got some time to explore Alghero, be sure to spend a morning walking around the city walls and finding the Cathedral. And if you’re not afraid of heights, we suggest a day trip to Capo Caccia. Where you’ll be stunned by the magnitude of the stalagmites and stalactites of Grotto Di Nettuno. And where you’ll be able take a swim off the Parco Nazionale dell Asinara. Also, Nautilus, situated in the oldest quarter of Alghero and overlooking the port, is a fabulous seafood restaurant serving locally-caught produce.
Or Head East
Cala Brandinchi – nicknamed by the locals as ‘little Tahiti’, referring to its emerald water – is certainly worth a visit. Just north of Costa Smeralda, lies la Maddalena Archipelago, composed of seven large islands and 55 islets. Until 2008, when the island’s NATO naval base closed, the archipelago remained virtually undiscovered by tourists. Our favourite beaches on the island include Cala Soraya, Spiaggia Rosa and Bassa Trinita. However, access is limited to private yacht only, so very exclusive!
Costa Smeralda, also known as the Stintino coastline, is a stretch of land along the northeast coast known for its turquoise water and fine-sand beaches, including Grande Pevero and Capriccioli.
If you are in the area, it is worth checking out the Hotel Cala di Volpe – a luxury hotel on the Costa Smeralda – which has two bars open to the public: Bar Pontile (a stylish, outdoor bar with sea views and ideal for sunset hour) and the Lobby and Atrium bar (a slightly smarter indoor option). Its Barbecue Restaurant is also very popular.
But by far the highlight of any visits to Sardinia has to be the Agriturismos. These quaint restaurants, usually located in small farmhouses off the beaten track with gorgeous outdoor seating. And specialise in fresh, home cooked meals, usually consisting of several courses! Popular Agriturismos include:
- Agriturismo Nuraghe Tuttusoni
- Turismo Rurale Filieri
- Agriturismo Corda Tonino E Sabina
- Agriturismo Su Connottu
- Tanca ‘e Gaia
- Agriturismo Muru Idda
Expert advice on your Corsica and Sardinia Yacht Charter
Contact our team of charter experts today to start planning the ultimate yacht charter exploring Sardinia and Corsica! With access to the world’s largest yacht database, years of experience and our bespoke concierge service – including making restaurant reservations and booking restaurants – 212 Yachts is on hand every step of the way to help make your dream charter a reality.