Sardinia's Costa del Sud: A Southern Loop
The wild heart of the Mediterranean beats strong along Sardinia’s Costa del Sud. From your yacht’s deck, the senses awaken to the scent of Aleppo pine and myrtle drifting over waters of impossible turquoise. This is a journey through a landscape of elemental beauty; ancient Roman ruins crumble beside shimmering salt pans where flamingoes wade, and vast, wind-sculpted dunes slope into the sea. Drop anchor in secluded bays that rival the Caribbean and step ashore into fishing villages where time moves at a slower, more considered pace, all under the brilliant Sardinian sun.
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- DAY 01
Pula & the Ruins of Nora
After embarking at Cagliari’s marina, a gentle cruise west brings you to the threshold of history at Nora. The yacht anchors off the beach, with the remains of a submerged Roman city visible through the crystalline water. The air is still, carrying the calls of gulls from the nearby lagoon and the scent of the sea mingling with ancient stone.
- Explore the Nora Archaeological Park with a private guide
- Swim over the submerged Roman roads in the bay
- Spot birdlife at the adjacent Laguna di Nora
- Enjoy an evening stroll through the pleasant town of Pula
- Anchorage
- Anchorage off Spiaggia di Nora, or berth at the nearby Marina di Perd'e Sali.
- Dining
- Ristorante Da Giancarlo for classic Sardinian seafood with views of the archaeological site.
- DAY 02
The Golden Sands of Chia
Awake to the sight of Chia’s iconic tower and the expansive arc of Su Giudeu beach. The coastline here is a masterpiece of soft, ochre-toned sand dunes, fragrant juniper bushes, and water that shifts from pale turquoise to deep sapphire. From the sundeck, you can watch pink flamingoes feeding gracefully in the coastal lagoons behind the beach.
- Walk across the fine sands of Su Giudeu beach
- Paddleboard or kayak to the secluded cove of Cala Cipolla
- Climb the Spanish watchtower, Torre di Chia, for panoramic views
- Observe flamingoes and other wading birds at Stagno di Spartivento
- Anchorage
- Anchorage in Baia di Chia, off Su Giudeu beach.
- Dining
- Crudo Club for a stylish beachfront lunch, or a private barbecue prepared by the crew on a quiet stretch of sand.
- DAY 03
Caribbean Colours at Tuerredda
Cruising around Capo Spartivento reveals one of the island’s most celebrated bays, Tuerredda. The yacht glides into a protected V-shaped inlet of startlingly clear, calm water, with fine white sand creating a Caribbean-like seascape. An islet sits in the centre of the bay, a perfect destination for a morning swim.
- Swim from the yacht to the small island in the centre of the bay
- Use the yacht's Seabobs to explore the underwater Posidonia meadows
- Snorkel the rocky headlands at either side of the bay
- Enjoy the calm, protected water for paddleboarding and kayaking
- Anchorage
- Anchorage in the bay of Tuerredda.
- Dining
- Poseidon Beach Restaurant for sophisticated seafood dishes right on the sand.
- DAY 04
The White Dunes of Porto Pino
The westernmost point of your cruise is marked by the spectacular dunes of Porto Pino. Known locally as 'Is Arenas Biancas', these towering hills of brilliant white sand create a desert-like landscape that meets the sea. The air here is uniquely perfumed by the surrounding groves of Aleppo pines, a rare feature in the Mediterranean.
- Walk barefoot along the crests of the immense 'Is Arenas Biancas' dunes
- Swim in the calm, shallow waters of the bay's southern section
- Tender ashore for a walk through the fragrant pinewood forest
- Visit the nearby salt pans, another haven for wading birds
- Anchorage
- Anchorage off Spiaggia di Porto Pino.
- Dining
- Ittiturismo A Pescalandia, a fishermen's cooperative serving the freshest catch in a rustic setting.
- DAY 05
Calasetta, Sant'Antioco Island
A short crossing brings you to the island of Sant'Antioco and the harbour of Calasetta. This fishing port has a distinct character, its grid of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses accented in blue and sky-blue. The atmosphere is tranquil, a blend of Sardinian and the historic Tabarkan culture of its Ligurian-descended inhabitants.
- Explore the bright, clean streets of Calasetta town
- Visit the MACC, the town's contemporary art museum
- Discover the island's main town, Sant'Antioco, and its Phoenician-Punic history
- Relax on the fine sand of Sottotorre Beach
- Anchorage
- Berth for the night in the modern Marina di Calasetta.
- Dining
- Ristorante Da Pasqualino, famed for its traditional Calasettana cuisine, especially tuna and pilau rice dishes.
- DAY 06
The Sheltered Bay of Capo Malfatano
Begin the gentle cruise east, returning to the spectacular Teulada coast. The yacht settles in the large, perfectly sheltered bay of Capo Malfatano, protected by a rugged headland and its 16th-century watchtower. It is an idyllic spot for an afternoon of watersports and a supremely peaceful final night at anchor.
- Snorkel in the exceptionally clear and calm waters of the bay
- Take the tender ashore for a walk up to the Torre di Capo Malfatano
- Explore the bay's several small coves and beaches by kayak
- Enjoy a final, uninterrupted sunset from the privacy of the yacht's deck
- Anchorage
- Anchorage in the well-protected Rada di Malfatano.
- Dining
- A special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef, served on the aft deck under the stars.
- DAY 07
Return to Cagliari via the Devil's Saddle
A final morning swim is followed by a leisurely cruise back towards Cagliari. The city's guardian landmark, the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) promontory, rises from the sea to welcome you back. Anchor below its limestone cliffs for one last dip before cruising past the city's long Poetto beach and into the marina for disembarkation.
- Breakfast and a morning swim at anchor beneath the Sella del Diavolo
- Enjoy the coastal scenery on the final cruise into the Gulf of Cagliari
- Take a final photo of the yacht with the historic city in the background
- Savour a light, celebratory farewell lunch on board before heading ashore
- Anchorage
- Berth at Marina di Cagliari for disembarkation.
- Dining
- A final gourmet lunch aboard, or ashore at Ristorante Antica Cagliari in the city's historic Castello quarter.
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Where this route sits in the ecosystem
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Destinations on this route
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- Sardinia Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Tabarka Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Pula Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Cres Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
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- Cres Town / ACI Cres berths
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- ACI Marina Pula
Berth or call on this route
- Carloforte harbour berths
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