Italy - Sardinia - Beach of Cala Coticcio, Sardinia, Italy stock photo - iStock-650943088

Motor Yacht Charter
Sardinia

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is an idyllic setting for a motor yacht charter adventure.

This Italian island, second only to Sicily in size, boasts a stunning coastline, turquoise waters, and a rich tapestry of history and culture. From the glamorous Costa Smeralda in the north to the rugged cliffs and Gulf of Orosei in the east, Sardinia is a diverse playground for sailors.

With its perfect blend of natural beauty, world-class food, glamour and generally superb sailing conditions, Sardinia is a motor yacht charter destination that truly makes its mark.

What Makes Sardinia Special?

Tranquil Beaches and Coves

With a motor yacht charter in Sardinia, you can explore serene anchorages and secluded beaches only accessible by boat.

Wide Area to Explore

There is an extensive coastline to explore in Sardinia, not to mention the option to hop across the Strait of Bonifacio to Corsica.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Sardinia is steeped in history, with ancient ruins, medieval villages and archaeological sites scattered across the island, providing a unique cultural experience if you want to explore beyond the coastline.

Excellent Sailing Conditions

Sardinia enjoys great sailing conditions with steady winds, making it a paradise for sailors.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife

Discover Sardinia's diverse landscapes, from natural parks like the Gola di Gorropu, home to Europe's deepest canyon, and the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena, known for its stunning scenery.

Gourmet Cuisine

Sardinia is renowned for its delicious seafood, fresh local produce, and traditional Italian cuisine with a unique Sardinian twist.

Warm Mediterranean Climate

Sardinia benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate, characterised by long summers and mild winters. The pleasant weather allows for a comfortable trip throughout most of the year.

Island Hopping

Visit charming islands like La Maddalena, Caprera, and Tavolara, each offering unique landscapes and attractions.

Cultural Heritage

Explore historic towns such as Alghero, Cagliari, and Bosa, with ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and buzzing local markets.

Italy - Sardinia - An aerial photo of the small beach of Cala Coticcio - Caprera - La Maddalena Archipelago - iStock-1192866884

Stunning Mediterranean Landscapes

Sardinia boasts breathtaking landscapes with clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and a dramatic rocky coastline, making it a perfect destination for a motor yacht charter.

Not To Be Missed

Maddalena Archipelago

Located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, the Maddalena Archipelago is a protected national park consisting of 7 main islands, offering breathtaking natural landscapes.

Costa Smeralda

Explore the contrasts of Sardinia's Emerald Coast, renowned for its azure waters, granite cliffs and glamorous towns. Enjoy stunning anchorages in bays like Cala Brandinchi and Cala Girgolu.

Alghero Town

Located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Alghero is a charming medieval town with Catalan influences. Stroll through the old town's narrow streets, explore ancient fortifications, and relax on the beautiful beaches.

Archaeological Sites

Discover Sardinia's rich history, such as the ancient ruins of Nora near Pula, the Nuragic complex of Su Nuraxi near Barumini (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the prehistoric site of Tiscali.

Capo Testa

Admire the Capo Testa Granite Formations; these rugged granite headlands and rock formations at Capo Testa on Sardinia's northern tip offer dramatic scenery best explored by yacht.

Caprera Island

Visit Caprera, the second-largest island in the La Maddalena archipelago, where you can explore the island's rugged coastline and visit the final resting place of Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Visit Castelsardo

Visit this picturesque medieval town perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea.

Costa Verde

Sail along this rugged, less-developed stretch of coast with its impressive sand dunes, wide selection of moorings and away-from-it-all feel.

Cala Goloritze

Anchor near this stunning beach with its iconic limestone pinnacle, accessible only by boat or a two hour hike.

Italy - Sardinia - Beautiful landmark of Sardinia island. A view of a Stella Maris Church in Porto Cervo, Sardinia stock phot - iStock-673597864

Porto Cervo

Visit the chic resorts of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo on the Costa Smeralda, where the attractive harbours are dotted with superyachts. Enjoy the glamour, visit the famous church and soak up the lively atmosphere of these gorgeous towns.

