Cerdeña is a gem of the Mediterranean. Its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are famous worldwide, but the island’s true magic is revealed from the sea. Sailing allows access to secret corners: uninhabited islands, hidden coves tucked between cliffs, and sea caves where nature shows itself in its wildest state.
La Maddalena Archipelago: A Paradise of Virgin Islands
North of Cerdeña, off the Costa Smeralda, lies the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, a group of islands that seem to float on unreal blue waters. Boat excursions take visitors to beaches inaccessible by land, such as Cala Coticcio on Caprera Island, known as “the Tahiti of the Mediterranean.”
The main island, La Maddalena, has a charming historic center, but the real treasure of the archipelago is its small white-sand coves and almost untouched atmosphere.
The Gulf of Orosei Coast: Caves and Cliffs
Cerdeña’s eastern coast is among the most spectacular. From the sea, you can reach hidden coves such as Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé, considered some of the most beautiful in Europe. Many of these spots are only accessible by boat or after long hikes, making them pristine nature refuges.
This coast is also home to some of the Mediterranean’s most impressive sea caves. The Grotta del Bue Marino, with its stalactites and inland lakes, is an underground spectacle that can be visited directly by boat.
The Wild South: Between Islands and Calm Bays
At the southern tip of Cerdeña, the coasts of Chia and Teulada offer endless beaches and small bays perfect for anchoring. From here, excursions depart to San Pietro Island and Sant’Antioco Island, where the sea blends with centuries-old fishing traditions and a cuisine tied to bluefin tuna and Mediterranean flavors.
Sunsets from the Sea
One of the most unforgettable aspects of a boat excursion in Cerdeña is the sunset. The sun turns cliffs golden, the sea becomes a pink mirror, and as boats return to port, the island reveals its most romantic side.
Exploring Cerdeña by boat opens the door to a hidden world: beaches that don’t appear on maps, secret caves, and the feeling of discovering the Mediterranean in its purest form. It’s a must-do experience for those who want to see the island from a different perspective—wilder, more authentic, and undoubtedly unforgettable.
Photo | Alessandro Addis