Arzachena and the Costa Smeralda area offer one of the most attractive charter grounds in Sardinia, where short island hops, stunning anchorages, and elegant marinas create a rich one-week sailing experience. From here, you can easily reach the La Maddalena archipelago, Santa Teresa Gallura, and even the Bonifacio Strait, making the region ideal for varied itineraries. It is a perfect choice for crews who want crystal-clear water, manageable daily distances, and a different atmosphere at every overnight stop. The routes below help you decide whether a relaxed Costa Smeralda loop or a more ambitious plan reaching toward Corsica suits your crew better.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Arzachena?
- Ports and islands around Arzachena
- Sail in Arzachena! Arzachena sailing itineraries
- Marine gas near Arzachena, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
Which month is best for sailing in Arzachena?
The best time for sailing around Arzachena is usually from late May to early July, and again in September. During these weeks, the Costa Smeralda area offers warm but comfortable air, inviting sea temperatures, good visibility and winds that are often lively yet still very manageable for charter sailing.
Spring: In spring, the sailing season slowly comes alive around Arzachena, and the change is felt immediately on the water. In March and April, daytime temperatures are usually around 16–20 °C, rising to roughly 22–25 °C by May. The sea is still fresh, typically around 15–18 °C, so this is more appealing for active crews than for long swimming stops, but the reward is a calmer coastline and quieter anchorages. The local maestrale, the northwesterly Mistral, can arrive with real energy and bring 15–25 knot days, though routes among the islands and sheltered bays are still highly enjoyable when planned well.
Summer: In summer, the waters around Arzachena and the La Maddalena archipelago turn into a classic Mediterranean sailing postcard. From June to August, daytime temperatures generally sit around 27–31 °C, while the sea warms to about 22–26 °C, making life on deck and swim stops an easy part of every day. June and early July often benefit from 10–18 knot thermal breezes, occasionally interrupted by stronger Mistral episodes, while August also brings more calm and gentler days. Water clarity is usually excellent, and the sea is often flat or only lightly rippled in sheltered areas, although more open crossings can become choppier quite quickly. This is peak season, so traffic is noticeably heavier around Porto Cervo, Cannigione and the best-known coves, especially in July and August.
Autumn: Autumn is one of the most rewarding sailing seasons in Arzachena and, for many crews, the most balanced of all. In September, daytime temperatures are still mostly in the 24–28 °C range, while October is more often around 20–24 °C, and the sea keeps much of its summer warmth at roughly 21–24 °C. The summer crowds gradually fade, anchorages feel more spacious, and the coast takes on a calmer, more refined rhythm. Winds become more varied: there are many pleasant 12–20 knot sailing days, but autumn fronts can also bring stronger Mistral conditions above 20 knots. Sea state can therefore change faster than in midsummer, yet the mix of warm water, fresher air and lighter traffic makes this season especially attractive for yacht charter sailing.
Winter: Winter around Arzachena is better suited to experienced sailors or crews who enjoy a quieter, more elemental side of the coast. Daytime temperatures are usually around 12–15 °C, nights are cool, and the sea sits near 13–15 °C. The Mistral is more frequent and often more forceful at this time of year, with 20–30 knot spells not unusual, and the open sea can quickly build short, steeper waves. At the same time, the air is often strikingly clear, visibility can be superb, marinas are quieter, and the Costa Smeralda reveals a more rugged and authentic beauty. Winter chartering here calls for more careful route planning and closer weather watching.
Ports and islands around Arzachena
Poltu Quatu
Arzachena, located near Cannigione, is very popular among sailboat and yacht owners today. Poltu Quato, which opened in 1987, provides 305 berths for boats with a length of 8-35 metres. The depth of water is 3 metres around the entrance and 2 metres in the inner dock. Rent a boat in Arzachena and enjoy complete tranquility as you glide from one beautiful bay to another.
