With COVID restrictions beginning to loosen, it will soon be possible to visit both France and Italy again. What better way to experience these Mediterranean havens than by visiting the wonderful islands of Corsica and Sardinia during a private yacht charter?  

Discovering Corsica and Sardinia in one go? Here’s where to go…

The best way to take in these two stunning islands during one yacht charter is by focusing on the south of Corsica and the north of Sardinia – and both these areas offer plenty to see and do.  

The marina of Porto-Vecchio, in Corsica, on a sunny September day
The marina of Porto-Vecchio, in Corsica, on a sunny September day

Porto-Vecchio

The charming town of Porto-Vecchio, in south-east Corsica, has narrow lanes lined with boutiques and cafes, and steep stairways offering panoramic sea views. Nearby is the famous Palombaggia Beach, one of Corsica’s loveliest, featuring three km of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Further south is Santa Giulia, a half-circle of powdery sand.  

Bonifacio, Corsica. Inner harbor view with sailing and motor boats
Bonifacio, Corsica. Inner harbor view with sailing and motorboats

Bonifacio

Ideally for yacht exploration is the ancient Genoese fortress town of Bonifacio, dramatically perched on a clifftop and boasting narrow streets, stairways, and churches, encircled by protective ancient walls. The nearby Rondinara Beach is one of the most secluded bays on the island, with white sand and crystal clear waters.

The Lavezzi island viewed from drone in Bonifacio, Corse, France.
The Lavezzi island viewed from a drone in Bonifacio, Corse, France.

Lavezzi Islands

The wild and unspoiled bay of the Lavezzi Islands has turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. Highlights are Piantarella Beach and the cove at Petit Sperone, while snorkelers will enjoy the Marina dei Fiori and Plage de Balestra. Accessible only by boat, unspoiled Cavallo boasts some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, including Palma and Zeri.

La Maddalena seafront by night. Sardinia, Italy
La Maddalena seafront by night. Sardinia, Italy

La Maddalena

Venturing into Sardinia, the archipelago of La Maddalena is idyllic for scuba divers and snorkelers. Here, you might catch sight of turtles, Audouin’s gulls, European shags, and pods of bottlenose dolphins.

Spargi is home to beautiful sandy beaches and coves, while nearby Spargiotto is a favorite nesting spot for rare birds. Caprera boasts 45 km of wild coastland and stretches of sand, while Capo Coticcio, dubbed ‘Sardinia’s Tahiti,’ offers breathtaking sunset views. On Budelli’s Spiagga Rosa beach, the mesmerizing soft pink hue is created by a microorganism found on shells and corals. 

View of harbor and village Porto Cervo, Sardinia island, Italy
View of harbor and village Porto Cervo, Sardinia Island, Italy

Porto Cervo

A playground for the super-rich, Porto Cervo’s beating heart is its famous Piazzetta, teeming with designer boutiques and chic cafés. It’s also surrounded by some incredible beaches, including Cala di Volpe, a shielded bay that enjoys sandy seabed and gin-clear waters, and Baia Romazzino, a picturesque stretch of pink sand overlooked by elegant villas. Head to Spiaggia del Pevero for scuba diving, snorkeling, or simply lounging with a cocktail in hand.

Aerial photograph of Porto Rotondo, renown port in Emerald Coast of Sardinia.
Aerial photograph of Porto Rotondo, the renowned port on the Emerald Coast of Sardinia.

Porto Rotondo

Named after the circular bay on which it was built, Porto Rotondo is a small port with a big reputation, which enjoys some of the most stunning scenery along the coastline. Its undisputed attractions are its beaches, such as Spiaggia dei Sassi, and divers and snorkelers will love the rocky seabed of Spiaggia delle Alghe.  

To visit both Corsica and Sardinia in style, why not begin by browsing luxury yachts for charter in the region? La belle vie – and la dolce vita – await!