Maddalena Archipelago – Costa Smeralda – Palau
Day 1.
Arrive in Sardinia, Olbia, and embark at 18:00 in Palau, a charming town north of Olbia. Here we are anchored. During our champagne reception, guests are welcomed, the ship is introduced and the expected programme discussed. We then enjoy our first dinner on board.
Day 2
Early in the morning, we hoist anchor and sail through the famous Strait of Bonifacio to the French, Corsican side, first at the Lavezzi Islands. Depending on interest and weather, we will take a walk on one of the islands, combined with a snorkelling excursion. We enjoy the white sandy beach and beautiful views of the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia, as well as the surrounding archipelagos. In the afternoon, we sail to the Golfe de Sant Amanza on the south-eastern tip of Corsica. Here we enjoy a refreshing local Pietra beer, a true Corsican speciality, at a beach bar.
Day 3
In the morning, we might take a beach walk or swim a round. Then we sail along the east coast to Porto Vecchio, where we anchor in the gulf of the same name. Towards evening, we take a short walk ashore in the marina. Surrounded by cork oaks, pine trees and numerous bays, the Gulf of Porto Vecchio is a popular holiday destination.
Day 4
In the morning, we explore Porto Vecchio, situated on a 100-metre-high plateau. This lively little town has Genoese fortifications, colourful streets and medieval squares. We might then sail to the Iles Cerbicales, a small group of islands with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. We stay at anchor here or in a nearby bay and enjoy dinner overlooking Corsica’s impressive mountain silhouettes.
Day 5
The Strait of Bonifacio almost always offers ideal wind conditions, allowing us a few nice sailings between Corsica and Sardinia before sailing towards Bonifacio. Towards evening, we anchor at Bonifacio’s fjord-like natural harbour and explore this unique and picturesque town.
Day 6
Bonifacio, perched high on a narrow limestone cliff, is Corsica’s most impressive city. This southernmost city on the island offers a unique setting on a 1.5 km long and 150 metres wide peninsula, with steep limestone walls sloping 60 metres to the sea. The town is definitely worth a visit. The walk from the lower town up the wide staircase is rewarded with stunning views of the steep chalk coast. The narrow streets and tall houses preserve the authentic atmosphere of the Genoese Middle Ages.
We then leave Corsica and sail back to Sardinia. We moor in the beautiful bays of Porto Liscia or Porto Puddo, where, by evening, we relax in a trendy beach bar, admire kitesurfers or go for a beach walk.
Day 7
In the morning, we enjoy the crystal-clear waters one last time right from the ship. After lunch, we sail leisurely back to Palau, where we anchor in Mezzo Schiffo bay. Disembarkation is at 14:30.
This route recommendation is a non-binding suggestion. The final route will be determined by the skipper, depending on wind and weather conditions. Changes and errors reserved. We often spend more time in the beautiful Maddalena archipelago, on the coast of Sardinia or in other idyllic bays, adapted to current conditions.
The Sir Robert Baden Powell is not only a sailing ship but also an SSI diving base. With its diving instructor, the ship offers one dive per day. The day is organised so that diving and other activities do not interfere with each other and everyone can have their fun. Furthermore, SUPs and snorkelling equipment are available on board. It is advisable to inform us in advance of your interest in diving, so that the ship can better organise it.
