La Maddalena is one of the most exciting charter bases in Sardinia, giving you easy access to the glamour of Costa Smeralda, the hidden coves of the archipelago, and even the southern coast of Corsica. The area works equally well for relaxed island-hopping and for more demanding passages, so it offers strong options for both moderately experienced and seasoned crews. Crystal-clear water, dramatic rocky shorelines, and highly varied stops make every sailing day feel different. The routes below help you decide whether you want a comfortable island circuit or a longer, more ambitious cruising week.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in La Maddalena?
- Ports around La Maddalena
- Sail in La Maddalena! La Maddalena sailing tours:
- Marine gas near La Maddalena, boat gas stations in Costa Smeralda
Which month is best for sailing in La Maddalena?
The best sailing period in La Maddalena is usually from May to June, and again in September.
Spring: In spring, La Maddalena is especially appealing for the yacht charter community because the archipelago begins to come alive while still keeping a quieter, more refined rhythm than in peak summer. Daytime temperatures are usually around 16–22 °C, while the sea remains cooler, typically about 14–17 °C, so this season is more about crisp visibility and lively sailing than long swims. The regional mistral, the northwesterly wind that shapes much of northern Sardinia, is more active in spring and often blows in the 15–25 knot range, creating energetic and rewarding passages. Because of the nearby Strait of Bonifacio, winds can accelerate locally, but the islands and coves of the archipelago also provide many sheltered anchorages. Charter traffic is still moderate in spring, which means marinas and popular bays feel much more relaxed than they do in midsummer.
Summer: Summer turns La Maddalena into one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable charter grounds, where granite islands, luminous coves and short scenic legs create an effortlessly glamorous sailing atmosphere. From June to August, daytime temperatures generally sit between 26–30 °C, while sea temperatures rise to about 21–25 °C, making this the classic season for combining sailing with swimming, snorkeling and long afternoons at anchor. Wind conditions are often friendly and reliable, with many days seeing 10–18 knots of breeze, although the northwesterly mistral can still strengthen at times, especially near the strait. In sheltered areas the sea is often calm to lightly rippled, but in more open water a fresh breeze can quickly build short, steeper waves. This is the busiest part of the year, so July and August bring full marinas, lively waterfronts and popular anchorages that reward early arrivals.
Autumn: Autumn in La Maddalena is often considered one of the most rewarding seasons for sailors, because the warmth of summer lingers while the crowds begin to fade. In September and early October, air temperatures generally remain between 20–27 °C, and the sea is still inviting at around 20–24 °C, which makes late-season charters particularly attractive. Winds become more variable, with many pleasant sailing days in the 10–20 knot range, though both mistral and scirocco patterns can influence local conditions, so flexible route planning is important. The sea is often still manageable and inviting, but passing fronts can create rougher conditions quite quickly on the more open stretches. Compared with summer, the level of traffic drops noticeably, giving anchorages, beaches and harbours a calmer and more exclusive feel.
Winter: In winter, La Maddalena reveals a wilder and more dramatic side that tends to suit experienced sailors or shorter weather-window passages. Daytime temperatures usually range from 10–15 °C, the sea stays around 14–15 °C, and although the climate remains milder than in much of continental Europe, sailing conditions can be significantly more demanding. The mistral is more frequent and often stronger in the colder months, with periods of 20–30 knots or more not unusual, and the nearby Strait of Bonifacio can become especially challenging when these winds funnel through. Open-water sections are rougher and more exposed, while sheltered bays become particularly valuable. Charter traffic is low and many places feel quieter, so winter sailing here is less about classic holiday cruising and more about raw scenery, clear light and the striking energy of the northern Sardinian seascape.
Ports around La Maddalena
Cala Gavetta (La Maddalena)
The port in La Maddalena is known as Cala Gavetta or Porto Turistico Comunale di Cala Gavetta. It offers 140 berths for boats with a maximum length of 50 metres. The sea is 5 metres deep here. On the other hand, there is a restaurant, a fuelling station, and WiFi is available. Rent a boat in La Maddalena and let the island’s hidden coves and crystal clear waters enchant you – without stress, at your own pace.
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
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
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
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 Porto Rotondo
The beautiful port of Porto Rotondo has 650 berths for yachts as long as 90 metres. The depth of the water is 5.5 metres. The port offers several good-quality services, such as running water, electricity, Wi-Fi, fuel and maintenance. You can even require medical assistance.
