A Sailing trip Sardinia is a promise: crystal-clear water, sheltered bays, rocks in warm colours and evenings on deck where conversation flows as easily as the breeze. In this experience report, I take you with me on our last trip of the season - from Olbia via the La Maddalena archipelago to Corsica and back. You'll gain insights into the places, atmosphere and crew moments and find out how you can make this experience at SÄIL an easy one. sail along can.

Route & overview of our sailing trip Sardinia

The start was in Olbia on Sardinia's north-east coast - ideal because the airport and harbour are close to each other. From the marina Cala dei Sardi in the Gulf of Cugnana we sailed over Cala Portese (Isola Caprera) to Porto Puddo, continue to Bonifacio (South Corsica), over the Golfo de Santa Giulia back to the archipelago and finally to La Maddalena and Cala dei Sardi. In between: Swimming breaks in emerald green water, short hikes on land and evenings with a view of the rocks and stars.

Trip report day by day

Friday, 29.09.23 - Arrival in Olbia: Arrive at island speed

Olbia is more than "just" an arrival hub: a lively harbour town with a historic centre, promenade and cafés that smell of espresso and almond biscuits in the morning. From Stuttgart we travel directly to Olbia; in the evening we meet at the small Italian restaurant "Pizza & Pasta". Al dente, warm service - the perfect start. We immediately realise: from now on, it's island speed.

Saturday, 30.09.23 - Cala dei Sardi: embarkation between pine trees & bay views

By bus (line 604) in the direction of Portisco, then on foot to the Marina Cala dei Sardi. The resort is quietly located in the Gulf of Cugnana, surrounded by pine trees - ideal as a starting base. Surprise: Our Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 (year 2018) is ready for handover at 13:00. Check-in, stow provisions, first tour: wide cockpit benches, safe corridors, plenty of space for evenings together. Later walk to Portisco to "Matts Pizzeria & Steakhouse" - the path is challenging in the dark, a headlamp is worthwhile. Alternatively, take a short dinghy ride across.

Sunday, 01.10.23 - Cala Portese: Practising, anchoring, diving

After breakfast and a safety briefing, we train line throws - calmly, focussed, with humorous "aha" moments. Course on Cala Portese (Caprera): one of the sheltered bays in the La Maddalena archipelago, sheltered from the wind, with a light sandy bottom and turquoise-coloured water. We swim for the first time at anchor; towels dry in the sun on deck while the crew chat about the next stages. It feels like: We have arrived - at sea.

Monday, 02.10.23 - Cala Caribaldi & Porto Puddo: postcard water & buoy field

We start early to catch the sunrise at sea. Cala Caribaldi (Caprera) shows Sardinia in its purest form: shallow, crystal-clear water, light-coloured sand, round granite rocks - a natural infinity pool. After a stop for a swim and a short exploration of the shore, we head to Porto Puddo (near Palau). Anchoring is tricky due to the 15 metre depth and seaweed; we take one of the well-maintained buoys (€50 per night, bookable via "Posti Barca Sardegna"). Peter, the buoy keeper, greets us with a smile - here you are among sailors.

Tuesday, 03.10.23 - Bonifacio: Spectacle of rock & fortress

The leap to Corsica is short - the road from Bonifacio opens up and white limestone cliffs suddenly loom up. Bonifacio is one of those harbours that you should see once in your life: a narrow, fjord-like entrance, the citadel at the top on the edge of a plateau, the marina at the bottom. We booked our berth online the evening before; the marineros coordinate precisely on VHF channel 9. On land: old town alleyways, stairs, viewpoints - and a view over the city lights during dinner at "Le Time". A practical tip: bread baskets are charged separately here.

Wednesday, 04.10.23 - Golfo de Santa Giulia: turquoise basin with daylight obligation

15-20 knots of wind give us a real sailing day. Golfo de Santa Giulia looks almost Caribbean: bright, shallow water in a wide lagoon, backed by dunes and fragrant scrubland. Between the sandy areas are rocky outcrops just below the surface - safe if you use daylight and your eyes. We anchor, swim and let our thoughts drift. A place for the quiet moments of a cruise.

Thursday, 05.10.23 - Cala del Coccodrillo & La Maddalena: coastal cinema & island charm

With a westerly wind, we sail back along the Corsican coast towards the archipelago. Short stop at the Cala del Coccodrillo - Rock formations like stone figures, water like liquid glass. The Pink Beach remains off-limits for nature conservation reasons, but the scenery alone is an experience. The destination is La Maddalena, Cala GavettaColourful facades, piazzas, strolling evening atmosphere. Mooring costs €44.50; showers/toilets can be used for a fee - and the ice cream on the piazza tastes like a holiday.

Friday, 06.10.23 - Punta Fico East & way back: downwind & anticipation

Short refuelling stop in Palau (€45), then swimming break in Punta Fico East - a clear, calm spot for the last jump into the water. Back to Cala dei Sardi we sail on a pleasant downwind course. Later, the crew surprises me with a gift - moments that show what sailing with SÄIL is all about: people who find each other on the water.

Saturday, 07.10.23 - Farewell in Olbia: One last breath of sea air, then flight home

Taxi (order in the marina the evening before, approx. €50) to Olbia airport. As we take off, the coast below us looks like a painting. Our Sailing trip Sardinia ends, but the images remain: Rocks, colours, voices on deck - and the desire to return soon.

Harbours & bays - what to expect

• Cala dei Sardi: Quiet marina in the Gulf of Cugnana; ideal for starting and arriving, good logistics, short distances.
• Cala Portese (Caprera): Sheltered bay, sandy bottom, clear water - perfect for practising, swimming and anchoring.
• Cala Caribaldi (Caprera): "Postcard Sardinia": granite, sand, emerald - one of the crew's favourite places.
• Porto Puddo: Buoy field near Palau; seagrass bottom, depth ~15 m - buoy recommended; can be reserved, supervised.
• Bonifacio (Corsica): Dramatic entrance, lively old town; book in good time, manoeuvring tight but well looked after.
• Golfo de Santa Giulia: Wide lagoon with light-coloured sand; dream scenery, carefully between rocks, only approach in daylight.
• La Maddalena - Cala Gavetta: Colourful island village, restaurants, small shops; ideal stop for a stroll.

Sailing with SÄIL - how to get involved

Our SÄIL sailing trips are open to everyone - whether alone, in pairs or as a small group. You don't need to have any sailing experience. We organise the route, safety and togetherness so that you quickly feel part of the crew: arrive together, laugh, sail, enjoy.

Impressions from the sailing trip to Sardinia