Marina di Cannigione
The natural port in Arzachena Bay can accept 400 yachts with a length of up to 25 metres. The maximum depth is 4.5 metres. They have drinking water, electricity as well as bars and restaurants. Their great services also include laundry and maintenance. Cannigione sailing, Cannigione boat rental
Porto di Santa Teresa Gallura
The port can be found in the Santa Teresa Gallura holiday resort. They have 700 moorings for yachts with a maximum length of 45 metres. The depth of the water is 5 metres. It is a protected port with several great services offered, and there is also a bar and a restaurant here. Santa Teresa Gallura sailing, Boat rental Santa Teresa GalluraInformation about sailing in Santa Teresa Gallura , or boat rental in Santa Teresa Gallura
Marina di Porto Rafael
This small port in the northern part of Sardinia provides 80 berths for boats up to 30 metres long. The maximum depth of water is between 2 and 5 metres. Although small in size, the port is safe, well-equipped and popular among sailors. It is a perfect starting point from where you can explore the smaller islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Porto Cervo Marina
This is one of the best equipped and most welcoming ports on the Adriatic Sea. There are 700 berths available, 100 of which are preserved for yachts passing through. The depth of the water is 1, 7-7 metres. Every berth has running water and electricity.
Marina di Portisco
The port of the city has 589 berths for yachts with a length of 4-90 metres. It is perfectly protected and has all the necessary services sailors may need: running water, electricity, Wi-Fi and fuel supply. sailing in Portisco, yachtcharter Portisco
Marina di Olbia
The port in Olbia provides 270 berths for yachts up to 80 metres long. The maximum depth is 5.2 metres. The protected port offers many great services. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant, and they have a bar as well. Olbia sailing, Olbia boat rental
Sail in Arzachena! Arzachena sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing around Arzachena: Plan for a one-week-long sailing trip
This comfortable one-week loop links some of the most beautiful highlights of Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena with shorter daily passages and plenty of scenic stops. It is a great choice if you want a varied but easy-to-manage charter week, though the more popular marinas are best planned in advance. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Days 1: Arzachena (Poltu Quatu)- Porto Cervo (4.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
This wonderful holiday resort is the centre of Costa Smeralda. It is most famous for the exclusive mansions and hotels as well as its beautiful port. If you visit the place, you should see the Stella Maris Catholic Church, built-in the 20th century. It is characterised by a combination of Sardinian and modern architectural elements. There is a wonderful view of the town and the port from the church. Around the building and inside, you can see several masterpieces of art.
Days 2: Porto Cervo – La Maddalena archipelago (Porto Massimo) (10.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
We sail to the La Maddalena archipelago, which has crystal clear waters and pink sandy beaches. They consider them the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean region. If you are here, you can admire Roman ruins and fortresses. The island of the La Maddalena archipelago include Caprera; you can find the house of the Italian freedom fighter, Guiseppe Garibaldi here. In the house, which functions now as a museum, exhibits simple furniture, family portraits and personal items.
Day 3: La Maddalena (Porto Massimo) – Isola Spargi (Cala Corsara) (5.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
The island with spectacular coves and sandy beaches lies in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia. The Roman Spargi cargo yachtwreck stems from 120 BC. The 35-meter long yacht’s treasures are preserved in the La Maddalena Nino Lamboglia Museum nearby. If you happen to sail by the Spargi Island, definitely visit the fortresses erected in World War I and II.
Day 4: Isola Spargi(Cala Corsara) – Santa Teresa Gallura (8.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Our next destination is Santa Teresa Gallura, the northernmost town in Sardinia. It used to be a fishing village, and today it is a popular resort with beautiful beaches. Capo Testa is located 4 kilometres from here; you can admire granite rocks with a unique shape. Interestingly, this is the only place where several of these special formations can be seen in one spot. Spend the night in the port of Santa Teresa Gallura.
Day 5: Santa Teresa Gallura – Porto Pozzo (Pontili Sintonia) (44.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 7 hours)
Leaving the northernmost city of Sardinia we arrive at Porto Pozzo beside the estuary of the Riu Val di Mela River. You can relax in an unspoiled natural environment in a pleasant atmosphere. If you are here, try the local seafood prepared from the classic recipes at the L’Osteria di Porto Pozzo. All dishes are prepared with fresh fish of the highest quality. Spend the night in the port of Porto Pozzo
Day 6: Porto Pozzo (Pontili Sintonia) – Palau (7.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
After Porto Pozzo, we stop at Palau, which is a significant tourist centre. The symbol of the town is the fascinating, 122-metre-high Capo d’Orso or “Rock of the Bear”; it offers a wonderful view. During the main holiday season, the city has fairs with handicraft items and cultural programmes for tourists.
