On stunning white, limestone cliffs at the south end of Corsica lies the spectacular harbour town of Bonifacio. The old citadel, perched on the precipice, rises high above the sea, overlooking the natural harbour below, that has sheltered many boats of the centuries and is now a modern marina. Steeped in history, there are plenty of sights to explore along the cobblestone streets of the old town, along with its fabulous viewpoints along the ramparts. Some of the medieval townhouses that dominate these cliffs are a few stories high, but only one room deep. Worth a visit is the beautiful maritime cemetery and the old convent of St Francois. On a clear day, from the Esplanade St Francois, you can see right across the bay to Sardinia.
On the south coast of Corsica, Porto Vecchio's splendid harbor is the resting place for hundreds of luxury yachts that choose to sail to Corsica each summer. In addition to the fantastic shopping and restaurants in the area, you can enjoy stunning landscapes and are spoiled for choice with a selection of magnificent beaches. From here, discover the beautiful, white Palombaggia beach, shaded with pine trees and clear waters of all shades of green and blue. In Porto Vecchio, charter guests can explore the 16th-century Citadel, wandering through narrow streets steeped in history. Don't miss the Church of Saint John the Baptist, featuring magnificent 16th-century artwork and impressive trompe-l'œil frescoes. Outdoor enthusiasts will go wild with canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, and helicopter tours all on their doorstep.
Piana, a picturesque village perched 438 meters above sea level on Corsica's western coast, is renowned for its emerald and blue landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage status. The village's crown jewel is the Calanches de Piana, a mesmerizing collection of red granite rock formations that plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. Some must-sees for charter guests include taking the tender to witness the Calanches and Scandola Nature Reserve from the sea, hiking the Chateau Fort trail, and exploring the charming village itself, part of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" association.
The Archipelago of Lavezzi is a collection of small, granite islands and reefs located between Corsica and Sardinia in the Strait of Bonifacio. The two main islands are Cavallo and Lavezzu, Cavallo being the only inhabited island of the group. The area is a protected nature reserve with abundant underwater sea life and marine birds, making it a nature lover's paradise. Drop anchor in the crystal clear waters, get your snorkels, or laze on one of the beautiful islands' soft, sandy beaches. Lavezzu is also known for its 2 cemeteries, which serve as a monument for the victims of the 1855 shipwreck Sémillante, where 700 people perished.
Nicknamed the secret islands of Sardinia, La Maddalena lends its name to an archipelago of around 60 isles and islands on the northeast coast. The island of the same name is the only permanently inhabited island in this collection. The national park is famous for its photogenic beaches and translucent seas, with Octopus Head Beach being one such example. You will want to pull out your snorkel and plunge in to see what sits beneath the blue. The best beaches include Bassa Trinità, Cala Francese, and Spiaggia di Monte di Rena, but truly, any beach you choose is bound to be bliss. Charter guests can also explore the town of La Maddalena for a charming stroll through the narrow streets.
Beautiful Baja captures everything to love about the glittering greens of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Just a few minutes from the sophisticated vibes of Porto Cervo, Baja is blue and buzzy. Yacht charter guests are sure to fall for the Caribbean-esque beach of Baja, which has floury white sands and gin-coloured seas, all sitting pretty beneath emerald-cloaked cliffs. These sublime waters are perfect for all shades of sports - from scuba diving beneath the blue to windsurfing. Providing the blissful backdrop is the archipelago of La Maddalena, a pleasure playground for sailors and sun lovers. Take the tender to explore the national park with its pink seashell sands and evocative coral gardens. While Baja is a small seaside delight perfect for a little R&R, for those seeking entertainment beyond the blissful bay and local eateries, it’s only a short ride away to the celeb-studded streets of glitzy Porto Cervo, granting you the best of both worlds.
Cala Di Volpe, situated in the heart of the Costa Smeralda, has all of the glitz and glamour that this stretch of Sardinian coast has to offer, but with a touch more tranquility, as it is less developed than some of its more popular neighbours. An old fishing village at heart, Cala di Volpe features pastel-colored homes and a classic Mediterranean port, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the mountains of Golfo Aranci and Isola Tavolara. You'll also find picture perfect beaches with a laid back vibe, perfect for one of your quieter charter days.
Porto Cervo is one of Sardinia's most well-known, luxurious and chic locations. The marina is situated in a beautiful, sheltered harbor. The Costa Smeralda Yacht Club is one of the best equipped in the Mediterranean. With steady winds, this is yacht racing territory, and plays host to regattas such as the Perini Navi Cup, the Dubois Cup, Pendennis, Fitzroy and more.
This glamorous destination is the choice of rock stars and royalty, and it's not difficult to see why. There is a fantastic mix of beaches, wonderful shopping, great night life and excellent restaurants. It's a hive of activity in the height of summer, and you're bound to be surrounded by some of the biggest, most luxurious superyachts in the world.