Ten days at sea is a veritable dream for the avid sea lover and faithful beach-goer. A luxury yacht charter by itself is the essence of pampered living and extravagance. Marvellous living quarters, lavish dining areas, marble finishes, and ample deck space to lounge or have lunch in good company under some exotic sun. Combine the comfort and elegance of a yacht charter with a truly magnificent destination full of hidden bays and inlets to explore, and it’s the recipe for the ultimate vacation. The top European recommendation: Sardinia.
One of Italy’s two biggest islands and the second largest in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is known to most Italians as the summer haven for movie stars. A day on the famous Costa Smeralda may result in endless amounts of people watching and a possible start sighting. But exploring Sardinia by sea will welcome some of the best areas off the beaten path, for in addition to the flashy life of the resort towns, Sardinia has some of the best unspoilt nature throughout Italy.
When travelling by yacht, here are the top locations that are a must-add to your Sardinian itinerary:
Porto Cervo: probably one of the best known in the mix, the crown jewel of the Costa Smeralda is referred to (fittingly) as the “Millionaire Yacht Marina.” Located on the northeast coast and an easy anchorage for yachts, Porto Cervo welcomes sea-goers with its vibrant pastel-colored buildings. With its designer boutiques, hotels, spas, restaurants and some of the most exclusive nightclubs, it is the place to go for living in the lap of luxury. The great thing about Sardinia is that you can go from glam to laidback in just a short walk. If flashy is not your scene, escape to one the tranquil beaches, preferably Cala Pietra Bianca or Poltu li Cogghi. Here you won’t find the typical mid-August ‘packed like sardines’ scene as both beaches lack signposting. As the sun begins to set over the turquoise sea, enjoy an Italian aperitvo from the yacht or one of the ritzy bars in town.
Arcipelago della Maddalena: If you want to escape to an area that is less VIP-inhabited, instruct your captain to take you the Maddalena archipelago, a group of islands in the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica and northeast Sardinia. Practically uninhabited, it is the perfect place for anchorage and a dip in the translucent waters for some peace and one hundred percent tranquillity. In fact, it’s one of those rare gems, still untainted by hoards of tourists, and has yet to make the rounds in the guide books.
Cagliari: The capital of Sardinia without doubt deserves mention and is surprisingly a lovely little tourist spot. But it’s the route by boat around the southern tip of Sardinia and into Cagliari that warrants a spot on this list. After rounding Cape Teulada, you’ll find a marvellous coast dotted with secret bays and inlets that you would never catch on land. Cagliari is surprisingly rich in museums and culture, and is the ideal location for a break from the sun and sea, and a little intrigue for those history buffs. After all, one cannot come to Italy with a little dose of history.
San Pietro and Sant’Antioco: Located to the southwest of Sardinia, just 4 miles off the coast, you’ll find here a cluster of rare but breathtaking islands. San Pietro is a volcanic island and is full of Aleppo pine trees that emit the most tantalizing aromas next to the delicious cuisine. Both islands are also home to the Peregrine Falcons, combining craggy coasts and aqua blue waters with a touch of nature.
One island, diverse seascapes and endless possibilities to gratify every travelling taste. For the ultimate luxury vacation, free of stress, there are a multitude of yacht charter experts that will plan your holiday down to a T, from yacht selection to itinerary plans and onshore activities. All you really need to come prepared with is the imagination.
Luxury yacht, deck
