SARDINIA

Sardinia, ITALY — When watching too much of the TV series “Below Deck” leads to a seven day sail around Italy’s second largest island and first identified Blue Zone region.

Our Stay

10 days

IAH – LHR – OLB

Getting There

Olbia isn’t the easiest to fly into from the US, so you should plan to arrive one day before embarkation in case of any air delays. Even though most of our itinerary could only be reached by boat, I wish we would have added a few more days for a road trip around the island. 

Sailing the very first week of June allowed us to beat the crowds and enjoy the crystal clear waters with more privacy. We purposefully travel to Europe during shoulder seasons, May and September, for a better experience.

Sardinia is known for being a Blue Zone, an area with the largest number of centenarians in the world. Sardinians enjoy longer lives due to their local diet (plant based, large consumption on whole grains, olive oil, wine, and more) daily integration of physical activity, and social connection.

Here’s How to Sail the Blue Zone:

Ever since we sailed The Exumas in Feb of 2022, we knew we’d be back at sea shortly. In the past we’ve used the yacht broker, Sailology, but through the power of Instagram ads, we were targeted by Spartivento for Italy. This time we chartered a 2024 Lagoon 51 Catamaran for us and 4 friends. This catamaran fits 8 adults comfortably in 4 identical cabins. There are two additional interior cabins with no outside windows suitable for 4 children. That means with your captain and chef, it can fit up to a maximum of 14 people!

They offer a Sailuxe package which includes a captain, chef, water toys, fishing poles, robes and other amenities like sunscreen. It is 1000% worth adding this option (+$4,400 EUR) to have literally everything taken care for you –provisioning, sailing, 3 meals a day cooked by a chef, and peace of mind! If you prefer to do this adventure on your own, this catamaran as a bareboat starts around $10,590.

Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is an estimated allowance in cash that will cover provisions, mooring fees, and fuel. To reference, for 6 people / 7 days, it was +$3,000 EUR. We requested the alcohol be ordered separately so we could pay by credit card for points. Plus, our order may be slightly larger than the normal guest.

What to Pack

Carry ons only! Cabins are quite comfortable, but remember this is still a boat so pack light. If possible, avoid hard shelled luggage and opt for a duffle so you can store your bag easily after unpacking. We were lucky to have 2 unused cabins so we used this space to store our luggage.

You can’t wear shoes on the boat so you’ll be all set with one pair of flip flops, water shoes, and your travel shoes you flew in on.

Add a windbreaker, sweatshirt, and long sleeve sun shirts – it gets very windy and chilly on the water, especially early in the season!

You’ll be living in a bathing suit. I fit one bathing suit, cover up, and dinner outfit for each day across my carry on and personal item.

Careful with your liquids (especially flying in and out of LHR) as you can only have one plastic bag worth of less than 100ml bottles.

Yeti cups – our boat had only glass drinkware (and we had a few casualties) so I’m glad we packed a few to keep our wine chilled.

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Leave the dock at 5pm and head towards Spiaggia di Cala Moresca for dolphin sightings and overnight anchor

Day 2: Liscia Ruja & Spiaggia I due Mari,Caprera for overnight anchor

Day 3: Bonifacio, Corsica (dock overnight in the very lively and narrow harbor + fresh provisioning)

Day 4: Plage de Piantarella (Sandbar on the eastern side of Corsica) & Plage de Vo’lpe, Corsica, one of my favorite remote spots!

Day 5: Spiaggia di Cannigione (pitstop to fix the freezer) & La Maddalena (overnight dock in town + provisioning)

Day 6: Maddalena Island – the most gorgous spot! Arrive early as it get’s crowed. Plus, it’s home to two wild boars!

Day 7: Spiaggia di Cala Sabina & Spiaggia Cala Banana (overnight anchor)

Day 8: Disembark at 9am back at the Marina di Olbia

If you truly want an off the grid vacation where you return home feeling refreshed, look into a 7 day catamaran charter. While it’s pricier than your typical trip, it’s not completely out of reach when you split with friends.

Thank you Sardinia!