Cannigione is one of the best starting points in northern Sardinia if you want to explore the elegant ports of Costa Smeralda, the crystal-clear bays of the La Maddalena archipelago, and some of the region’s most iconic coastal scenery within a single week. From here, you can plan a relaxed itinerary with manageable daily legs or choose a more demanding route with more open-water passages. The area combines sheltered anchorages, dramatic rocky coastlines, and authentic Mediterranean marina atmosphere. The routes below help you decide which charter week best suits your crew and sailing experience.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Cannigione?
- Where to sail from Cannigione? – ports and islands
- Sail in Cannigione! Cannigione sailing itineraries
- Marine gas near Cannigione, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
Which month is best for sailing in Cannigione?
The best time for sailing from Cannigione is usually late May to June, and again September, when the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant, and the wind is lively yet generally manageable.
Spring: In spring, Cannigione and the Gulf of Arzachena gradually come to life, and this is one of the most appealing periods for the yacht charter community. From April to late May, daytime temperatures are typically around 17–24 °C, while the sea is still fresh at roughly 15–18 °C, though the air already feels bright and comfortably mild. The northwesterly Mistral often brings clear, dry conditions, with winds around 10–20 knots and occasional stronger spells, especially toward the La Maddalena archipelago and the Strait of Bonifacio. Inside the gulfs and bays the sea is usually more orderly, while more exposed stretches can become choppier on windier days. Marinas and anchorages are still relatively calm, which gives this coast a refined, early-season charm without the summer rush.
Summer: Summer turns Cannigione into a true Mediterranean charter base. From June through August, daytime highs usually range from 27 to 31 °C, the sea warms to around 22–25 °C, and the long sunny days are ideal for short island-hopping passages. The Mistral remains the defining wind in the area, but during settled high-pressure periods thermal breezes also build, so mornings are often gentler and afternoons commonly develop into 10–18 knot sailing conditions, sometimes fresher in exposed channels. The sea is often smoother in sheltered bays, while the Strait of Bonifacio can become noticeably more demanding as wind and sea state build quickly there. This is the high season, so in July and August marinas, anchorages and the best-known coves become busier, and the Costa Smeralda shows its most vibrant and glamorous side.
Autumn: Autumn is especially attractive around Cannigione, particularly in September and early October. Air temperatures generally stay between 20 and 27 °C, while the sea often remains around 20–23 °C, which still makes swimming and relaxed evenings at anchor very enjoyable. The summer crowds begin to thin out, yet the wind can still deliver excellent sailing days: the northwesterly Mistral remains common, though warmer and more humid southerly or southeasterly flows can also appear from time to time. Changes in the weather tend to show more quickly on open water, so autumn sailing calls for slightly more attentive passage planning, but in return the light is softer, the anchorages quieter, and the waters around La Maddalena feel especially elegant and serene.
Winter: In winter, Cannigione becomes quieter and more understated, but still very characterful for sailors. From December to February, daytime temperatures are usually around 12–15 °C, nights often fall to 7–10 °C, and sea temperatures sit at roughly 14–15 °C. The Mistral is generally stronger and more frequent at this time of year, with 20-knot-plus days not uncommon, especially on more northerly exposed stretches and near the strait. Offshore waters can look distinctly more rugged and energetic, while the more protected parts of the Gulf of Arzachena still offer shelter. Traffic is minimal, the coastline feels calm and stripped back, and the winter season is best suited to sailors who enjoy the more dramatic, wind-shaped face of the Mediterranean.
Where to sail from Cannigione? – ports and islands
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. Rent a boat in Cannigione and experience what it feels like when everything is perfectly timed – the sunset, the sea, and freedom.
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.
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 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
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 Cannigione! Cannigione sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSEOne wekk ailing trip around Cannigione
This 7-day route offers comfortable and scenic island hopping from Cannigione, focusing on the highlights of Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena archipelago. It is a great choice if you want a varied charter week without committing to more demanding offshore passages. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Cannigione – Palau (6.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
First, we are sailing to Palau, which is an important port town and holiday resort. Its beautiful beach, which is ideal for swimming, attracts a lot of tourists. If you visit the place, you should definitely see the rugged mountains, unique valleys and giant granite rocks. For instance, there is the Capo d’Orso or “Rock of the Bear”, which got its name from bear-shaped granite rock. During the main season, you must see the craft market or take part in the cultural programmes.
