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Gallura offers a succession of bays, islands and marinas that make it one of the Mediterranean’s leading yachting destinations.
Cruising along Sardinia’s north-eastern coast means travelling through a landscape where granite, Mediterranean scrub and sea seem to change shape with every nautical mile. This part of the island is home to some of the best-known marinas in the Mediterranean, as well as sheltered bays, waterfront villages and strategic departure points for reaching the La Maddalena Archipelago and the island of Tavolara.
The Costa Smeralda and Gallura are not simply destinations associated with social life and international glamour. They are also complex yachting areas, capable of accommodating vessels of different sizes and providing services for captains, crews, owners and recreational boaters. Choosing the right marina therefore depends on the cruising plan, the characteristics of the vessel, connections with the mainland and the type of stay required.
This first MED-Yachting Guide presents five marinas in north-eastern Sardinia, selected for their location, marine services, relationship with the surrounding area and potential for exploring some of the island’s most interesting destinations. This is not a ranking, but a selection of five marinas with different characteristics, each suited to a particular way of experiencing the sea. The selection is based on the five Sardinian facilities included in the editorial dossier dedicated to Mediterranean marinas.
A coastline best explored from the sea
The stretch of coast between the Gulf of Cugnana, Porto Cervo and the Puntaldia promontory offers the opportunity to create a wide range of itineraries. To the north lie the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, the Strait of Bonifacio and the southern coast of Corsica. Heading south, the route reaches the Gulf of Olbia, Capo Ceraso, Porto San Paolo and Tavolara.
The presence of Olbia Airport also makes guest arrivals and crew changes easier. Some marinas are located within a short distance of the main transport connections, while others offer a more secluded atmosphere or closer integration with beaches, accommodation and leisure facilities.
Before selecting a berth, it is always advisable to check availability, draught, maximum accepted vessel length, shore power, entry procedures and the services operating during the intended period directly with the marina management.
Marina di Porto Cervo, the major marina of the Costa Smeralda
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Marina di Porto Cervo is one of the leading yachting landmarks of the Costa Smeralda.
Marina di Porto Cervo is the marina most immediately associated with the Costa Smeralda. It lies within a naturally sheltered inlet and extends between Marina Nuova, arranged around its pontoons, and the Porto Vecchio area, which is closer to the centre of the resort.
According to information published by the marina, it provides approximately 700 berths, can accommodate yachts measuring up to 120 metres and reserves around one hundred berths for megayachts. The declared maximum draught is eight metres. Services include berthing assistance, high-flow fuel supply, customs and immigration facilities and an on-site boatyard.
Onshore facilities include continuous security, toilets and showers, laundry services, waste collection, marine shops and the possibility of arranging provisions and catering services directly on board. The marina uses VHF Channel 09 to communicate with arriving vessels. Opening times, access procedures and the availability of individual services should nevertheless be confirmed before entering the marina.
Porto Cervo is particularly suitable for those looking for a marina equipped for large yachts, dedicated assistance and direct access to the activities of the Costa Smeralda. Nearby facilities include restaurants, boutiques, hotels, clubs and the Pevero Golf Club, as well as well-known beaches such as Grande Pevero, Piccolo Pevero, Capriccioli and the Cala di Volpe area.
Its location provides quick access to Capo Ferro and the La Maddalena Archipelago. During the high season and major yachting events, demand for berths can be particularly strong. Advance booking therefore becomes an essential part of planning a stay.
Particularly suitable for yachts and superyachts, event-related stays, guests interested in the Costa Smeralda lifestyle and cruises towards La Maddalena.
Check before arrival berth availability, the assigned location between Marina Nuova and Porto Vecchio, required shore power and the procedures applying to large yachts.
