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If you dream of turquoise coves and nights at anchor under the stars, this guide shows you how to experience La Maddalena aboard a gulet.
The La Maddalena archipelago is a national park of more than sixty islands and islets, and many of its best coves are only truly enjoyed from the sea. A gulet lets you sleep where you swim, change anchorage with the wind and travel with a crew, a chef and every comfort on board.
If you already know you want to go, see our gulet charter in La Maddalena.
One of the best-loved islands for sailors. Cala Corsara, Cala Granara and Cala Soraya have pale sand and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling.
The island is tied to Giuseppe Garibaldi, who spent his final years here, and his house-museum can be visited [verify opening times and access]. Its coves, such as Cala Napoletana, are best enjoyed from the boat.
Budelli's famous pink-sand beach is protected: landing and swimming are not allowed. You admire it from the water and follow the Park's rules [verify current rules before publishing].
Calm anchorages and very photogenic scenery, with less traffic than the better-known spots.
A few miles from the archipelago lies Costa Smeralda, with Porto Cervo as its social hub. Cala di Volpe, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli and Romazzino are pale sandy bays with intensely coloured water. It is the perfect counterpoint to La Maddalena's wilder nature: restaurants, boutiques and marinas for guests who fancy a night ashore.
The channel between Sardinia and Corsica offers limestone cliffs, the medieval town of Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands, a French nature reserve [confirm documentation requirements and reserve rules]. Adding Bonifacio to your route brings a French flavour for just a few extra miles at sea.
The season runs from May to October.
May-June: mild temperatures, fewer crowds and more moderate rates.
July-August: high summer, livelier and busier; book [X months] ahead.
September: warm sea and the best balance of weather and calm.
October: the season winds down; check availability.
Wind: the mistral
In northern Sardinia and the Strait of Bonifacio, wind shapes the route. The mistral (maestrale in Italian) can blow hard and change plans overnight. That is why your captain picks the anchorage each day, and why a gulet's flexibility is an advantage.
The price depends on the size of the vessel, the season and the length of the trip. As a guide, Best Gulet charters range from €19,000 to €49,000 per week. Fuel, marina fees and Park fees are usually extra. Full details on our charter page.
Sample one-week itinerary
Day 1: embark at [port] and first anchorage at Santa Maria.
Day 2: Spargi (Cala Corsara and Cala Granara).
Day 3: Caprera and Garibaldi's house.
Day 4: Budelli and Razzoli.
Day 5: Strait of Bonifacio and Lavezzi.
Day 6: Costa Smeralda (Cala di Volpe).
Day 7: Porto Cervo and return to [port].
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and soft-soled shoes for the deck.
Tell us about allergies or dietary preferences before boarding.
Book early if you travel in July or August.
Ask what equipment is included (paddleboards, snorkelling gear, tender).
La Maddalena, Costa Smeralda and the Strait of Bonifacio make up one of the Mediterranean's most complete routes, and a gulet is the best way to sail it. Want us to prepare a proposal? Request your quote here.