Day 7: Palau – Baja Sardinia (Cala Bitta) – Arzachena (Poltu Quatu) (8.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
The town has fine beaches, and we can also try different watersports. If you want to let off steam, Baja Sardinia is a perfect tourist destination with many night clubs and bars. Examples include the popular and elegant Phi Beach with a terrace facing the sea. Another famous place is Ritual. It is unique because it is practically carved in a cave. After bringing back the yacht it is worth looking around in Arzachena if you have some time. In the historic centre, you can see the churches Chiesa di Santa Maria and Chiesa di Santa Lucia. It is also definitely worth visiting the nuraghi, which are unique Megalithic structures. They are special as they were built without using binding agents, from granite and basalt. If you are looking for a delicious meal, go to Ristorante Lu Stazzu. Beside the rich selection of dishes, we can also try fine wines and delicious craft beers.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
Sailing from Arzachena: 7 days sailing itinerary (longer)
This 7-day itinerary includes longer legs and more exposed waters, especially on the sections opening toward Corsica, so a reliable weather window and careful daily planning are important. It is ideal for crews who want more than bays and beaches and are looking for a true touring experience between Sardinia and Corsica. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Arzachena (Poltu Quatu) – Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) 20, (49.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 8 hours), Day 2: Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) – Cala Santa Maria 7, (8.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 3: Cala Santa Maria – Porto Vecchio 43, (3.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 30 minutes), Day 4: Porto Vecchio – Bonifacio 46, (2.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 30 minutes), Day 5: Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura 16, (24.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 6: Santa Teresa Gallura – Porto Pozzo 15, (44.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 7 hours), Day 7: Porto Pozzo – Palau – Arzachena (Poltu Quatu) 26, (1.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 30 minutes)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
How to choose an Arzachena sailing route?
- If you want a relaxed and easy charter week: choose the 1-week sailing itinerary with shorter daily distances and simpler stop planning.
- If you want more variety and a bigger cruising circuit: the 7-day Arzachena sailing route is the better fit, with farther destinations and more adventurous crossings.
- If your crew is less experienced: stay around Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena, where the schedule can be adjusted more flexibly.
- If you want to build the trip around weather windows: choose a route that allows you to shorten or skip a longer exposed leg when needed.
Marine gas near Arzachena, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Gavetta: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.211471, 9.404426
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Camiciotto: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.2147, 9.42679
- CAPRERA – Porto Palma: Depth: 9 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.191088, 9.449766
- BONIFACIO: Depth: 3, 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.387925, 9.163037
- PORTO VECCHIO: Depth: 4 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.59104, 9.28352
- SANTA TERESA GALLURA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.2448, 9.20658
- PALAU: Depth: 4 m, VHF: 09, GPS Coordinates: 41.1811, 9.3852
- ARZACHENA – Marina dell’Orso or Poltu Quatu Marina: Depth: 3 m, Working time: in summertime it’s open every day from 8.30-20.30, GPS Coordinates: 41.139006, 9.495669
- CANNIGIONE: Depth: 4, 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.109322, 9.440733
- PORTO CERVO: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.136078, 9.527144
- PORTISCO: Depth: 12 m, Working time: 9-19.30, GPS Coordinates: 41.033888, 9.523888
- PORTO ROTONDO: Depth: 5, 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.029393, 9.543547
- GOLFO ARANCI: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 40.996165, 9.622444
- OLBIA: Depth: 5, 2 m, VHF: 09, GPS Coordinates: 40.916963, 9.524358
- OLBIA – Circolo Nautico: Depth: 2, 5 m, VHF: 12, GPS Coordinates: 40.923281, 9.509794
- ARBATAX: Depth: 10 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 39.937412, 9.704896
If you want to go sailing, Arzachena and its neighbourhood is a great choice; you can expect a pleasant climate and ideal wind conditions here. Regardless of where you dock, you can see unique sights and have a great culinary experience as well.Find yacht routes in Costa Smeralda, or choose another boat rental in Costa Smeralda
Request a quote for an Arzachena-area charter, and we’ll help you choose a route that matches both your yacht and your crew’s pace. Set off well prepared and enjoy the best bays of Costa Smeralda without unnecessary stress.