Declared berths 700
Maximum length 120 m
Maximum draught 8 m
VHF Channel 09, monitored 24 hours
Porto Nuovo telephone +39 0789 905111
Porto Vecchio telephone +39 0789 936666
Night assistance +39 335 1200241
Email info@marinadiportocervo.com
Coordinates 41°14′ N - 9°53′ E
Marina di Porto Cervo
IGY Portisco Marina, a sheltered base between Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo
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Portisco occupies a strategic position between Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and the Gulf of Olbia.
IGY Portisco Marina is located within the Gulf of Cugnana, between Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Its position provides convenient access to the best-known destinations of the Costa Smeralda without being directly situated in the busiest resort centres.
The marina declares 589 berths, facilities for yachts measuring up to 90 metres and a maximum draught of ten metres. The harbour is protected by a long breakwater and includes dedicated superyacht berths. Additional facilities include continuous security and CCTV surveillance, technical assistance, fuel, onboard provisioning, restaurants and commercial services.
One of Portisco’s main advantages is its proximity to Olbia and its airport, which the marina states can be reached in approximately twenty minutes. The Gallura village of San Pantaleo, known for its artisan workshops, galleries and market, is also nearby. The location can be particularly convenient for embarking guests, arranging crew changes or using the marina as a longer-term base.
From the marina, vessels can cruise towards Porto Cervo and Capo Ferro or head south towards Porto Rotondo, the Gulf of Marinella and Tavolara. Portisco can also serve as a departure point for the La Maddalena Archipelago and, on a longer passage, southern Corsica.
Compared with marinas located directly inside the busiest resort centres, Portisco has a predominantly nautical character. Restaurants and services are available within the marina area, while transfers by road are useful for exploring the surrounding destinations.
Particularly suitable for large yachts, crews, guest arrivals and departures through Olbia, and cruises towards the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Check before arrival berth allocation, required assistance, shore-power specifications, availability of technical services and transfer arrangements to Olbia or nearby destinations.
Declared berths 589
Maximum length 90 m
Maximum draught 10 m
Marina VHF Channel 69
Fuel station VHF Channel 71
Reception telephone +39 0789 33520
Boatyard telephone +39 0789 33512
Fuel station telephone +39 393 9163064
Coordinates 41°01′55.6″ N - 09°31′32.8″ E
IGY Portisco Marina
Marina di Porto Rotondo, where the harbour meets the village
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In Porto Rotondo, the marina is integrated with the village’s squares, waterfront walks and architecture.
Marina di Porto Rotondo occupies a small natural inlet between Punta Nuraghe and Punta Volpe. Its defining feature is its direct relationship with the village, which began to develop in the 1960s around squares, pedestrian routes, residences and spaces overlooking the sea.
The marina declares an overall capacity of 652 berths, including 25 reserved for megayachts. The published distribution includes 312 berths for sailing yachts and 314 for motor yachts. The marina also emphasises the accessibility of its berths and the shelter provided by the inlet.
Services include a fuel station, technical assistance, maintenance, storage, lifting and launching, waste collection and black-water pump-out. A professional diving service is also available for work involving ropes, anchors and submerged components. The marina communicates on VHF Channel 09, which the facility states is monitored continuously.
The village’s proximity to the pontoons makes Porto Rotondo suitable for visitors wishing to alternate time on board with walks, restaurants and onshore activities. Ira, Sassi and Marinella beaches are located nearby, while Olbia and its airport can be reached with a relatively short transfer.
From a cruising perspective, Porto Rotondo provides access to the Gulf of Marinella, Mortorio and Soffi, or northwards towards Cala di Volpe, Porto Cervo and Capo Ferro. Heading south leads into the Gulf of Olbia and onwards towards Tavolara.
Particularly suitable for visitors wishing to experience both the harbour and the village without relying constantly on a car, sailing and motor yachts, longer stays and itineraries between the Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Olbia.
Check before arrival the dimensions of the assigned berth, available draught, required boatyard services and any restrictions applying during the busiest periods.
