Yacht charter, sailboat and catamaran in Macinaggio

   By Carla GIMENEZ 

June 9, 2021

• What to do in Macinaggio?
• The most beautiful ports of call from Macinaggio
• When to set sail for your cruise to Macinaggio?
• How do I get there?
• What boat license is required?

"We had a superb week, between wild beaches and isolated coves, we had a great time! We took advantage of the skipper's presence to let him guide us and make the most of our vacation. Since then, I've passed my boat license and we can't get enough of discovering Corsica from a different angle," Pascal Aumaille, a Filovent customer, tells me . Happy to share his cruising experience, he set off for a week at the end of September with his wife.

Located on the northeast coast of Corsica, Macinaggio is the ideal point of departure for exploring Cap Corse, between the Agriates desert, the islands of Tuscany and Bonifacio… Yacht chartering at Macinaggio allows you to escape into nature and discover fine sandy beaches and wild coves hauled in alongside the boat's side by chestnut and olive trees and windmills.

What is there to do in Macinaggio?

Blending wild beauty, authenticity and conviviality, Macinaggio has all the ingredients sought by tourists in search of rest and tranquility. Located on the north coast of the island of Beauty, this charming little port at the foot of the village of Tomino is surrounded by incredibly generous nature. Dream beaches, photogenic coves, typical houses and windmills are therefore on the menu for your next vacation in Macinaggio.

The marina at Macinaggio offers vacationers numerous hiking possibilities. History enthusiasts will enjoy strolling through the center of Rogliano, home to a number of ancient monuments. Be sure to visit this town with its rich historical heritage, such as the Castello de San Colombano. This ruined medieval fortress was built in the 12th century and once served as a link between Corsica and Genoa. Following the coastline, you will reach the towers that characterize and enhance it, such as the remains of the Tower of Santa-Maria-della-Chiappella or the Tower of della Parrocchia, dating from the 15th century.

The most beautiful ports of call from Macinaggio

Sailing itineraries from Macinaggio are as diverse as they are numerous. You can sail serenely in the Tyrrhenian Sea and discover the Tuscan archipelago and its many islands… You can also set off for Bonifacio, about a hundred nautical miles from your base of departure, Macinaggio. "We had planned to sail along the Corsican coast to Bonifacio. The skipper advised us to take a different sailing itinerary, with winds more favorable to sailing. So we set a course for the Tuscan archipelago," says Pascal Aumaille, a Filovent customer.

Tuscan Archipelago: Elba

The Tuscan archipelago is a group of Italian islands located halfway between Tuscany and Corsica, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The major islands of this archipelago are yours to discover thanks to your yacht charter in Corsica. Between the islands of Elba, Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio, Gorgona and Giannutri, you will have plenty to do!

The main island, Elba, is 10 km from Tuscany. You can take a stroll through the island's small, traditional villages: Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Rio Marina are well worth a visit. "We took advantage of this cruise to do lots of activities: hiking in the hinterland, trips in the Zodiac, paddleboarding and diving. It was really fun!" Pascal Aumaille tells me. For an unusual experience, take the cable car up to Mount Capanne. From up there, you'll have the most beautiful view of the island.

Bonifacio

From Macinaggio, if you are staying for two weeks, you can set off to explore Bonifacio by sailboat. You will reach the Finocchiarola islands and their superb beaches. If you're looking for peace and quiet, you'll have plenty of opportunity to relax as you stroll to the ruins of the ancient tower. You can also relax and enjoy the sun on the pebbly and sandy beach of Santa Maria. Once you arrive in Bonifacio, set off to explore this pretty, characterful town. When you arrive at the port, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape, with the turquoise water and the colors of the town. We recommend climbing Bonifacio hill to enjoy an exceptional view more than 60 meters above the sea. To get there, you can take the stairs that lead from the port to the top of the city. The view from the top is incredible! On your way back down, linger in the narrow streets of the historic center of Bonifacio before leaving for Macinaggio.

When to set off on your cruise to Macinaggio?

Macinaggio enjoys the Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. We recommend that you visit betweenApril and November. During the high season, temperatures can rise to 30°C and the sea to 25°C!

The sailing conditions in Upper Corsica are good, but beware of the southerly wind that frequently blows in this region. The winds are generally stronger around gulfs and when adjusting course and speed around island headlands. "We would take shelter from the wind, especially in the evening when it was blowing hard," Pascal told me.

How do I get there?

To get to Macinaggio, you canfly. From France, many airports offer flights to Bastia, with or without stopover(s), located only 45 kilometers from Rogliano. Depending on your dates of stay, you can find direct flights at low prices with an average duration of 2 hours from the airports of Paris CDG and Orly, Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Toulouse. You can also take the ferry from the ports of Nice, Toulon and Marseille, with ferries making the daily crossing to Bastia.

Once you arrive in Bastia, you can reach Macinaggio by bus or taxi. The easiest way is by taxi, which will drop you off at the Macinaggio marina without having to go through the bus station, unlike the bus. The journey takes just under an hour, so make the most of the scenery as you travel along the side of the boat.

What kind of boat license is required?

In France, you must have a boat license (coastal or offshore) to operate a motorboat. To skipper a sailboat, however, this is not compulsory; you will simply need to fill in a nautical CV attesting to sufficient previous nautical experience. You can also take the skipper option to let a professional steer your boat and enjoy the scenery!