Best Time To Visit Sardinia

The season runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 12.3°C (54°F) 5.3°C (42°F) wind direction 168degSSE
FEB 13.4°C (56°F) 4.0°C (39°F) wind direction 162degSSE
MAR 16.8°C (62°F) 7.0°C (45°F) wind direction 207degSSW
APR 19.3°C (67°F) 8.2°C (47°F) wind direction 236degWSW
MAY 22.4°C (72°F) 12.0°C (54°F) wind direction 162degSSE
JUN 28.3°C (83°F) 17.2°C (63°F) wind direction 191degS
JUL 36.6°C (98°F) 22.3°C (72°F) wind direction 224degSW
AUG 33.5°C (92°F) 20.3°C (69°F) wind direction 224degSW
SEP 30.9°C (88°F) 18.6°C (65°F) wind direction 123degESE
OCT 26.9°C (80°F) 15.4°C (60°F) wind direction 219degSW
NOV 17.6°C (64°F) 10.8°C (51°F) wind direction 231degSW
DEC 13.9°C (57°F) 6.5°C (44°F) wind direction 198degSSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory in Italy, and a service charge is often added to a bill, but it is appreciated for good service to give something.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

4 PLAY

Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In Sardinia

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Sardinia and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Sardinia and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

A crewed Gulet charter from Sardinia offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht Charter From Sardinia.

Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream motor yacht via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

With over 1,200 kilometres of coastline, a motor yacht charter from Sardinia has something for everyone.

The coast is dotted with beautiful bays, secluded coves for anchoring, glamorous ports and charming fishing villages: we've condensed what we think are the standout elements below.

Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast, stretches for about 20 kms along Sardinia's northeastern shore. This glamorous region is renowned for its exclusive resorts and villas, as well as immaculate beaches like Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja. At its heart lies Porto Cervo marina, a hub for luxury yachts especially during the summer months.

To the north of this the entire area of the La Maddalena Archipelago is a national park, situated between Sardinia and Corsica, consisting of seven main islands and numerous smaller islets. La Maddalena, the largest island, is the only one inhabited year-round. Nearby Caprera is home to Garibaldi's house, now a museum. Budelli is famous for its Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), while Spargi boasts beautiful beaches like Cala Soraya.

Capo Caccia, located near Alghero, is a dramatic limestone promontory featuring 300-meter high cliffs. Its most famous attraction is Neptune's Grotto, a stunning stalactite cave accessible by boat or via the 656-step Escala del Cabirol (Goat's Steps). A 19th-century lighthouse sits atop the cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The waters around Capo Caccia are popular among divers, with numerous underwater caves to explore.

The Gulf of Orosei, stretching 40 km along Sardinia's east coast, is renowned for its secluded beaches, many of which are accessible only by boat or hiking trails. Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a 143m limestone pinnacle rising from the sea. Other notable beaches include Cala Mariolu, known for its pebble beach and crystal-clear waters, and Cala Luna, which has been featured in several films due to its stunning beauty. The area also offers opportunities for rock climbing and hiking.

Alghero, a picturesque town on the northwest coast, boasts a well-preserved historic center with Catalan-Gothic architecture. Visitors can walk along the city walls and towers, enjoying beautiful sea views. The Church of San Francesco and Alghero Cathedral are notable landmarks, and nearby beaches like Maria Pia and Le Bombarde offer great swimming and sunbathing opportunities.

Tavolara Island off the northeast coast of Sardinia was once one of the smallest kingdoms in the world, and is known know for its limestone massif rising 565 meters above sea level. It's part of a protected marine area with rich biodiversity, offering excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. A small beach with a seasonal restaurant provides a perfect spot for relaxation.

A short hop across to Corsica brings you to Bonifacio. This stunning town is perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the strait between Corsica and Sardinia. Its medieval citadel is fabulous to stroll around, while the King of Aragon's Stairway cut into the cliff face is an unforgettable climb.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sardinia has a rich cultural heritage that adds another facet to the island. The Nuraghi stone structures date back to the Bronze Age (1800-500 BCE) are a trip inland, but well worth it if you have time for a day trip. Closer to the coast, you can visit the archaeological sites of Nuraghe La Prisgiona near Arzachena or Nuraghe Palmavera near Alghero.

A motor yacht charter around Sardinia offers a perfect blend of attractions to suit all tastes.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

When chartering a yacht from Sardinia, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Motor Yacht From Sardinia?

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.

What Type Of Yachts Can I Charter From Sardinia?

There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Italy, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.