Sardinia · Italy
La Maddalena and Costa Smeralda by boat
The islands look sheltered, yet their channels accelerate wind and concentrate traffic. A balanced day does not collect every beach or all of Costa Smeralda; it selects a short loop and respects park access.
- Departure
- Palau, Cannigione or La Maddalena
- Indicative distance
- 22 to 42 NM depending on the loop
- Time under way
- 3 to 5.5 hours under way
- Season
- May to October
- Exposure
- Mistral accelerated in channels and dense traffic
Indicative route
One archipelago loop, not a Sardinia tour
From Palau, Spargi, Budelli and one Caprera-side stop already make a full day.
Cross to La Maddalena with clear visibility
The passage is short and busy. Ferries, rocks and wake require a clear route from the start.
Make Spargi the first principal stop
Its inlets face several directions without guaranteeing room or permission everywhere. Seabed and park rule come first.
Observe Budelli without forcing access
Iconic areas are highly protected. Respecting distance and authorised systems matters more than recreating an old anchoring photograph.
Return via Caprera or directly
Caprera remains optional when Mistral and time leave margin. Otherwise, a direct return closes the loop cleanly.
Conditions
The islands shelter and accelerate at once
Mistral strengthens in several channels and raises short chop. An island sheltering one bay may make the next pass harder.
The national park applies access fees, protected zones and anchoring rules. Permits, buoys and prohibitions need checking before departure.
Check before departure
- Check permits, access fees and current park rules.
- Read Mistral effects in every channel on the loop.
- Select no more than two principal stops.
- Prepare a direct return avoiding the final exposed pass.
Distances and times are planning ranges. Check official charts, notices to mariners, local regulations and a current marine forecast. The skipper remains responsible for every decision.
FAQ
Practical questions
Is a permit needed for La Maddalena?
The park applies authorisations and rules according to boat and use. Consult the official system before leaving.
Can Budelli, Spargi and Caprera fit in one day?
They can from a nearby base with a disciplined loop, but every addition reduces stop time and weather margin.
Palau or Cannigione?
Palau is closer to the core islands; Cannigione also opens Costa Smeralda. Wind and the chosen loop decide.