Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary – Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica
We are your crew, Richard and Alexandra. Our Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary is based on our personal favorites and intimate experience in these islands. For us, southern Corsica and northern Sardinia are some of the best sailing grounds in the entire Mediterranean. This region offers an amazing variety of sights, activities, culture, fine dining, beautiful beaches and perfect water sports conditions. For those that need to relax, here aboard Hawkeye you will also find peace.
Day 1: Olbia to Isola Tavolara
We welcome guests aboard Hawkeye at the local marina, just an easy cab ride from Olbia airport. From here we take a short cruise south and drop anchor at the beautiful island of Tavolara. Lunch is served on the aft deck to best enjoy the lovely scenery.
After lunch, we head out to the pretty beach on the island’s western shores. Hikers will enjoy the climb to Tavolara’s 565m summit. There are no roads, hotels, or inhabitants on this side of the island, just a pristine sweep of white sand beach. Anchoring here is a uniquely serene experience.
We highly recommend dinner on the island. Tonino, an 83-year-old retired fisherman, owns Tavolara’s only restaurant. He is also the reigning monarch of the island, which happens to be the smallest inhabited kingdom in the world. At the Ristorante da Tonino Re di Tavolara, dishes based on seafood and fish are prepared according to traditional, regional customs. Pair your meal with a delicious Sardinian wine.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Hike the Tavolara summit
- Dine at the island’s only restaurant, Ristorante da Tonino, to experience fine, local cuisine.
Day 2: Cala di Volpe
A morning sail brings us to Cala di Volpe, meaning the ‘bay of the fox’. In this stunning anchorage we will be surrounded by some of the world’s most opulent yachts at anchor. Imagine anchoring among the glitterati! Photographers and people watchers will be delighted. The charming village is best known for the luxury hotel of the same name. One claim to fame of Hotel Cala di Volpe is as a legendary location in the James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me”.
Brilliant architect Jacques Couelle, a companion of Picasso and Dali, produced a masterpiece of architecture in his design of the world-famous Hotel Cala di Volpe. Cala di Volpe Restaurant has long been a gourmet destination for visitors throughout the entire Costa Smeralda. For a very extraordinary treat, we will ferry you to the hotel for lunch or dinner. Savor the adventurous flavors of Sardinian cuisine in an iconic setting for a true epicurean experience.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’ Suggestions:
- Indulge in an overnight at Hotel Cala di Volpe (no daily yacht charge)
- Stay at Cala di Volpe Hotel before joining Hawkeye (we pick you up at the hotel jetty)
- Dinner or Spa Day at Cala di Volpe Hotel
- Golf at one of the world’s most breathtaking clubs, Pevero Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones
Day 3: Spiaggia dell’Ellefante and Porto Cervo
On our way to Porto Cervo, we stop at Spiaggia dell’Elefante and prepare a delightful champagne brunch. It is our favorite among many stunning coves in the vicinity of Cala di Volpe. It is a small, intimate and secluded cove with beautiful, private surroundings. We try to arrive before noon. The morning is the best time to visit because the colors are absolutely gorgeous.
Porto Cervo is the main center of Costa Smeralda. The luxurious seaside resort was created by Prince Aga Khan and investors as one of the most exclusive hideaways in the world. It has since become the heart of international elite tourism.
Porto Cervo Marina is also one of the largest tourist ports of the Mediterranean. It houses the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, organizer of glamorous and prestigious regattas. We berth here to take advantage of the city’s fine dining, exclusive shopping, art and culture. We recommend dinner at the yacht club, which usually welcomes people from visiting yachts and has a fabulous view of the harbor.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Champagne brunch on the beach
- Dinner at Costa Smeralda Yacht Club
- Watch yacht racing from the water aboard Hawkeye
Day 4: La Maddalena National Park
Today we cruise north to Italy’s Maddalena National Park, a beautiful set of protected islands between Corsica and Sardinia. We will lunch on board and swim at Porto Palma. This is a stunning anchorage with golden sand lapped by an extraordinarily limpid sea. It is sheltered by pink weather-sculpted rocks where bushes of Mediterranean shrub grow.
We anchor for the night at the beautiful island of Budelli. It is especially renowned for its Spiaggia Rosa (“Pink Beach”), which owes its typical color to microscopic fragments of corals and shells.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Watch the sailing dinghy regattas in the bay
- Relax and play on Hawkeye’s water toys
- Snorkel in Porto Palma Bay and Budelli Island
- Horseback ride on the island of Caprera
Day 5: La Maddalena to Porto Vecchio
We leave Italian waters and head to France, and our first port in Corsica. Porto Vecchio is at the head of a long shallow gulf. It is a charming town that has many fine restaurants crowded along ancient streets.
We will visit the daily market in Porto Vecchio, located in the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall). Here you’ll find a variety of products including fresh food and local handicrafts. There is no better way to know the region and its people than to eat, drink and haggle your way through this lively town market.
Porto Vecchio, with such a lovely atmosphere, is a charming place for an authentic, Corsican dinner. We recommend dining at Restaurant Le Regina in Le Roi Theodore Hotel. Located in one of the Genoese entrances, it is one of the town’s top restaurants. Dining on the beautiful terrace is intimate and superbly elegant. For evening entertainment, check out Via Notte. This prestigious French venue is Europe’s largest outdoor nightclub!
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Shop the market at the Hotel de Ville
- Hire a Jetski from the marina in Porto-Vecchio
- Rent catamarans, paddleboards, or kayaks at La Plage Santa Giulia
- Dinner or a spa treatment at Le Roi Theodore Hotel
Day 6: Porto Vecchio to Bonifacio
The approach to Bonifacio is one of the most stunning you will ever see. As you enter the natural harbor the city appears, walled in sheer white cliffs, perched on a perilous limestone peninsula. It is known as the most beautiful harbor in the world.
The medieval old town of Bonifacio is the oldest in Corsica. It is a picturesque warren of narrow streets and alleys enclosed by the sturdy walls of the citadel. The harbor is lined with quaint shops and delightful French restaurants.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Enjoy a round of golf at the magnificent Sperone Golf Course
- Take a guided boat excursion to explore nearby sea caves, cliffs and tunnels
- Witness superb views from the clifftop walk
- Visit the elaborate marine cemetery
- Rent windsurfers, paddle boards or kayaks to explore Piantarella Lagoon
Day 7: Bonifacio to Santa Teresa Galura
We head back to Italy via a romantic night sail. The stars are amazing because there is no light pollution. Sip Italian coffee and Sambucca while gazing at our incredible universe. In the morning we arrive at a beautiful destination within easy reach of the airport.
Santa Teresa Galura is most known for its exquisite beaches. We anchor at Spiaggia di Cala Spinosa. This quiet, picturesque spot is perfect for a last swim in the crystal-clear sea before heading into the hustle and bustle of the city of Santa Teresa to catch a taxi to the airport.
Hawkeye Sailing Itinerary ‘Happy Highlights’:
- Romantic night sail through the famed Straights of Bonifacio
- A memorable swim before leaving Hawkeye and your Mediterranean paradise
We look forward to seeing soon!!
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HAWKEYE Description and Details
View our destination feature: Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
