Summary
From the lively towns of the Amalfi Coast to the clear waters and quiet anchorages of Sardinia, this route brings together two very different sides of Italy.
Starting in Amalfi, the itinerary moves through iconic islands and coastal towns before reaching the lesser-known Pontine Islands, where places such as Ventotene, Ponza and Palmarola offer a quieter pace and some excellent opportunities to explore by yacht. From there, a longer crossing leads to Sardinia and a completely different cruising experience.
The second part of the route is all about the waters of northern Sardinia, with stops around Tavolara, the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago. Expect small bays, granite coastlines, long afternoons at anchor and plenty of opportunities to make use of the yacht’s water toys. Porto Cervo adds a change of pace for those looking to spend an evening ashore, while Olbia provides a convenient finishing point with easy international connections.
One of the strengths of this itinerary is its variety. Guests can explore some of Italy’s best-known destinations, discover smaller islands that are often missed on a traditional Italian holiday, enjoy local restaurants ashore and still have plenty of time simply to enjoy being on the water.
The full Amalfi to Sardinia itinerary can be experienced aboard 53-metre MAIA from May 30 – June 10, 2027, offering 11 nights to explore Italy from coast to coast without packing too much into each day.
AMALFI - POSITANO - CAPRI
Embark in Amalfi and begin with a short cruise along the coast to Positano. You can head ashore to explore the town, stop for lunch or spend some time swimming before continuing to Capri.
The afternoon and evening can be spent around Capri, with the option to explore the island, enjoy dinner ashore or remain on board for the first evening of the charter.
CAPRI - ISCHIA
Depart Capri and cruise to Ischia, known for its thermal springs, volcanic landscape and attractive coastal towns.
Spend the afternoon swimming or enjoying the yacht before heading ashore to Sant’Angelo. The pedestrian village is a good choice for an afternoon walk, aperitivo or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
ISCHIA - VENTOTENE
Continue towards Ventotene, one of the smaller and quieter islands of the Pontine archipelago.
Its historic Roman harbour and compact town are easy to explore on foot, while the coastline offers several options for swimming and time at anchor. After Capri and Ischia, Ventotene provides a quieter change of pace before continuing to Ponza.
VENTOTENE - PONZA
The next stop is Ponza, the largest of the Pontine Islands and one of the most interesting places to explore by yacht in this part of Italy.
Spend the afternoon discovering its coves, caves and swimming spots before taking the tender into town. Ponza’s colourful harbour has a good selection of restaurants and cafés for guests who would like to spend the evening ashore.
PONZA - PALMAROLA - TAVOLARA
Depart Ponza for nearby Palmarola, a largely undeveloped island known for its clear water, rocky coastline and excellent anchorages.
With Palmarola only a short cruise away, the morning can be dedicated to swimming, water toys and lunch on board. The yacht then begins the longest passage of the itinerary towards Sardinia, allowing the following days to be spent exploring the island at a much slower pace.
Palmarola – Tavolara: approx. 13 hrs 50 min
TAVOLARA - COSTA SMERALDA
Arriving in Tavolara marks the beginning of the Sardinian part of the charter. The area is known for exceptionally clear water and is an ideal place for a first swim after the longer crossing.
From Tavolara, continue north towards the Costa Smeralda, with the rest of the day available for swimming, water activities and relaxing on board.
COSTA SMERALDA - PORTO CERVO
Spend the morning at anchor along the Costa Smeralda before making the short cruise to Porto Cervo.
You can head ashore in the afternoon to explore the marina, boutiques and restaurants. Dinner can be arranged in Porto Cervo, or guests can return to the yacht for the evening.
PORTO CERVO - LA MADDALENA
Depart Porto Cervo for the La Maddalena Archipelago, one of the highlights of northern Sardinia.
The archipelago offers numerous anchorages around islands such as Spargi, Caprera and Budelli, making this an ideal day for swimming, SeaBobs, paddleboards and other water toys. Lunch can be served on board between stops, with the itinerary adjusted according to conditions and guest preferences.
LA MADDALENA - PORTO RAFAEL
After another morning around the islands, continue towards Porto Rafael on Sardinia’s northern coast.
The short cruising time gives you most of the day to enjoy the surrounding bays and the yacht. Porto Rafael itself is small and relaxed, with its distinctive piazzetta and waterfront providing an alternative to the busier atmosphere of Porto Cervo.
PORTO RAFAEL - CALA DI VOLPE
Cruise south towards Cala di Volpe, returning to the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
The area offers several excellent anchorages, so the day can be kept flexible with stops for swimming, water sports and lunch on board. Guests can remain at anchor for the evening or head ashore depending on their plans.
CALA DI VOLPE - OLBIA
The final full day takes the yacht from Cala di Volpe towards Olbia.
There is no need to head directly into port, leaving time for one last anchorage, swim and lunch on board along the way. Continue to Olbia later in the afternoon for the final evening of the charter.
OLBIA - DISEMBARKATION
Enjoy breakfast on board before morning disembarkation in Olbia.
With an international airport nearby, Olbia is also a convenient finishing point for onward travel after the charter.
