Bonifacio – Campomoro – Cargese – Girolata – Calvi – (Palau/Palau)
Boarding and disembarking in Palau | Arrival and departure via Olbia
During this special sailing trip, we discover the impressive west coast of Corsica: a coastline full of rugged rock formations, wide sandy beaches, hidden bays, crystal-clear water and atmospheric places with a rich history. Corsica is not called Île de Beauté – the Island of Beauty – for nothing. Especially along the west coast, the island reveals the full diversity of its nature.
Our sailing trips do not follow a fixed itinerary. For each trip, we provide a non-binding route suggestion, but the final route is decided along the way. Wind, weather and local conditions always play an important role. This keeps the journey flexible and leaves room for real sailing, beautiful anchorages and spontaneous discoveries.
This round trip starts in Palau and takes us towards Corsica. We sail up along the west coast and return by a different route. Below you will find a selection of highlights that we would like to visit, depending on the conditions.
Join in with the sailing or simply relax
Those who wish can actively take part in the sailing. All sails can be set from deck, and there are plenty of opportunities to lend a hand. Take the helm, help out on deck, climb part of the rigging under supervision, or find a spot in the bowsprit net to watch for dolphins and enjoy the passing coastline.
Everything is possible, but nothing is required. You decide how much you would like to participate – entirely according to your own mood and preference.
Because we sail with a small and personal group of guests, the trip remains relaxed and flexible. Spontaneous shore visits, beach walks, short hikes or sightseeing trips are often possible. With the comfortable dinghy, we can easily head to a nearby bay for snorkelling, visit the beach or stop at a cosy beach bar.
For those who would like to learn something along the way, there is plenty to discover on board as well. Sea mile certificates can be issued on request, and knotting and splicing exercises offer a fun way to test your seamanship skills.
The journey
Boarding in Palau
You travel to Olbia and continue from there to Palau. This charming town on the northern coast of Sardinia is the starting point of our journey. We will be at anchor and welcome you on board from 18:00. After boarding, there will be an introduction to the ship, the crew and the sailing trip ahead.
The next morning, we set course for Corsica. After just a few nautical miles, we reach the Strait of Bonifacio, where Corsica welcomes us with its rugged coast, clear water and Mediterranean charm.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is without doubt one of the most impressive places in Corsica. The town is spectacularly built on a narrow, rugged limestone cliff high above the sea. Its location alone makes Bonifacio unforgettable.
We arrive in the afternoon or anchor nearby, leaving enough time to explore the town on foot. The walk from the lower town up the wide staircase is rewarded with magnificent views over the steep chalk cliffs and the sea. At the top, a maze of narrow streets, tall houses, lively bars, tiny restaurants and historic atmosphere awaits.
Rocher du Lion and the Bay of Roccapina
The Gulf of Roccapina is known for its beautiful beaches and remarkable rock formations. From the beach, conditions permitting, we can take a short walk through the fragrant maquis up to the impressive Rocher du Lion. This rock formation resembles a resting lion and is one of the most striking natural landmarks in southern Corsica. The beach of Plage d’Erbaju is also one of the most beautiful spots in this area.
Campomoro
At the southern end of the Gulf of Valinco lies Campomoro, a small coastal village with a fine sandy beach, fishing boats, maquis and an imposing Genoese watchtower. It is a wonderful place for going ashore.
Those who like can walk up the slope to the tower, built in 1586. From the panoramic viewpoint, there are beautiful views over the sea, the coast and the hinterland. Campomoro combines exactly what makes this trip so special: nature, history and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Porto Pollo
Porto Pollo was originally a simple natural shelter for fishermen. Today, it is a friendly small marina and a pleasant place for a relaxed evening stroll. When we anchor here, the nearby snorkelling areas are also well worth exploring.
Îles Sanguinaires
Under sail, we cross the Gulf of Ajaccio towards the Îles Sanguinaires. This rocky island group is famous for its reddish coastline, crystal-clear water and special light, especially towards the end of the day.
We anchor near the islands and can go ashore for a walk towards the lighthouse and the Genoese tower. Along the way, you enjoy a wonderful panorama over the sea and coast. In the 19th century, the lighthouse was also connected with the French writer Alphonse Daudet, who spent time here.
Cargèse
On the northern edge of the Gulf of Sagone lies Cargèse, a charming village beautifully situated on a rock above the sea. The village is known for its Greek and Catholic churches, quiet streets and typical Corsican atmosphere.
A walk between the village, the small harbour and the beach of Plage de Peru is definitely worthwhile. Cargèse is a lovely stop where culture, views and relaxation come together.
Capo Rosso
At the southern end of the northern Gulf of Porto, the mighty rocky headland of Capo Rosso rises from the sea. The 330-metre-high point of pink porphyry rock is impressive to see, especially from the water.
On top of the headland stands the Genoese Tower of Turghiu. In the surrounding area, you will find bizarre caves, steep rock walls and, with a little luck, birds of prey such as ospreys. If conditions are favourable, we can take the dinghy closer to the caves and experience this natural spectacle up close.
Scandola en Girolata
The Scandola Nature Reserve is an absolute highlight of this trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on a mountainous peninsula in the Gulf of Porto and is best admired from the sea. The red-coloured rocks, rugged cliffs and extraordinary formations are unique in the Mediterranean.
The area has been protected since 1975. Ospreys, peregrine falcons and gulls find their habitat here in an impressive landscape of ancient volcanic rock. Sailing along Scandola is an experience you will not easily forget.
Towards evening, weather permitting, we anchor near Girolata. This idyllic fishing village can only be reached by boat or on foot. A few houses, a small Genoese fortress, cosy beach restaurants and sometimes even a cow on the beach create an almost magical atmosphere.
Galeria
Galeria is a peaceful village near the beautiful Fango Valley. Here, the delta of the Fango River invites you to enjoy a relaxed kayak trip among water lilies, turtles and quiet nature. It is an oasis of peace and shows a completely different side of Corsica.
Galeria is also located on the famous hiking route Tra Mare e Monti Nord, one of the most beautiful long-distance trails on the island.
Calvi
Calvi is a lively and atmospheric town with an impressive citadel on a rocky headland. The Genoese fortress, charming streets, harbour and beautiful bay make Calvi one of the most attractive towns on the Corsican coast.
During a walk through the citadel, you can enjoy magnificent views of the mountains, the Mediterranean Sea and the entire bay. Calvi offers a beautiful combination of history, lively town life and maritime atmosphere.
Return to Palau
On the final day, we enjoy the clear water and relaxed life on board one more time in the morning. Afterwards, we lift the anchor and sail back towards Sardinia. Around midday, we arrive back near Palau, in the bay of Spiaggia Sciumara.
Disembarkation is at 14:30.
Good to know
The route and destinations mentioned are non-binding route suggestions. Which places we actually visit will be decided flexibly on site. Wind, weather and safety are always decisive. The skipper and crew determine the final route.
