SARDINIA & CORSICA
Immersed in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia and Corsica represent two complementary faces of a nature as wild as heavenly: separated from the Bocca di Bonifacio, the two islands share crystal waters and breathtaking scenery, confirming each year themselves as one of the most desirable destinations by tourists eager to range from good food, tradition and elite tourism of the Italian side to the naturalistic, sporting and more eco-sustainable adventures offered by the French island.
The Marina di Olbia, just 10 minutes away from Olbia airport, is the ideal starting point to set sail from the elegant Costa Smeralda through the Maddalena archipelago, the unforgettable coves and the unique baths among the two coasts.
SARDINIA
The north-eastern coast of Sardinia shows off the best tourist offer of the island: here you can wander from the boutiques of elegant coastal villages to delicious dinners in the city squares near the sea, from the nightlife preferred by jet-set travelers to myriad of coves and unforgettable beaches that connect the Costa Smeralda to Corsica, making these shining waters one of the most intriguing and renowned Italian itineraries, especially for sailors.
In addition to Porto Cervo – with its natural harbor, good food and its famous aperitifs – two of the most famous and popular beaches of the entire coast, Cala Liscia Ruja and Piccolo Pevero, lie just a few miles from the marina: ideal spots to stop and enjoy nice baths before crossing La Maddalena and its National Park composed of 7 islands. Caprera, the first on our route, offers anchorage in Cala Coticcio – the most important bay renown as “Tahiti of Sardinia” – and memorable baths at Cala Portese and Cala Garibaldi, a bay known to snorkelling lovers, scuba-divers and windsurfers. The island also houses a museum, the Compendio Garibaldino, once the last home of the “hero of the two worlds” Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Sailing along the southern coast of La Maddalena it is possible to find shelter in the suggestive little historical port of Cala Gavetta, or in the enchanting beach of Cala Francese before leaving for the island of Spargi, third in size and home to one of the most famous spots of the archipelago: Cala Corsara, an enchanting bay set among crystalline waters and jagged beaches where the sand alternates with the rocks emerging from the water. A small paradise where you can immerse yourself along the way – along with the enchanting bays of the islands of Budelli and Razzoli – before leaving for the coast of Corsica.
CORSICA
The southern side of Corsica is a surprising mixture of natural treasures, prehistoric sites and architectural heritage. Nature and recreation, relaxation and nautical activities, sandy beaches and unspoiled sea beds.
The Island of Lavezzi, and the surrounding stacks, will welcome visitors on French territory with their white rocky coasts; the island is part of the Natural Reserve of the Bocche di Bonifacio and is a destination chosen by lovers of snorkeling and birdwatching thanks to the variety of the birdlife and the emerged and underwater flora. Cala Lazzarina is the recommended mooring before going along the enchanting strip of sea that connects Lavezzi to Isola di Cavallo with its elegant private beaches, and the secret bays set between granite spurs, sheltered by crystal clear waters: a difficult stretch to cross by boat but which represents a true paradise for immersionists.
Take advantage of this route to spot the marvelous Isola Piana, an islet not far from the coasts of Corsica where the waters fade from the deepest blue to the white of the seabed, and a 150 meter walkable natural pool is the most impressive entrance to the Spiaggia dello Sperone, on the Corsican banks.
From here, the eastern coast offers enchanting destinations: starting with the picturesque Porto Vecchio and the Palombaggia beach – a natural paradise painted between red rocks, thin white sand and green maritime pines, facing the peaceful archipelago of the Cerbicales islands – then sailing down to La Rondinara, where the colors of the coast continue close to turquoise waters, a destination loved by the immersionists and the many families who love to sunbathe by the beach.
The Marina of Bonifacio is the reference berth in the South of Corsica: it is in these waters that you will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island, with the sun going down the Bocche di Bonifacio and the features of Sardinia on the horizon.