Day 2: Palau – Porto Pozzo (7.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Our next destination is Porto Pozzo, located near the mouth 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 3: Porto Pozzo – Santa Teresa Gallura (7.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
The popular resort has a wonderful beach. Capo Testa is only 4 kilometres from here; it is the most beautiful natural beauty of Northern Sardinia. This is the only place with so many of these unique rock formations located on the same spot. They organise a fish festival in July where you can try the delicious grilled fish and the famous Vermentino wine.
Day 4: Santa Teresa Gallura – Cala Santa Maria (9.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
After that, we are going to sail to the island of Santa Maria near Corsica, where you can choose to dock at two places. Cala Muro Bay is located in the northeastern part of the island, and Cala Santa Maria is in the southeastern region. The latter is one of the most significant coastal sights on the island where you can enjoy peace and quiet in a beautiful environment. The bay has crystal clear water known for its turquoise colour. You can explore some very interesting spots on the island, for instance, the remains of a medieval monastery. They say that Benedictine monks used to use the place as a shelter.
Day 5: Cala Santa Maria – La Maddalena archipelago (Cala Gavetta) (6.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
There is a town here with the same name, which is a popular port town and one of the military bases of the Italian navy. Maddalena, which has an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere, has great bars, restaurants and several shops. Another member of the archipelago is Caprera Island, famous mainly for the Italian freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi. Visit the house where he used to live; it functions as a museum today, and you can see different furniture, family portraits and personal items.
Day 6: La Maddalena archipelago – Porto Cervo (8.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Our destination is Porto Cervo, the centre of the Emerald Coast, which has become a luxurious holiday resort during the years. You can see exclusive mansions, hotels and giant yachts here. The snow-white Church of the town, Stella Maris is also a must-see sight; it is characterised by a combination of Sardinian and modern architectural elements. Porto Cervo is one of the best-equipped ports on the Adriatic Sea; they also organise international sailing competitions from May to September.
Day 7: Porto Cervo – Baja Sardinia – Cannigione (7.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
After Porto Cervo, we are sailing to Baja Sardinia and its fine beaches. You can try exciting watersports such as surfing, sailing or scuba diving here. Are you looking for entertainment? There are many great night clubs and bars in Baja Sardinia. We particularly recommend Phi Beach, which has terraces facing the sea, and the disco called Ritual, carved in a cave. After returning our yacht, we can explore Cannigione if we still have some time. The town has sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, for instance, Cannigione Beach. Visit the town centre – the pastel-coloured houses provide a fascinating sight. The church of San Giovanni Battista can also be found here; it is also a sight that you shouldn’t miss. There is an excellent restaurant in town called Da Serafino e Giovanni where you can choose from delicious pizzas and burgers.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
7 days Cannigione sailin sailing itinerary (longer)
This itinerary includes longer legs and more open stretches toward Corsica, so careful planning and a reliable weather window are essential. It is best suited to crews who want to cover more ground and experience a more adventurous week at sea. Recommended level: advanced Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Cannigione – Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) (11.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 2: Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) – Cala Santa Maria (3.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 3: Cala Santa Maria – Porto Vecchio (23.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 4: Porto Vecchio – Bonifacio (25.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 5: Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura (8.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 6: Santa Teresa Gallura – Porto Pozzo (8.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 7: Porto Pozzo – Palau – Cannigione (18.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour..
How to choose a Cannigione sailing route?
- If you want an easy and scenic Sardinian sailing week: choose the 1-week Cannigione itinerary with shorter and more manageable daily legs.
- If you want to sail toward Bonifacio and Corsica: the 7-day Cannigione route offers more challenge and a stronger offshore feel.
- If your crew has mixed experience levels: stay with the more sheltered route that gives you more flexibility and easier alternatives.
- If weather is the key factor: choose the itinerary with fewer exposed passages and more protected stopping options.
Marine gas near Cannigione, 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 would like to sail around Costa Smeralda, Cannigione is an ideal destination, as you can find popular towns as well as more peaceful resorts in its neighbourhood. Dock at the most beautiful places of the area where you can expect crystal clear seawater.Find yacht routes in Costa Smeralda, or choose another boat rental in Costa Smeralda
Request a quote for a Cannigione-based charter and we’ll help you choose the route that truly fits your crew. That way, your sailing week can be both beautiful and comfortably planned from start to finish.
