There are some places in the world that seem almost too beautiful to be real.

Sardinia and Corsica are two of them.

With crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic coastlines, beautiful anchorages and some of the finest food anywhere in the Mediterranean, it is easy to understand why this region has become one of Europe’s premier sailing destinations.

At Water By Nature, we’ve spent years exploring the area and continue to be amazed by what we discover. Whether it’s lunch in a tiny harbour, swimming in an impossibly blue bay or enjoying sunset drinks overlooking Bonifacio, every day seems to bring something special.

If you’re considering a sailing vacation in Sardinia and Corsica, here are some of the things you should know before you go.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sardinia?

For us, the answer is simple: June and September.

Whilst July and August attract huge numbers of visitors, June and September offer many of the same benefits with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

June

June is one of our favourite months in Sardinia.

The sea is warming up nicely, the days are long and sunny and the busy European summer season has not yet reached its peak.

Restaurants are easier to book, harbours are less crowded and the entire region feels more relaxed.

September

September may be the perfect month.

The Mediterranean has spent the entire summer warming up, making the sea wonderfully comfortable for swimming.

The crowds begin to thin and temperatures remain pleasantly warm throughout the day and evening.

For many sailors, September represents the very best of Mediterranean sailing.

What Is Life Like On Board?

One of the things guests often tell us after the trip is how quickly they settle into life aboard the yacht.

Days typically begin with breakfast on deck whilst discussing the day’s plans and weather conditions.

Some days involve a longer sail between islands. Others may feature a short morning passage followed by swimming, exploring ashore or simply relaxing in a beautiful anchorage.

There is no rush.

No packed sightseeing schedule.

No need to constantly unpack and repack.

The yacht becomes both your transport and your home.

One morning you might wake up overlooking a bustling harbour. The next, you could be anchored in a secluded bay surrounded by nothing but turquoise water.

It’s a wonderfully simple way to travel.

What Should You Pack?

The good news is that life aboard a yacht is surprisingly casual.

Some essentials we recommend include:

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket or fleece for evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Small daypack
• Camera or smartphone

Most guests quickly discover they use far fewer clothes than they originally packed.

The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages simplicity.

The Food: One Of The Highlights Of The Trip

Let’s be honest.

Food is one of the main reasons many people travel to Italy.

Sardinia certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Fresh seafood appears on almost every menu. Handmade pasta, local cheeses, wood-fired pizzas and excellent regional wines are all part of daily life.

One of the joys of exploring by yacht is that we can visit restaurants inaccessible to larger groups and often discover places that many tourists never find.

Some lunches are enjoyed in small fishing villages where local families have been serving traditional dishes for generations.

Other evenings might involve dining overlooking a harbour whilst watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch.

And then there is Corsica.

French influence combines with Mediterranean ingredients to create a wonderfully different dining experience. From fresh seafood to charcuterie and local wines, every stop seems to bring another memorable meal.

Many guests arrive expecting the sailing to be the highlight.

By the end of the trip, quite a few are talking just as much about the food.

Bonifacio: One Of The Mediterranean’s Great Harbours

No visit to Corsica is complete without exploring Bonifacio.

Perched dramatically atop towering limestone cliffs, this remarkable town is often regarded as one of the most beautiful harbours in Europe.

Approaching Bonifacio by yacht is something every sailor remembers.

The entrance appears almost hidden until the harbour suddenly reveals itself between towering cliffs.

It’s one of those places that photographs struggle to do justice.

Why Explore Sardinia & Corsica By Yacht?

There are many beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

Very few offer the combination of scenery, sailing, swimming, food and atmosphere found in Sardinia and Corsica.

Travelling by yacht allows you to experience these islands as they were meant to be explored.

You gain access to secluded anchorages, hidden beaches and coastal villages that many visitors never see.

You spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the destination.

Most importantly, you slow down.

And in today’s world, that might be the greatest luxury of all.

Join Us

Our Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure operates in June and September, when conditions are at their very best.

If you’d like to learn more about our small-group sailing vacations in the Mediterranean, explore our full itinerary or get in touch with the team.

We’d love to share this remarkable corner of the world with you.