Itemized weekly budget (6 people, bareboat catamaran)
Sardinia ranges from budget-friendly wild anchoring to Costa Smeralda glamour. The sample reflects a high-season week from Olbia or Portisco, exploring the Maddalena Archipelago.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran charter (44–46ft) | $6,500 | High season; monohulls from ~$3,000/wk |
| Provisioning & dining | $1,890 | ~$45 pp/day |
| Marina fees | $630 | Costa Smeralda is premium; anchoring free elsewhere |
| La Maddalena park fees | $150 | €15–30/day in the marine park |
| Fuel | $230 | Moderate island hops |
| End cleaning & extras | $190 | Standard end-of-charter charge |
| Total | ≈ $9,590 | ≈ $1,600 per person |
Park & marina fees
The headline extra is the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park fee (€15–30/day), which protects one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful cruising areas. Marina costs swing wildly: a berth in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda is among the most expensive in the Med, while anchoring in the Maddalena's coves costs nothing. Italy's usual small port taxes apply in commercial harbours.
Where to save
Anchor in the Maddalena rather than berthing at Porto Cervo — the archipelago is the reason to come and mostly free to anchor in (park fee aside). Skip the Costa Smeralda glamour marinas unless people-watching is the point. Shoulder weeks in May–June or September lower rates. Our cost calculator models it by region.