Declared berths 652
Sailing / motor yachts 312 / 314
Megayachts 25 declared berths
VHF Channel 09, monitored 24 hours
Telephone +39 0789 34203
Fax +39 0789 34368
Administration email amministrazione@marinadiportorotondo.it
Reservations email reservation@marinadiportorotondo.it
Coordinates 41°01.1′ N - 009°32.7′ E
Marina di Porto Rotondo
Poltu Quatu Marina dell’Orso, a secluded marina among the granite rocks of Gallura
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Poltu Quatu is arranged around a natural inlet close to Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia.
The name Poltu Quatu is commonly interpreted as “hidden harbour”, a description that captures the character of the inlet particularly well. Marina dell’Orso lies within a natural Gallura fjord, surrounded by granite hills and Mediterranean vegetation.
The marina is integrated into the Poltu Quatu resort and offers a more intimate setting than the larger marinas. According to official information, water and electricity are supplied according to consumption through a prepaid system. Services include berthing assistance both from the quay and by RIB, toilets and showers open around the clock, fuel, waste collection, disposal of oils and batteries, black-water pump-out and underwater assistance.
The marina office can be contacted on VHF Channel 09, which is indicated as operating 24 hours a day. The facility also reports night assistance, weather information, laundry services, ice sales and firefighting equipment positioned along the pontoons.
Accommodation, restaurants and other resort-related services are available ashore. Baja Sardinia, Porto Cervo and the surrounding beaches are located nearby. The marina is also well positioned for vessels continuing towards Capo Ferro, the islands of Caprera and La Maddalena or the Strait of Bonifacio.
Poltu Quatu stands out above all for its setting. Entering the inlet and experiencing the relationship between the marina, architecture and landscape creates an atmosphere different from that of the larger harbours. Because of the marina’s configuration, all vessel specifications should be communicated to the management in advance.
Particularly suitable for stays in a secluded setting, access to Baja Sardinia and Porto Cervo, itineraries towards La Maddalena and visits combined with a resort stay.
Check before arrival the length and draught accepted for the assigned berth, seasonal availability of services, shore-power requirements and entry procedures for the inlet.
VHF Channel 09, active 24 hours
Marina telephone +39 0789 99477
Fuel station telephone +39 371 4177629
Email marina@marinaresortpoltuquatu.com
Shore power 16-32-63-125 A, 220/380 V
Mooring system mooring lines and ground chains
Summer office daily, 8:30 am-8:30 pm
Coordinates 41°08′73″ N - 09°30′72″ E
Poltu Quatu Marina dell’Orso
Marina di Puntaldia, a natural gateway to Tavolara
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Puntaldia is an ideal base for exploring Tavolara, Molara and the bays along the San Teodoro coast.
Marina di Puntaldia lies farther south than the other four marinas included in this guide, along the San Teodoro coastline and opposite the Tavolara area. Its position makes it particularly attractive for those wishing to explore the stretch of coast between Capo Coda Cavallo, Molara and Porto San Paolo.
The marina is part of a residential complex with restaurants, bars, shops, a supermarket, sports facilities, a hotel, golf, a spa and leisure services. This integration makes it possible to plan a stay during which many activities can be reached directly from the marina area.
When entering the marina, vessels are advised to request assistance on VHF Channel 09 or contact the control tower. The marina declares berthing assistance from the quay and, when required, by RIB. The pontoons provide water and electricity, while the harbour also offers toilets, Wi-Fi, separate waste collection, CCTV surveillance and night security.
Additional services include fuel, yacht maintenance, boat and RIB rental, diving, kayaking and SUP. The marina also reports electric-vehicle charging points and a seafront fitness area. Some activities may be seasonal and should therefore be confirmed before departure.
Tavolara and Molara can be reached quickly from the marina, together with the bays of Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu and Capo Coda Cavallo. Compared with the marinas of the Costa Smeralda, Puntaldia offers a different perspective on north-eastern Sardinia, more closely connected with natural areas and day cruising between islands, beaches and clear waters.
