Sailing Through Sardinia: From La Maddalena to the Wild South

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through crystal-clear waters, anchoring in hidden coves, and discovering charming coastal towns, Sardinia is the place for you.

This Mediterranean gem offers everything a sailor could wish for: the glamorous bays of Costa Smeralda, the untouched beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, and a rugged eastern coastline that feels wild and untamed.

What makes sailing here truly unforgettable is the mix of freedom and surprise. The weather can shift quickly, turning a carefully planned route into a spontaneous adventure. But that’s part of the magic, sometimes the change of course brings you to places even more spectacular than the ones you had in mind.

On our own trip, we set out from Olbia with the plan to explore La Maddalena, but when the weather turned, we sailed south instead. What started as a detour became the highlight of our journey: quiet anchorages, dramatic cliffs, and small towns that captured our hearts.

So, if you’re curious what a week of sailing in Sardinia looks like, here’s a glimpse of our route, the coves we swam in, the ports we docked at, and the unexpected adventures we found along the way.

Day 1: Olbia to Golfo Pevero

We set off from Olbia just as the sun was rising, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and gold. The sea was calm, the morning air fresh, and it felt like the perfect start to our sailing adventure. Watching the coastline fade behind us as the day began was magical, an unforgettable way to begin the journey.

First, we made a short stop at Cala Moresca in Golfo Aranci, a charming little bay ideal for a swim.

Later, we dropped anchor at Isola di Mortorio, marveling at the turquoise waters surrounding the island.

By evening, we reached Golfo Pevero, which is a beautiful bay near Porto Cervo, known for its calm, clear waters and soft sandy beaches. It’s a great spot to drop anchor for the night and relax, and you can easily take a short trip into Porto Cervo if you feel like a walk or a bite to eat. The whole area feels a bit luxurious but still very welcoming, with plenty of space to enjoy the sea and sun.

Day 2: Exploring La Maddalena Archipelago

The next morning, we sailed north towards Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, eager to explore its famous coves. We revisited Isola di Mortorio for another swim.

Then we cruised into the breathtaking Cala Coticcio and Cala Serena.

Cala Coticcio is one of the most beautiful spots in the La Maddalena Archipelago. People often call it “Tahiti” because of its clear, turquoise water and soft sand. It’s a small cove surrounded by pink granite rocks, and you can only get there by boat or a pretty long hike. When you drop anchor, it feels like you’re in a natural swimming pool, calm, crystal-clear, and perfect for a swim or a bit of snorkeling.

Cala Serena is a tiny, peaceful cove in the La Maddalena Archipelago. The water here is calm and super clear, perfect for a relaxing swim. It’s surrounded by low cliffs and greenery, so it feels really private and quiet.

The day ended in the town of La Maddalena, where we docked for the night, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the archipelago.

Day 3: Chasing the Sun Southwards

Unfortunately, halfway through our trip, the weather took a turn for the worse. To stay safe, we decided to head south. Our first stop was the serene Spiaggia di Capo Coda Cavallo Cove. It is a beautiful, calm cove with soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s a perfect spot to drop anchor, take a swim, and just relax for a while.

Then we went to Porto Ottiolu, where we spent the evening walking along its lovely forested promenade.

Day 4: Along the Eastern Coast

We continued our journey along the coast, spotting the medieval fortress of Posada perched on a hilltop. After anchoring at La Caletta, we explored the town and soaked in the historic atmosphere.

Day 5: Cala Gonone and the Stunning East Coast

Sailing further south, we anchored near the Grotte di Dorgali and Cala Luna, both incredible spots for snorkeling and photography.

We pressed on to admire the dramatic cliffs leading to Punta Goloritze, but the approaching storm forced us to turn back and seek shelter in Cala Gonone.

Day 6: Tavolara and Return to Olbia

On our final day, we rose early to catch the calm morning seas and stopped at Isola Tavolara, anchoring at Spiaggia Spalmatore di Terra Cove. It was the perfect spot for a last swim and to take in Sardinia’s stunning coastline.

By afternoon, we sailed back to Olbia, ending our journey with memories of turquoise waters, hidden coves, and the unexpected adventure of chasing the sun.

A big thank you to the Sunset and Sails Team, who made the whole experience easy, safe, and unforgettable. Their guidance and local knowledge turned our days at sea into the best kind of Sardinian escape.

Dive into our full collection of sailing adventures and get inspired for your next voyage.