Marina di Golfo Aranci
The private dock is only 20 metres from the town centre. They have 30 berths for boats as long as 5-16 metres. The depth of the water is 1.5-5 metres. Thanks to the breakwater built-in 2017, the port provides protection against the northeastern and southwestern winds dominant in the bay. You can find a bar and a restaurant in Marina di Golfo Aranci, and they also have electricity and Wi-Fi.
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
Yacht charter around La Maddalena
Sail in La Maddalena! La Maddalena sailing tours:
Sailing in La Maddalena: 1-week sailing itinerary
A balanced and varied one-week route from La Maddalena, combining short and medium legs while linking some of the most beautiful nearby stops in Sardinia and Corsica. Around the Bonifacio Strait and island channels, pay close attention to funneling winds and busier boat traffic. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: La Maddalena (Cala Gavetta) – Palau (Porto Turistico) (2.3 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 Turistico) – Porto Pozzo (Pontile Angelo) (7.3 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 (Pontile Angelo) – Santa Teresa Gallura (8.5 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 4: Santa Teresa Gallura – Bonifacio (8.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Bonifacio is the most beautiful town in Corsica, with an exceptional location. It is close to Costa Smeralda. Built on a 65-metre high limestone plateau, you can reach the old town from the beach by walking the 187 steps of the Aragon staircase.
The view is spectacular from here, you can even see the north coast of Sardinia in clear weather. The most important monument is the Romanesque church of the Virgin Mary, built-in the early 13th century.
Day 5: Bonifacio – Lavezzi (Plage de la Cala Sderenaia) (7.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
You can find the Lavezzi Islands a few kilometres south of Corsica, in the Bonifacio Strait. The islands are uninhabited, so if you are looking for some peace and quiet, it is worth visiting here. The crystal clear waters and snow-white stones look stunning. Spend the night in the bay called Plage de la Cala Sderenaia.
Day 6: Lavezzi (Plage de la Cala Sderenaia) – Cala Santa Maria (8.1 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 7: Cala Santa Maria – Caprera – La Maddalena (Cala Gavetta) (16.9, 19.44 nm – Sailing time*: about 6 hours)
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. After we returned our yacht and we have some time, it is worth taking a look around La Maddalena. The town is also known as the Paris of Sardinia thanks to its 18th-century palaces, narrow little streets and stunning stairways. If you want to try the local delicacies, we recommend Ristorante Il Gotto, Sottovento and Ristorante Pizzeria Roby’s.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
7 days La Maddalena sailing trip (longer)
A longer, more demanding 7-day itinerary that reaches farther down the Costa Smeralda coast and ends with a very long return leg. It is best suited to crews that are comfortable with extended sailing days and can adapt their timing closely to the weather. Recommended level: advanced Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: La Maddalena (Porto Massimo) – Cannigione (11.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 2: Cannigione – Porto Cervo (7.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 3: Porto Cervo – Golfo Aranci (14.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 2.5 hours), Day 4: Golfo Aranci – Olbia (7.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 5: Olbia – Budoni (21.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 3.5 hours), Day 6: Budoni – La Caletta (Gold Hook Marina Services) (7.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 7: La Caletta (Gold Hook Marina Services) – Tavola Island (Spalmatore di Terra) – La Maddalena (Porto Massimo) (46.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 7.5 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
How to choose a La Maddalena sailing route?
- If you want a varied but still comfortable weekly plan: choose the 1-week sailing itinerary with a mix of short and medium-distance legs.
- If Corsica and nearby island highlights matter most to you: the first route is the better choice because it links iconic close-range destinations in a logical loop.
- If you want to cover as much distance as possible in one week: the 7-day La Maddalena sailing route offers a bigger challenge and longer passages.
- If your crew is less experienced or prefers a more relaxed rhythm: stay with the route built around shorter legs and avoid plans with very long final days.
More Costa Smeralda sailing itineraries
Marine gas near La Maddalena boat gas stations in 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 love sailing, La Maddalena is a great destination due to the pleasant climate and crystal clear waters. Visit the surrounding holiday resorts and neighbouring islands, which also boast many gorgeous tourist attractions.Find more Costa Smeralda sailing itineraries.
Request a quote for a La Maddalena-based charter and we’ll help match the route to your crew’s pace and experience. Set off with confidence, knowing the key details are planned well in advance.