Particularly suitable for cruises towards Tavolara and Molara, families, watersports, stays combined with sports facilities and visits to the San Teodoro area.
Check before arrival berth availability and dimensions, draught, fuel-station opening hours, seasonal activities and the regulations of the marine protected area.
Declared berths 380
Maximum length 26 m
Maximum beam 6.3 m
Maximum draught 3.8 m
VHF Channel 09
Telephone +39 0784 864590
Email info@marinadipuntaldia.it
Reception hours 9:00 am-1:00 pm / 3:30 pm-8:00 pm, subject to change
Coordinates 40°48′88″ N - 9°41′40″ E
Marina di Puntaldia
Five marinas, five ways to experience Sardinia
Choosing between these marinas is not about identifying a winner, but about deciding which harbour best suits a particular itinerary.
Porto Cervo provides infrastructure designed for large yachts and direct access to the Costa Smeralda’s best-known destination. Portisco combines superyacht berths, shelter and proximity to Olbia Airport. Porto Rotondo allows visitors to experience the relationship between the marina and the village on foot. Poltu Quatu offers a secluded and scenic inlet. Puntaldia, meanwhile, looks towards Tavolara and the natural areas of the San Teodoro coastline.
The length of the stay may also influence the choice. For a quick embarkation, proximity to Olbia may be decisive. During a longer stay, restaurants, shops, beaches and onshore activities may carry greater weight. For yachts and superyachts, draught, maximum accepted length, shore power, technical facilities and the availability of continuous assistance become particularly important.
A possible itinerary between the Costa Smeralda and Tavolara
The five marinas can also become the stages of a coastal itinerary. Starting from Porto Cervo, vessels can cruise towards Poltu Quatu and Capo Ferro before exploring the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The route can then continue towards Portisco and Porto Rotondo, crossing the Gulf of Cugnana and reaching the Gulf of Marinella.
From Porto Rotondo, the itinerary can proceed south towards Olbia, Capo Ceraso and Porto San Paolo, ending at Puntaldia. The duration of the route should be determined according to weather conditions, the characteristics of the vessel and the time available for exploring the individual bays.
The apparently short distances should not obscure the fact that winds can change cruising conditions rapidly, particularly in exposed stretches of water and in the Strait of Bonifacio. Updated forecasts, careful planning and knowledge of local regulations remain essential.
Information to check before booking
Information concerning berth numbers, maximum vessel lengths and services may change during the season. Before confirming a stay, the marina should be provided with the vessel’s overall length, beam, draught, type and required shore-power capacity.
It is also advisable to request information about entry procedures, VHF channels, berthing assistance, fuel, black-water pump-out, parking, transfers, boatyard facilities and the services genuinely available on the intended dates.
For excursions and anchoring within protected areas, current regulations should be consulted and the possible presence of mooring fields, navigation restrictions or areas where anchoring is prohibited should be verified.
MED-Yachting Guide, the Mediterranean beyond the berth
This first guide marks the beginning of a series dedicated not only to harbours, but also to the relationship between cruising and the surrounding territory. A marina is not simply a place to leave a vessel. It can be the gateway to an archipelago, the centre of a village, a technical base, a meeting place or the starting point for discovering a coastline.
Future MED-Yachting Guides may explore other marinas in Sardinia, harbours throughout Italy’s different regions and the principal yachting destinations of the Mediterranean, maintaining a practical and editorial approach capable of describing both what can be found inside the harbour and what begins just beyond the quay.
Sources and official websites
Marina di Porto Cervo
IGY Portisco Marina
Marina di Porto Rotondo
Poltu Quatu Marina dell’Orso
Marina di Puntaldia
Berth availability, rates, dimensional limits, opening times and seasonal services should always be checked directly with each marina before cruising.
25 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Marinas in Sardinia, five harbours for exploring the Costa Smeralda and Gallura
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.
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