Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

Corsican Coves to the Costa Smeralda

The journey begins where rugged mountains plunge into an azure sea. From the ancient citadel of Calvi, your private yacht charts a course along Corsica's dramatic west coast, a landscape of raw, elemental beauty. Days are spent discovering secluded coves and granite archipelagos before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio. You arrive in Sardinia’s glamorous Costa Smeralda, a dazzling contrast of white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and the chic sophistication of Porto Cervo, completing a voyage of unparalleled Mediterranean diversity.

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  1. DAY 01

    Calvi, Corsica

    Embark in the historic port of Calvi, watched over by its immense Genoese citadel. The air hums with anticipation as you settle aboard, the scent of the maquis mingling with the sea salt. The yacht rests in the sheltered bay, its calm waters reflecting the ancient ramparts and the rugged mountains beyond, promising a week of sublime discovery.

    • Explore the cobbled lanes and ramparts of Calvi's Citadel
    • Swim at Plage de Calvi, a sweeping crescent of white sand
    • Hike to the Notre-Dame de la Serra chapel for panoramic views
    • Enjoy sunset cocktails at a waterfront bar in Port Xavier Colonna
    Anchorage
    Port de Calvi
    Dining
    A l'Abri des Flots for fresh seafood by the harbour.
  2. DAY 02

    Scandola Nature Reserve & Girolata

    Cruise south to the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, a geological marvel of volcanic red rock plunging into the sapphire sea. Tender through dramatic sea caves and past jagged stacks where ospreys nest. The day culminates in the secluded fishing village of Girolata, accessible only by sea, offering a true sense of peaceful isolation.

    • Tender exploration of the grottos and calanques within Scandola
    • Spotting ospreys and other rare birdlife on the cliffs
    • Anchoring in the Golfe de Girolata for an afternoon swim
    • Walking up to the Genoese watchtower above Girolata village
    Anchorage
    Anse de Girolata
    Dining
    Le Bon Espoir for simple, authentic Corsican fare in Girolata.
  3. DAY 03

    Cargèse & Plage d'Arone

    Arrive at the picturesque port of Cargèse, a town uniquely defined by its twin churches—one Latin, one Greek—that face each other across a deep valley. After exploring the village, a short cruise reveals the magnificent Plage d'Arone. Here, the tender can deliver you to a vast expanse of golden sand, backed by verdant hills, for an afternoon of pure beach bliss.

    • Visiting the town's unique Greek and Latin churches
    • Watersports in the clear waters off Plage d'Arone
    • A coastal walk along the Sentier de la Tour d'Omigna
    • Browsing the artisan shops in the village of Cargèse
    Anchorage
    Mouillage d'Arone (Arone Anchorage)
    Dining
    Le Lagon Bleu at Plage d'Arone for a beachfront lunch.
  4. DAY 04

    Iles Sanguinaires & Ajaccio

    Witness a spectacular sunrise as you cruise towards the Iles Sanguinaires, the 'Bloody Islands', named for the fiery red hue they take on at dusk and dawn. Anchor here for a morning swim before heading into the vibrant city of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The elegant streets and bustling market provide a perfect contrast to the wild coast.

    • Kayaking around the porphyry islets of the Iles Sanguinaires
    • Visiting Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's ancestral home
    • Exploring the Marché Central d'Ajaccio for local cheeses and charcuterie
    • Strolling along the palm-lined Route des Sanguinaires at sunset
    Anchorage
    Port Charles Ornano, Ajaccio
    Dining
    Le 20123 for a traditional Corsican dining experience.
  5. DAY 05

    Roccapina & Bonifacio

    The morning is spent at the iconic anchorage of Roccapina, guarded by a lion-shaped rock formation. After a swim in its turquoise bay, the yacht makes the dramatic approach to Bonifacio. The medieval citadel appears, perched improbably atop sheer white limestone cliffs, as you navigate the narrow, fjord-like entrance into one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular natural harbours.

    • Swimming and paddleboarding beneath the 'Lion of Roccapina'
    • Navigating the breathtaking harbour entrance of Bonifacio
    • Descending the King of Aragon's Staircase, cut into the cliff face
    • Exploring the labyrinthine streets of Bonifacio's Haute Ville (Old Town)
    Anchorage
    Port de Bonifacio
    Dining
    Stella d'Oro for its ancient grotto setting and Bonifacio specialities.
  6. DAY 06

    Lavezzi Archipelago & Isola Budelli

    Cross the Strait of Bonifacio into Italian waters, arriving at the Lavezzi Archipelago. This marine reserve is a maze of wind-sculpted granite boulders and crystalline coves, perfect for snorkelling. In the afternoon, cruise to the Maddalena Archipelago and glimpse the famed Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Isola Budelli, its unique colour a protected natural wonder.

    • Snorkelling in the protected waters of Cala Lazzarina, Lavezzi
    • Navigating through the granite formations of the archipelago
    • Viewing the protected Spiaggia Rosa on Isola Budelli from the yacht
    • Anchoring in the tranquil waters between the islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria
    Anchorage
    Porto della Madonna
    Dining
    A private chef's dinner on board, anchored in the serene 'natural swimming pool'.
  7. DAY 07

    La Maddalena & Isola Caprera

    Explore the main island of the archipelago, La Maddalena, with its charming 18th-century town and lively piazzas. A short bridge connects to Isola Caprera, a rugged national park and the final home of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. Anchor off the celebrated Cala Coticcio, often called 'Tahiti Beach', for an afternoon of swimming in water of an almost impossible shade of blue.

    • Exploring the historic town of La Maddalena
    • Visiting the Compendio Garibaldino, Garibaldi's house museum on Caprera
    • Swimming and snorkelling at the stunning Cala Coticcio
    • Hiking one of Caprera's many trails for superb views of the archipelago
    Anchorage
    Cala Coticcio or Porto Palma, Caprera
    Dining
    La Scogliera for a glamorous lunch set on its own private pier.
  8. DAY 08

    Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda

    Enjoy a final breakfast on board while cruising the short distance to the epicentre of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo. The yacht glides into the world-famous Marina di Porto Cervo, a hub of superyachts and designer boutiques. Disembark here, with the glamour of Sardinia's most exclusive coastline providing a fitting end to a remarkable journey from the wild heart of Corsica.

    • A final swim at the exclusive Spiaggia del Principe
    • Browsing the designer boutiques of the Piazzetta
    • Admiring the architecture of the Stella Maris church
    • A farewell aperitivo at the legendary Bar Il Portico
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    Clipper Porto Cervo for classic Italian cuisine overlooking the marina.
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