Sailing Yacht Charter in Sardinia: Cruise with or without a Skipper

Sardinia is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Sailboat hire in Sardinia starts from around €660 per week depending on the boat, the duration and the season, with or without a skipper. With more than 1,800 kilometres of coastline, over 300 beaches and dozens of coves reachable only from the sea, the island offers crystal-clear water, protected nature and a rich archaeological heritage. From the Maddalena archipelago to the Costa Verde, every stop has its own character, with family, as a couple or with friends.

Why choose Sardinia for a sailing cruise?

Wild and unspoilt, Sardinia charms visitors with its long sandy beaches and turquoise water. The indented coastline alternates between sheltered coves and wide bays, ideal for anchoring for a swim or a dive. Ashore, the Nuragic heritage, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Su Nuraxi near Barumini, extends the cruise into a journey through the island's history.

Where to sail in Sardinia?

Sardinia offers a huge choice of sailing areas, from the Maddalena archipelago in the north-east, by way of the Asinara National Park, to the long beach of Chia in the south, surrounded by lush vegetation.

• The north and the Costa Smeralda: ideal if you love archipelagos and islets, or if you want to reach southern Corsica. The Costa Smeralda gathers the most renowned anchorages and a lively nightlife.
• The east coast, from Olbia to Cagliari: long golden sandy beaches with shallow water. Orosei, Costa Rei and Villasimius are very popular, yet large enough that you can always find a quiet spot.
• The west coast and the Costa Verde: more unspoilt landscapes and less-travelled routes, one of the best surf spots in Sardinia thanks to almost constant winds. Here you will find the Piscinas dunes, vast fine-sand dunes shaped by the Mistral.

To go further, explore the wild Sinis Peninsula in Sardinia and our guide to the islands near Sardinia to discover by boat.

How much does sailboat hire in Sardinia cost?

Sailboat hire in Sardinia starts at around €660 per week and then varies according to the number of cabins, the duration and the season. The table below gives a rough idea of the usual weekly rates.

The price includes, as a rule, the boat hire, the handover and telephone assistance during the cruise. The price does not include fuel, the end-of-stay cleaning package, the deposit, harbour fees during stopovers and provisioning. Small monohulls are available from €660; the higher average price reflects the presence of large yachts and crewed catamarans.

For exact prices and available boats, request a personalised quote from our advisers.

Tips for sailing in Sardinia

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the sailing season runs from May to October, in the best conditions and with water temperatures often above 20°C in summer. Sardinia remains a windy island: take particular care in the Strait of Bonifacio, the stretch of sea separating the island from Corsica, where currents are strong and the wind picks up.

In summer the Mistral (known as the Maestrale on the west coast) is the prevailing wind, especially in the north-west of the island, while the Sirocco, a warm south-easterly, tends to rise in spring and autumn. If you have little experience, opt for sailboat hire in Sardinia with a professional skipper to enjoy your cruise with complete peace of mind.

Do you need a licence to hire a sailing boat in Sardinia?

No, not for coastal sailing: in Italy, you can hire a sailing boat in Sardinia without a licence as long as you stay within 6 nautical miles of the coast. A boating licence becomes mandatory beyond that limit or for the most powerful motorboats (over 40.8 hp).

However, for hire without a skipper, the charter company will ask you to demonstrate genuine sailing experience (a sailing CV, sometimes a list of the cruises you have already completed). If you are a beginner, or if you would rather sail with peace of mind in a windy area such as the Strait of Bonifacio, opt for the hire with a skipper.

Which sailing boat to choose in Sardinia?

The choice of boat depends on your crew, your experience and the level of comfort you are after. Also bear the draught in mind: a shallow draught makes it easier to reach shallow coves and sheltered anchorages.

• The monohull sailing boat: the most common and most affordable option, perfect for experiencing sailing up close and making the most of the Sardinian winds.
• The catamaran: more stable, more spacious and brighter, ideal for groups and families, with generous living space on board. Discover our offers to hire a catamaran in Sardinia, with or without a skipper.

Frequently asked questions about sailboat hire in Sardinia

How much does sailboat hire in Sardinia cost?

Sailboat hire in Sardinia starts at around €660 per week for a small monohull in low season and can exceed €3,500 for a large yacht in high season. On top of the hire price, allow for fuel, the cleaning package, the deposit and any harbour fees.

What is the best time to sail in Sardinia?

The season runs from May to October. June and September offer the best balance of weather, wind and crowds: mild conditions, manageable winds and less crowded anchorages than at the height of summer. July and August are the busiest months.

Do you need experience to sail in Sardinia?

For hire without a skipper, yes: the currents and wind in the Strait of Bonifacio call for confidence at the helm. The east and south coasts are more accessible. If you are a beginner, opt for the hire with a skipper.

What winds blow in Sardinia?

In summer the Mistral (Maestrale) dominates, especially on the north-west coast and in the Strait of Bonifacio, where it can blow strongly. The Sirocco, a warm south-easterly, tends to rise in spring and autumn.

Can you sail in Sardinia with children?

Yes: the more sheltered east and south coasts, with their shallow water, are well suited to families. A catamaran, stable and spacious, is often the most comfortable choice with children, and hire with a skipper lets you sail with complete peace of mind.

How far is Sardinia from Corsica by boat?

The Strait of Bonifacio, which separates the two islands, is about 11 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point. From the north of Sardinia, you can therefore reach Corsica in a few hours' sailing, depending on wind and current conditions.

Where do cruises in Sardinia depart from?

The main departure bases are in the north (Olbia, Portisco, Cannigione, La Maddalena) for the Costa Smeralda and the archipelago, as well as in the south (Cagliari, Carloforte) for the south coast and the Sulcis.

Ready to cast off? Compare the available sailing boats, request your free quote and hire your sailing boat in Sardinia for an unforgettable cruise.

Good to know