Sardinia by sail beats any beach day. This full-day, private cruise around the La Maddalena Archipelago is built for slow moments at sea, with real food and a day that feels personal. Hosted by skipper Francesco and deckhand/chef Paola, it’s the kind of trip where you stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about the next swim.

I love how small-group it is. With a maximum of 10 people, you get more attention, fewer crowds, and a calmer boat atmosphere—plus the itinerary can be adjusted to keep things comfortable when the wind changes. I also like that the onboard meal isn’t an afterthought; it’s freshly prepared Sardinian lunch, and Paola is ready to handle special dietary requests when needed.

The main drawback is simple: this experience needs good weather to run well. Also, towels aren’t included, so if you show up empty-handed you’ll either borrow a towel or make do another way. If weather cancels it, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund, but if you cancel for other reasons, it’s non-refundable.

Key things to know before you sail

• Max 10 passengers keeps the vibe relaxed and the attention personal.
• Francesco + Paola run the show, with Francesco focused on sailing and Paola on food and service.
• Wind-smart pacing means your swim and beach choices can shift during the day.
• Lunch plus refreshments all day: water, soda, coffee/tea, and more food than you expect.
• Towels not included, so plan on bringing one or buying ahead.

Entering the day at Porto Turistico (9:30 start)

The cruise starts at Porto Turistico, 1, in Arzachena (SS), and you’ll be back at the same meeting point at the end of the day. Departure is 9:30am, so I suggest building in an unhurried morning—coffee, a quick pastry, then you’re ready to board.

The meeting spot is also described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking (as long as there’s availability). This is one of those tours you’ll feel right away once you’re on the dock—everything about it is designed for a smooth day, not a scramble.

Getting on board Solevento: small-boat comfort and real hosts

This cruise runs on the sailing yacht Solevento, and the vibe is often described as relaxed from the first minute. With a maximum of 10 people onboard, you’re not packed in like a floating bus stop—you can actually sit, chat, and enjoy the quiet parts between stops.

Skipper Francesco is the one driving the boat, and the sailing feels intentional rather than rushed. Paola handles deck support and the food side, and she’s the sort of person who keeps track of details—like making sure your dietary needs are covered. If you like personal service, this is where the tour wins.

Also, the boat is a sailboat, not a power-yacht experience. That means you’ll feel the rhythm of sailing through the day—great when the wind cooperates, and they’ll adjust when it doesn’t. In short: you’re signing up for the feeling of a holiday on the water, not just being transported from one photo spot to another.

The Maddalena Archipelago circuit: bays, swims, and wind-adjusted routes

This is a full-day sail across the Maddalena Archipelago area, including the Costa Smeralda coastline and views linked with South Corsica. The core idea is simple: you spend the day moving between beautiful bays and beaches, with chances to get in the water when conditions and locations line up.

The day’s main rhythm is sailing → anchoring nearby a standout spot → swimming and relaxing → sailing again. You’ll have clear-water time for swimming, and some days include extra water activities like snorkelling and paddle boarding. Even if you just want to float, the “soft sun cushions” and all-day refreshments make it easy to slow down.

Here’s a practical note I’d keep in mind: the itinerary is affected by winds, and the crew adjusts the route to make the sailing comfortable and the stops work with the conditions. That’s a good thing, even if it means the exact bay sequence can vary. It’s also why this tour is best booked with flexibility in your schedule and a weather eye.

What about the time ashore?

This cruise is built around sea time. You’re not booking a land sightseeing marathon, and that’s a feature, not a flaw, if you want a break from driving and crowds. If you love the idea of seeing coastlines but still want a restful day, it fits well. If you expect guided walking tours and museums, you’ll be happier picking a different type of day trip.

Lunch, local wine, and coffee: why the food is a big part of the value

Food is where this tour surprises people—in a good way. You get a typical Sardinian lunch that’s described as freshly prepared onboard, plus a welcome drink and ongoing refreshments during the day. Included items list lunch, soda/pop, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea, along with brunch.

