Chartering a yacht in Sardinia, particularly Costa Smeralda (northeast coast), costs from EUR 25-30,000 per week in peak season (August), with savings of 20-30% in June-September. Larger yachts (60+ feet) command EUR 50-100k/week. Sardinia is the ultimate premium destination: crystal-clear waters, dramatic rocky coastline (pink granite), world-class superyacht infrastructure with limited berths (Porto Cervo, Palau). Second-choice destination for Brazilian UHNW clients after Ibiza. Updated March 2026.
Table of Contents
- Price ranges by vessel size
- Why Sardinia is premium
- Costa Smeralda vs. Maddalena vs. South
- Price table and comparisons
- Routes and destinations
- FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Price ranges by vessel size
| Category | Size | Peak (Aug) | Shoulder (Jun-Sep) | Low (Oct-May) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | 50-55 ft | EUR 35-50k | EUR 28-40k | EUR 20-30k |
| Premium | 60-70 ft | EUR 55-85k | EUR 44-68k | EUR 35-55k |
| Superyacht | 75-90 ft | EUR 90-140k | EUR 72-110k | EUR 60-85k |
| Mega | 100+ ft | EUR 150-250k | EUR 120-200k | EUR 100-150k |
Italy VAT: 22% (normally included). Confirm in contract.
Why Sardinia is premium
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Clearest Mediterranean waters: Sardinia has water transparency among the Mediterranean's finest (visibility 30-40m at many spots). Perfect for diving, snorkeling, underwater photography.
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Unique landscape: Pink granite (sienite rosa), dramatic erosion, rock formations found nowhere else. Highly photogenic.
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Limited berths at Costa Smeralda: Porto Cervo has only ~500 berths — with global superyacht demand high, prices stay firm. "Exclusivity through scarcity."
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True superyacht infrastructure: Porto Cervo isn't a "resort beach port"; it's a working superyacht port. 24/7 security marinas, supply boats, provisioners, repair yards, valet tender parking.
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Privacy: Sardinia has less "charter tourism" than Ibiza or Greece; clientele is more discreet and UHNW. Fewer public parties, quieter lifestyle.
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UHNW Brazilian destination: Brazilian influencers, entrepreneurs, athletes choose Sardinia for summer. Social media shows "Costa Smeralda as status"; demand climbs.
Costa Smeralda vs. Maddalena vs. South
COSTA SMERALDA (Porto Cervo, Palau): - Ultimate premium. Porto Cervo = most expensive marina, most demanding clientele. - Crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastline. - Discrete nightlife (high-end bars, Michelin restaurants). - Main base for 50+ ft yachts. - Distance Porto Cervo to other spots: Maddalena 20km, Bonifacio (Corsica) 50km.
MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO: - National Park (entry EUR 30/person/day). - Seven islands, clear water, secluded beaches. - Tranquil sailing, ideal for groups wanting to escape Porto Cervo. - Less infrastructure than Porto Cervo, more "explorer."
SOUTH SARDINIA (Porto Rotondo, Santo Stefano, Cagliari): - Lesser known, quieter. - Prices 15-25% lower than Costa Smeralda. - Good for groups wanting Sardinia without the "scene."
Classic 7-day route: Porto Cervo (2 nights) → Maddalena Archipelago (2 nights) → Bonifacio Corsica (1-2 nights) → Porto Cervo (1-2 nights).
Price table and comparisons
| Specification | Base price (ex-VAT) | VAT 22% | Total (August) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft motor yacht, 8-10 guests | EUR 32,000 | EUR 7,040 | EUR 39,040 | 350h engine, crew (skipper + 2-3) |
| 60 ft motor yacht, 10-12 guests | EUR 48,000 | EUR 10,560 | EUR 58,560 | 400h engine, crew (captain + 3) |
| 70 ft motor yacht, 12-14 guests | EUR 68,000 | EUR 14,960 | EUR 82,960 | 450h engine, crew (captain + 4) |
| 80 ft superyacht, 14-16 guests | EUR 100,000 | EUR 22,000 | EUR 122,000 | 500h engine, crew (captain + 5) |
Classic routes and destinations
Beach + gastronomy (groups 30-50 years old): - Porto Cervo (hub, days 1-2) → Palau (northeast, tranquil, days 3-4) → Maddalena Archipelago (snorkel/diving, days 5-6) → return Porto Cervo (day 7). - Chef on yacht focusing on Sardinian cuisine (local fish — seabass, snapper, grouper; Vermentino wine; local pastries at breakfast). - Shore activities: gallery visit in Porto Cervo, lunch at local trattoria in Palau. - Expected APA: EUR 35-45k.
