Two islands, one sea: yacht rentals in Corsica and Sardinia

I was sitting on the deck of Bonifacio’s, holding a glass of local wine in my hand and watching the white cliffs of Corsica reflected in the indigo water. Corsica is on the right, Sardinia is on the left. Between them is the Bonifacio Strait, one of the most beautiful sea corridors in the Mediterranean. My yacht was anchored exactly in the middle. At that moment, I realized: there are journeys that you will retell to your grandchildren.

Corsica and Sardinia are two islands separated by only 11 kilometers of water, but so different. Corsica is harsh, proud, with granite peaks stretching straight into the sea. Sardinia is more open, with snow—white beaches and turquoise lagoons. Together, they form the perfect yacht route: there is everything from wild coves that can only be reached by boat to luxurious marinas where billionaire superyachts are moored.

Why is it worth renting a yacht here?

The Mediterranean Sea is huge, and there are many places for yachting. But Corsica and Sardinia stand out even against his background.

First, the water. Here it is not just transparent, it phosphoresces on moonless nights. In summer, the temperature rises to 25-27 degrees, and you can swim from May to October. At the height of the season (July-August), the water warms up so that it is entered without the slightest shudder.

Secondly, diversity. During one cruise, you can see harsh cliffs, sandy beaches, pine forests descending to the water, and ancient cities with fortresses built by the Genoese. In a week, you can collect a collection of landscapes here, which is enough for an entire album.

Thirdly, the atmosphere. In Corsica, you will be greeted with a Corsican temperament — proud but friendly. In Sardinia — with Italian openness and love for good food. And there, and there you will try something that is not found anywhere else: Corsican chestnut pancakes and brew cheese, Sardinian pasta with lobster and pecorino.

Where to start: rental bases

Corsica and Sardinia are not one port, but dozens of marinas, each with its own character.

Corsica has the main bases —

Ajaccio, the capital of an island with a Napoleonic past;
Bonifacio is a city on white cliffs that looks like it’s carved out of ivory; Propriano and Porto Vecchio are more peaceful, ideal for starting to the southern part of the island.

Ajaccio is convenient if you arrive by plane — the airport is right nearby. Bonifacio — if you want to dive right into the most beautiful part of Corsica and be closer to Sardinia.

In Sardinia, the key points are Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda (the capital of yachting and luxury), Olbia (convenient airport and good infrastructure), Cagliari in the south (from here it is convenient to explore the southern coast) and Carloforte on the island of San Pietro (for those who seek solitude). If you want to combine yachting with a hotel stay, the Costa Smeralda is your choice. If you need a budget start or are planning a long cruise, Olbia or Cagliari will be more practical.

What type of yacht should I choose

The choice depends on how many of you there are and what you want to do.

A catamaran is an ideal option for a family or a group of friends. Catamaran stability is especially appreciated in the Bonifacio Strait, where winds can be unpredictable. Spacious decks, a diving board between the hulls, separate cabins with normal beds – 6-10 people comfortably live on the catamaran. And, importantly for Corsica and Sardinia, catamarans have less draft than large motor yachts, which allows them to enter the most beautiful bays.

A motor yacht is for those who appreciate speed and do not want to depend on the wind. By motor yacht, you will have time to circumnavigate the entire bay in a day, go down to the coves of La Maddalena and return for dinner. Plus — a powerful audio system, a Jacuzzi and a stately appearance. The disadvantage is fuel consumption, which can be significant in the Mediterranean.

Sailing yacht is the choice of romantics and those who came for the feeling of the real sea. There is no engine noise, there is wind in the sails and silence, broken only by the lapping of the waves. The sailboat does not chase speed, it glides, allowing you to enjoy every turn. If your company has an experienced yachtsman, this is a great option for self-charter.

Corsica and Sardinia yacht tours

Classic week-long route: from Bonifacio to Costa Smeralda

This route allows you to see the best of the two islands. Start in Bonifacio, bypass the southern tip of Corsica, cross the strait and walk along the northeast coast of Sardinia to the Costa Smeralda. On the way:

Bonifacio is a fortress city on the cliffs. Be sure to go under the rocks by boat to see them from the water.

Lavezzi is a group of tiny islands between Corsica and Sardinia. The water here is so clear that the bottom is visible at a depth of 15 meters. Ideal for snorkeling.

La Maddalena is an archipelago off the northern coast of Sardinia. A national park where nature is protected. The most beautiful coves are Cala Corsara, Cala Spalmattore, Capricci beach.

Costa Smeralda — here you can get up in Porto Cervo, walk along the waterfront, have dinner in a restaurant overlooking yachts that cost more than your house.

Wild Corsica route: from Ajaccio to Calvi

If you want to explore Corsica specifically, take a route along the west coast. There are fewer beaches, but more extraordinary landscapes:

• Saleccia Beach is one of the top 10 beaches in Corsica. White sand, pine trees descending to the water. You can only get there by boat or by a difficult trail.
• Lotu Beach is Saleccia’s neighbor, just as beautiful but even more secluded. Available only on a private yacht.
• Cala di Palombaggia is a bay with turquoise water surrounded by cliffs.
• Calvi is a fortress city in the northwest, where it is worth mooring for the night.

South Sardinia route: from Cagliari to Villasimius

The south of Sardinia is less advertised than the Costa Smeralda, but no less beautiful. There are more wild beaches, fewer people and more affordable prices:

• Cagliari — start with a tour of the old town.
• Villasimius is a resort with beaches that are considered to be among the best in Sardinia.
• Canne Bay is a sheltered lagoon, ideal for overnight stays.
• Kavra Island is a nature reserve with wild beaches and pink flamingos.

Seasons and prices

May and June are ideal times for those who want to avoid the crowds. The sea has already warmed up to 20-22 degrees, the sun is shining, but there is still no sweltering heat. Rental prices are moderate.

July and August are the peak season. The warmest water (25-27 degrees), the longest days, the brightest atmosphere. But also the highest prices. Renting a yacht at this time can cost twice as much as in May. If you are planning a cruise for these months, you need to book 9-12 months in advance.

September and October are the velvet season. The water is still warm, there are fewer tourists, and prices are starting to drop. Many consider September to be the best time for yachting in the Mediterranean.

The rental price varies greatly. A sailing yacht for 6 people with a captain in May will cost from 3000-5000 euros per week. Catamaran for 8-10 people — from 6000-10000 euros. Motor yacht — from 8000 and up to infinity. Fuel, food (APA), port fees, and crew tips are added to the base price. Budget for these additional expenses for 30-50% of the cost of the charter.

With or without a captain

In Corsica and Sardinia, as elsewhere in France and Italy, bareboat charters (without crew) require a skipper’s license recognized in the EU (ICC, RYA Day Skipper or analogues). And even with a license, you should think three times before taking a ship on your own.

Navigation here is not easy. Winds (the famous Mistral in Corsica) can come suddenly. The Bonifacio Strait is one of the most difficult to navigate in the Mediterranean due to strong currents and winds. In high season, there is such a density of ships in the marinas that mooring without experience is a test of strength.

Renting with a captain removes all these problems. The captain knows the local winds, the best anchorages, and how to avoid underwater rocks. He will show you the coves that are not mentioned in the guidebooks. And it will free you from the need to deal with documents and port authorities. The additional cost — from 150 to 300 euros per day — pays off with peace of mind and confidence.

Anyships will help you to rent a yacht in Corsica and Sardinia — with or without a captain, sailing, motor or catamaran. We work with trusted charter companies in Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Porto Cervo and other marinas. We will select a vessel for your budget, help you plan a route, and arrange a transfer. Contact us to start planning your Mediterranean cruise.