But the stronger story comes from the way meals are delivered. You’ll get more than a quick sandwich vibe. One highlight that comes up often is the mussel pasta, which is exactly the kind of local dish you want on a day focused on coastal places. Drinks can also include local options such as vermentino, mirto, beer, and sparkling wine, depending on what’s planned that day.

If you’re food-conscious, the takeaway is that Paola’s kitchen is small and hands-on, not a factory line. The result is consistent: warm service, frequent check-ins, and a meal that feels connected to the region. And if you have a dietary request, the hosts have shown they’ll work to accommodate it.

Practical side: bring an appetite. Between lunch, brunch, snacks, and drinks, you’ll likely feel you ate well before you even think about dinner later.

Price and logistics: what $337.91 buys you

At $337.91 per person for about 8 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Sardinia’s coastline. So ask the obvious question: what’s the value?

Here’s the honest math in plain terms. You’re paying for a private sailing experience with a small headcount (max 10). That smaller group affects everything: less waiting, more attention from the crew, and a day that can flex around sailing conditions. Add in food and drinks all day—lunch, refreshments, coffee/tea—and the price starts to look less random.

Also, the hosting style matters. When the day is run by Francesco and Paola, the trip becomes less about a checklist and more about comfort—especially if you want a relaxed pace and swimming opportunities. If your goal is a low-stress, high-comfort coastal day, this price can feel fair.

Timing matters

At 9:30am start and return to the dock the same day, it’s a compact commitment. That helps if you’re trying to fit a “wow” experience into a limited Sardinia schedule. Just don’t plan your night out too tightly afterward if you tend to get travel fatigue; you’ll come back sun-warmed and full.

What to pack (and what you should not assume)

The one concrete miss in the included list is towels. Since towels aren’t provided, I’d plan to pack one. It’s also smart to bring swimwear and sun protection, because the day’s design assumes time in and around the water.

Even if you’re not doing active snorkelling or paddle boarding, you’ll still want comfortable clothing that works for sun and shade. A light layer can help for breezier moments on a sailboat. And if you have motion sensitivity, consider how you usually feel on boats—this is a sailing day, so you’ll be out on open water for hours.

Who should book this sailing day, and who might skip it

This cruise makes the most sense if you want a relaxed, personal day on the water with excellent food and clear swimming time. The small group size makes it ideal for couples, friends, and anyone who prefers a quieter atmosphere over big-boat crowds.

It’s also a strong pick if you like the idea of Sardinia’s coastline but don’t want a full travel-day built around driving. You’ll see famous areas—Maddalena and the surrounding Costa Smeralda region—without spending your day behind a steering wheel.

If you’re someone who needs lots of land time, guided museum stops, or a structured walking itinerary, you’ll probably feel like this is the wrong tool for the job. This is a sea-first day. Bring your expectation in line with that, and you’ll have a better time.

Should you book Five Star Relax Cruise Sailing Yacht Islands of La Maddalena?

If you want a high-comfort, small-group sailing day with Sardinian lunch and a crew that treats you like people—not numbers—this is an easy yes. The hosts (Francesco and Paola) are a major part of the appeal, and the food focus isn’t lip service; it’s a real highlight of the day.

Book it if you can match the key conditions: you’ll be there at 9:30am, you’re okay spending most of the day afloat, and you’re traveling with enough flexibility for weather. It’s also worth booking ahead, since the typical booking window is about 14 days in advance on average.

Skip—or at least reconsider—if you’re planning around strict non-refundable plans that can’t handle a weather change. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions cancel the day, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund, but if you cancel for other reasons, the amount you paid won’t come back.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the sailing start?

It starts at 9:30am.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at Porto Turistico, 1, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy.

What’s included in the price?

Included: lunch, soda/pop, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and brunch (admission ticket included).

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

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