Sailing Sardinia, Italy

After Sicily, Sardinia is the largest island in the Mediterranean. A mysterious island for most people; an undiscovered place, an island colonised but never dominated, a Christian land that exudes paganism. It lies 112 miles from Italy’s mainland and 7 miles from Corsica. A large part is hilly and mountainous, with a principal range running north to south down the east coast. Enjoy the magic of the land and people that seem of another age.

Airports in Sardinia

• Alghero Airport to Alghero: 10 km, 20 minutes
• Cagliari Airport to Carloforte: 84.7 km, 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Cagliari Airport to Marina Sant’ Elmo: 10.7 km, 16 minutes
• Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to Cannigione: 30.8 km, 35 minutes
• Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to Portisco: 19.2 km, 27 minutes
• Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to Santa Teresa Gallura: 62.9 km, 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to Olbia: 6.4 km, 12 minutes

Cruising in Sardinia

Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate, and the sailing season runs from May to October. However, it is not an area for beginners. The Mistral, Ponente, and Scirocco winds dominate Sardinia, which can cause challenging conditions. Always check the local weather forecast. Note: This is a protected marine area, be sure never to anchor in sensitive or prohibited areas.

Best Time to Sail Around

The best time for sailing is from April or May to September or October. The area offers ideal weather, but strong winds can occur. The winds are relatively constant on the northern and western coast of Sardinia. The Mistral can occur from the west, and the hot Sirocco from the south/southeast can create sports sailing conditions.

Marinas

Along the Sardinian coast, there are almost 40 marinas, many ports, and anchorages. Sardinia has an excellent infrastructure with modern and comfortable marinas northeast of the island. Marinas in Sardinia can be very expensive in high season. There are good deals on the W/S coast. We found some good deals in Stintino and Santa Teresa Gallura, the home of Rachel for the winter.

Anchorages

You can find excellent anchorages in the north, south, and some down to the west and east coasts. The north is the most popular and, in season, very busy. Many marine reserves check the maps.

Routes

If you are coming from the Balearics, you’ll head to the W-N coasts, maybe visit Bonifacio (Corsica), and one of the harbours around the northern coast of Sardinia, or head for the SW corner of Sardinia, usually Carloforte. It is best to arrive by day, especially to the Strait of Bonifacio, as there are many dangers to navigate around. Plenty of options to sail around, depending on the weather. We arrived from the west to the north.

Food

Pasta, pizza, and lots of seafood – what did you expect?!

Diving in Sardinia

Surfers, divers, sailors – this place is for you! With its many picturesque grottos and rocky shores, Sardinia is a beloved and highly regarded destination for divers.

• Northwest Capo Caccia – numerous tunnels and caves
• Olbia – dive among the ruins of a crashed plane
• Northeast – Capo d’Orso
• North – Capo Testa
• Grotta del Bue Marino in the Golfo di Orosei
• Grotta di Nettuno in Alghero
• Capo Caccia – Nature Preserve
• West (Sinis peninsula) – Capo Teulada and Isla Rossa

Restricted Areas: allowed but with restrictions due to nature conservancy efforts. La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, around the small Asinara and Mal di Ventre islands, Punta Coda Cavallo peninsula with its two islands Tavolara and Molara.