From Naples to Olbia – Tuscany, Corsica, Sardinia

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Sailing area:
This sailing trip through the Tyrrhenian Sea from Naples via Ischia, Tuscany, Corsica and the Maddalena Archipelago to Olbia in Sardinia combines some of the most beautiful sailing areas of the western Mediterranean into a single voyage: the Italian coast with its offshore islands, the interplay of rugged rocks and the Dolce Vita of Tuscany, the French-influenced harbours of wild Corsica, the spectacular granite landscapes and the almost surreally clear water of the Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia. A journey full of variety – culturally, scenically and in sailing terms.
First we head north from Naples via Ischia and Ponza along the coast.
In the Tuscan Archipelago you encounter steep rocky coasts, small fishing villages and sheltered natural harbours. Particularly outside the high season, much of it feels surprisingly unspoilt – la dolce vita, indeed.
Corsica, by contrast, feels distinctly wilder and more rugged than many parts of mainland Italy. Dramatic cliffs and picturesque fishing villages shape the landscape, and the entrance to Bonifacio with its white limestone cliffs is without doubt one of the most impressive harbour approaches in the Mediterranean. The people here are proud, independent and deeply connected to their island.
South of Corsica, in northern Sardinia, we find one of the world's most beautiful small sailing areas: the Maddalena Archipelago. Turquoise water, smooth granite rocks and countless small islands characterise the landscape. Between Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Caprera you'll find innumerable sheltered coves reminiscent of the Caribbean or the Seychelles, and many of them are only accessible from the sea.
From a sailing perspective, this voyage is particularly varied, with some longer passages. The Tyrrhenian Sea can at times be capricious, and around Corsica we'll encounter local wind phenomena when the Mistral blows. The best known is probably the 'accelerated zone' in the Strait of Bonifacio, which amplifies the Mistral. But there are also countless sheltered bays and small harbours where we can find protection, swim, explore and stroll, or simply enjoy the beauty and our own company.
Voyage:
We start in Naples and first sail via the tranquil volcanic island of Ischia, via Ponza with its white cliffs and colourful fishermen's houses, to the lively port town of Anzio.
We continue north via Santa Marinella towards Tuscany. Up here is the turning point of the sailing trip.
The crossing to Solenzara or Porto-Vecchio in Corsica takes a long day's sail. After arrival, however, we can recover over a mooring and dinner in a Corsican setting.
Navigation through the Lavezzi Islands requires care and keen observation. But there's scarcely anything finer to discover on the way to Bonifacio. Time seems to stand still here amongst the turquoise lagoons.
In the Strait of Bonifacio we must watch the wind, which at times accelerates through the channel here, and then sail through one of the world's most spectacular harbour entrances into Bonifacio harbour.
Finally, we head to the Maddalena Archipelago in northern Sardinia. There we spend the final days among small islands, sheltered bays and crystal-clear water. Caprera, Budelli, Spargi or Santa Maria: each island has its own character and spectacular anchorages await everywhere.
The voyage ends in bustling Olbia, which welcomes us with its historic old town lanes and pavement cafés and Sardinian ease. A fitting end to such a beautiful and varied sailing voyage.