Would you like to start your Sardinian sailing trip from Cannigione? The 55-kilometre-long Costa Smeralda is an attractive destination thanks to its incredibly clear, emerald green waters and breathtaking landscape. Cannigione is one of the best starting points when visiting the La Maddalena archipelago nearby. You can find out when it is worth sailing in Cannigione, and we will also help you with useful tips on how to make a one-week-long sailing trip.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- What is the best month to sail 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
The climate of Cannigione: The best time for sailing
Thanks to moderate winds, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists, spring (May) and autumn (September) are the most favorable months for sailing from Cannigione.
Spring (March to May):
Temperatures range between 15–26°C, while the sea temperature stays around 15–18°C. Evenings are cooler, with mild days and occasional showers. The north-westerly Mistral wind appears but is less intense than in summer, typically blowing between 15 and 30 knots. It offers a steady breeze, making it an excellent choice for skilled sailors.
Summer (June to August):
Air temperatures range from 25–35°C, while sea temperatures warm up to 23–27°C. Days are hot and sunny, with very little rainfall. The Mistral wind strengthens, particularly in northern Sardinia and Corsica, and can reach speeds of 30–40 knots in the Strait of Bonifacio. In contrast, the southern and eastern coasts experience gentler sea breezes of 5–15 knots.
Autumn (September to November):
September temperatures range from 20–30°C, cooling gradually to around 15°C by November. The sea remains pleasant at 20–24°C in September before decreasing. Days are warm and mostly sunny, though rainfall increases. The Mistral continues to be present, while the southeast Sirocco wind introduces variability. Wind speeds typically fall between 10–20 knots, offering suitable conditions for sailing.
Winter (December to February):
During winter, air temperatures hover between 10–15°C, with sea temperatures dropping to 14–16°C. Rainfall becomes more frequent, and winds strengthen. The dominant Mistral wind can produce powerful gusts exceeding 40 knots, making winter a more challenging season for sailing.
Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Cannigione.
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, Cannigione boat rental
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
One wekk ailing trip around Cannigione
We begin our journey in the pleasant port town, Cannigione, and this is where we will return after visiting the neighbouring areas in Costa Smeralda.
Day 1: Cannigione – Palau
11, 65 km (7, 24 nm)
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
13, 28 km (8, 25 nm)
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
14, 01 km (8, 70 nm)
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
17, 55 km (10, 90 nm)
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)
12, 01 km (7, 46 nm)
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
15, 84 km (9, 84 nm)
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
13, 41 km (8, 33 nm)
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.
7 days Cannigione sailin sailing itinerary (longer)
Day 1. Cannigione – Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) 21, 27 km (13, 21 nm) Day 2. Porto Massimo (La Maddalena) – Cala Santa Maria 7, 15 km (4, 44mile), Day 3. Cala Santa Maria – Porto Vecchio 43, 6 km (27, 09mile), Day 4. Porto Vecchio – Bonifacio 46, 5 km (28, 92mile) , Day 5. Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura 16, 45 km (10, 22mile) , Day 6. Santa Teresa Gallura – Porto Pozzo 15, 83 km (9, 83mile), Day 7. Porto Pozzo – Palau – Cannigione 34, 95 km .
Marine gas near Cannigione, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Gavetta: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.211471, 9.404426
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Camiciotto: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.2147, 9.42679
- CAPRERA – Porto Palma: Depth: 9 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.191088, 9.449766
- BONIFACIO: Depth: 3, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.387925, 9.163037
- PORTO VECCHIO: Depth: 4 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.59104, 9.28352
- SANTA TERESA GALLURA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24, 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, GPS Coordinates: 41.109322, 9.440733
- PORTO CERVO: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 0-24, 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, 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, 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
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