Boats for Rent in Provincia della Gallura Nord-Est Sardegna

Costa Smeralda is northeast Sardinia's premier yacht charter base, and its character is firmly that of a bareboat sailing ground — a deep fleet of 36–46 ft monohulls and 40–46 ft catamarans, backed by skippered and crewed sailing yachts, all-inclusive crewed motor yachts of 50–80 ft, and day charter...

Costa Smeralda is northeast Sardinia's premier yacht charter base, and its character is firmly that of a bareboat sailing ground — a deep fleet of 36–46 ft monohulls and 40–46 ft catamarans, backed by skippered and crewed sailing yachts, all-inclusive crewed motor yachts of 50–80 ft, and day charters by RIB or motor yacht for archipelago excursions. Most charters begin at Marina di Portisco, the busiest bareboat base in the region, around 25 minutes from Olbia airport. Other departure points are Marina di Olbia (the closest base to the airport, 15–25 minutes), Cannigione in the Golfo di Arzachena at the doorstep of the islands, the prestige berths of Marina di Porto Cervo, plus Porto Rotondo and the gateway port of Palau.

The cruising heart is the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, reachable in one to two hours from any base. A realistic seven-day loop covers roughly 60–80 NM over six sailing days. From Portisco, Olbia or Cannigione, a short first hop ends overnight at Cannigione or Porto Cervo. Day two crosses to Caprera to anchor at Porto Palma or Cala Garibaldi, the island linked to La Maddalena by the Passo della Moneta causeway. Then come Spargi and the turquoise swim-stop of Cala Corsara; Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, where you view the famous Spiaggia Rosa pink beach from the water, as landing is forbidden. Provision at La Maddalena town, then route home via Porto Cervo, Cala di Volpe or Tavolara island off the coast near Olbia.

The prevailing summer wind is the Mistral, or Maestrale, a north-westerly blowing a typical 10–20 knots. It funnels and accelerates through the Strait of Bonifacio, gaining 3–6 knots and sometimes reaching 30–40. A secondary southerly Scirocco also occurs. Conditions are moderate: the protected archipelago waters are gentle and forgiving, but granite reefs, rocky shoals, gusty acceleration zones around La Maddalena and busy summer anchorages make this harder than a true beginner ground. The 7 NM crossing to Corsica's Lavezzi islands, Bonifacio and Cavallo is a clear step up, not for first-timers in a fresh Mistral.

The season runs May to October. July and August are the warm, busy peak; late June and September are the sweet spot, with good wind, warm water and lower prices and crowds. Summer air sits around 25–35°C and the sea reaches roughly 23–27°C from June to August. The spring and autumn shoulders are warm too, but the Mistral arrives more often and blows stronger outside high summer.

Provisioning is straightforward at the marinas and at La Maddalena town mid-cruise. Bareboat charters require the skipper to hold a recognised qualification such as the ICC; if you do not sail, a skippered or fully crewed boat is easy to arrange. One rule is non-negotiable: the National Park permit is mandatory for every vessel from May to October — buy it online in advance, as inspections happen on entry. Anchor only on sand, never on Posidonia seagrass, and picture your boat swinging quietly off Cala Corsara as the granite glows at dusk.