Explorer + nature (active groups): - Porto Cervo (base) → Maddalena Archipelago (2-3 days here, stop at each island: Maddalena, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli). - Hiking ashore on Maddalena (2-3 hour trails with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea). - Deep snorkeling (light diving at Spargi, one of the Mediterranean's finest snorkel spots). - Simple chef, focus on fresh fruit and fish bought at local market. - Expected APA: EUR 25-35k.
Corsica crossing: - Bonifacio (French Corsica, 40km from Porto Cervo, 7-8h sailing): picturesque harbor, nightlife (clifftop bars), excellent gastronomy (French seafood). - Scandola National Park (viewable from boat only, no landing permitted, but UNESCO World Heritage spectacular). - Return to Porto Cervo (optional: intermediate stop at Lavezzi Islands, between Corsica-Sardinia).
Practical checklist for chartering in Sardinia
Before finalizing a contract with the operator, confirm:
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VAT (IVA) already included? Sardinia = Italy = 22% VAT. Some brokers quote prices "net of VAT" and add later. Confirm everything in contract.
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Fuel autonomy: ask "how many engine hours are included in the price?" (typically 350-400h for a 50-60 ft yacht). Beyond that, you pay hourly rate.
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Insurance deductible/excess: Porto Cervo is high-value; deductibles are larger (EUR 5-10k). Confirm if you want additional "coverage boost."
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Porto Cervo berth: if you want to stay in Porto Cervo during the week, book berth EARLY (marinas don't guarantee without advance booking). Alternative: Palau (north, 30km) has more space.
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Crew: confirm skipper + chef + 1-2 deckhands included in base price. Large yachts (60+ ft) have dedicated chefs; smaller yachts may have "multipurpose" crew (chef/deckhand). Clarify to avoid disappointment.
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Diving/snorkeling: if planning deep diving (PADI dive) at Spargi, ask if operator has local dive operator relationship (standard in Sardinia; costs EUR 500-800/day).
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sardinia really 25-30% more expensive than Ibiza? A: Yes. Porto Cervo commands absolute premium. Ibiza, while popular, has price competition. If you want differentiation and privacy, Sardinia justifies it; if you want price-to-feature ratio, Ibiza wins.
Q: What's the best month to charter in Sardinia? A: June-July. 20-30% discount, perfect weather, Porto Cervo still has berths. August hits ceiling prices and queues. September still good (predictable wind), water warmed.
Q: Do I need a visa for Sardinia? A: No. Sardinia is Italy, Italy is EU/Schengen. Valid Brazilian passport = visa-free entry (90 days). No special maritime restrictions.
Q: Is Sardinia "only for the ultra-rich"? A: Most Sardinia yachts are 50+ feet (mini superyacht entry-level), so YES, clientele is UHNW. That said, Voguer Yachts has partners renting 40-45 ft yachts for EUR 25-35k — accessible to affluent, not necessarily billionaires.
Q: What's sailing like in Sardinia? A: Excellent. Calm waters, protected spots, short distances between islands. Not long-distance cruising; short-hop sailing between ports. Ideal for non-sailors (all motoring) and sailors (tranquil sailing).
Q: Can I visit Corsica from Sardinia? A: Yes. Bonifacio (Corsica) is 50km north; 7-8h motor (or 12-14h sailing if wind cooperates). Same charter, same week. Many groups add 1-2 Corsica days on return.
Q: Typical APA in Sardinia? A: EUR 30-45k for a 60 ft yacht. Expensive because Porto Cervo provisioning isn't cheap, and clear waters attract divers (diving guide EUR 500-800/day). Fuel: similar to rest of Mediterranean.
Q: Best operator in Sardinia? A: Local operators like Consorzio Nautico (Porto Cervo), SardaBay Charter, Smeralda Yachts. Voguer Yachts has partnerships in Porto Cervo. Confirm insurance coverage (excess EUR 5-10k in Sardinia is standard), and whether VAT is already included.
Further reading: See also How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Mediterranean, Shoulder Season: How Much You Save Chartering in June or September, and How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Greece.
