Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

Costa Smeralda Explorer

The air hums with the soft clinking of rigging and quiet glamour as your yacht glides from Marina di Porto Cervo. This is the Costa Smeralda, a curated coastline where sculpted granite meets water of an impossible turquoise. You feel the sun on your skin, tasting the salt in the air as you cruise towards the wild, protected islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. Ahead lies a week of exploring secluded coves, chic piazzas, and the very pinnacle of Mediterranean yachting life, from the legendary Cala di Volpe to the pristine sands of Isola Santa Maria.

Scroll to explore ↓

  1. DAY 01

    Porto Cervo

    You arrive at the epicentre of the Costa Smeralda. Settle aboard your yacht in the state-of-the-art marina, surrounded by the world’s most impressive superyachts. The scent of saltwater and jasmine drifts from the shore, where the Piazzetta’s designer boutiques and exclusive clubs await your exploration under the warm Sardinian sun.

    • Stroll the Piazzetta and browse the designer boutiques
    • Visit the iconic Stella Maris Church for views over the harbour
    • Enjoy a sunset aperitivo at the Cervo Hotel terrace bar
    • Explore the unique architecture of the Promenade du Port
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    Matsuhisa at Hotel Cala di Volpe or Cipriani Porto Cervo
  2. DAY 02

    Cala di Volpe & Liscia Ruja

    A short cruise south brings you to the legendary bay of Cala di Volpe. The water here is a placid sheet of emerald, overseen by the iconic hotel of the same name. Spend the day enjoying the water toys in this sheltered paradise before dropping anchor off the sweeping arc of Liscia Ruja, a long stretch of fine sand with a wild, natural character.

    • Anchor and swim in the protected waters of Cala di Volpe
    • Enjoy waterskiing or wakeboarding with the dramatic coastline as a backdrop
    • Tender ashore to the expansive, rustic beach of Liscia Ruja
    • Play a round of golf at the renowned Pevero Golf Club
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Liscia Ruja beach
    Dining
    Lunch at the Barbecue Restaurant at Hotel Cala di Volpe
  3. DAY 03

    Isola di Spargi, La Maddalena Archipelago

    Venture north into the pristine marine park of the La Maddalena Archipelago. Your destination is the uninhabited island of Spargi, a masterpiece of wind-sculpted granite and verdant maquis shrubland. Anchor in the exquisite Cala Corsara, where the impossibly clear water reveals a sandy seabed, perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

    • Snorkel amongst the fish in the protected waters of Cala Corsara
    • Discover the famous 'Witch's Head' rock formation
    • Kayak or paddleboard into the smaller, hidden coves along the coastline
    • Swim and relax on the white sands of nearby Cala Granara
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in Cala Corsara
    Dining
    Dinner aboard prepared by your private chef, featuring fresh local seafood.
  4. DAY 04

    Isola Budelli & Isola Santa Maria

    Cruise to the natural swimming pool known as Porto della Madonna, a channel of shallow, turquoise water sheltered by the islands of Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. Gaze upon the protected Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) of Budelli from the yacht, its unique colour a marvel of nature. A short tender ride across the lagoon brings you to the dazzling white sands of Cala Santa Maria for a day of pure relaxation.

    • View the protected and famous Spiaggia Rosa from your yacht
    • Swim and sunbathe on the expansive beach at Cala Santa Maria
    • Walk to the old lighthouse on Isola Santa Maria for panoramic views
    • Paddleboard over the shallow, luminous waters of Porto della Madonna
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in Porto della Madonna
    Dining
    Lunch at the exclusive Ristorante La Casitta on Isola Santa Maria.
  5. DAY 05

    La Maddalena Town & Isola Caprera

    Experience a touch of authentic island life as you moor in the main harbour of La Maddalena. The town's 18th-century streets and pastel-hued buildings offer a charming contrast to the wild nature of the outer islands. In the afternoon, cruise to the adjacent island of Caprera, a near-untouched national park and home to Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi.

    • Explore the vibrant harbour and historic centre of La Maddalena town
    • Visit the Compendio Garibaldino, Garibaldi's former home and museum on Caprera
    • Anchor and swim in the celebrated, Tahiti-like cove of Cala Coticcio
    • Shop for local crafts and delicacies in La Maddalena's boutiques
    Anchorage
    Cala Gavetta, La Maddalena or anchor off Cala Garibaldi, Caprera
    Dining
    Dinner at the renowned La Scogliera, arriving by tender to its private dock.
  6. DAY 06

    Poltu Quatu & Baia Sardinia

    Return to the glamorous mainland, slipping into the discreet, fjord-like marina of Poltu Quatu, the 'hidden port'. This chic village offers a more intimate atmosphere than Porto Cervo, with waterfront restaurants nestled against the granite cliffs. The afternoon is for enjoying the sunset, perhaps from the famed Phi Beach club in nearby Baia Sardinia, where music and cocktails accompany the sinking sun.

    • Enjoy an aperitivo at a waterfront bar in the charming marina of Poltu Quatu
    • Tender to the lively beach at Baia Sardinia
    • Experience the sunset ritual with cocktails at Phi Beach club
    • Explore the high-end boutiques lining the Poltu Quatu marina
    Anchorage
    Marina dell'Orso, Poltu Quatu
    Dining
    Tanit Fine Restaurant for sophisticated dining.
  7. DAY 07

    Golfo del Pevero & Disembarkation

    Awake to a final Sardinian morning in the beautiful Golfo del Pevero. The two crescent beaches, Piccolo and Grande Pevero, boast fine white sand and calm, crystalline waters perfect for one last swim. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, absorbing the view, before the short and scenic cruise back to Marina di Porto Cervo for your farewell.

    • A final morning swim from the Grande Pevero beach
    • Enjoy a spectacular farewell breakfast on board with views of the bay
    • A final paddleboard or kayak session in the calm, sheltered waters
    • A slow cruise past the magnificent villas lining the coast back to port
    Anchorage
    Return to Marina di Porto Cervo for disembarkation
    Dining
    A sumptuous farewell breakfast prepared by your private chef.
Internal link web

Build a week from this itinerary — every related page

The Blue Ocean Club archive — destinations, sample itineraries, seasonal guides, marquee events, marinas and editorial reading. Everything cross-references everything else, so you can plan a week from any starting point.

Popular destinations
Editorial reading