Italy · Gallura
Yacht Charter Porto Pollo
Two bays either side of an isthmus, and the most reliable wind in the western Mediterranean.
Porto Pollo sits on a sand isthmus joining the mainland to the Isola dei Gabbiani, with a bay on each side. The Strait of Bonifacio funnels wind through here almost every afternoon of the summer, which has made it one of the best-known sailing spots in Europe — and for a yacht it means a reliable breeze on a coast where the mornings are often glassy.
Two bays, one isthmus
The western bay takes the wind; the eastern one is in its lee. Whichever way it blows, one of the two is comfortable, which is unusual on this coast and makes the stop useful rather than merely pretty.
The Isola dei Gabbiani at the end of the isthmus is low, sandy and almost undeveloped, with granite outcrops and shallow turquoise water on the seaward side.
Where it sits
Palau and Capo d'Orso are fifteen minutes east, and the Maddalena archipelago begins immediately beyond them. Westward the Gallura coast runs to Isola Rossa and Castelsardo.
It is the natural sailing stop between Olbia and the archipelago, and the one place on this shore where an afternoon under sail is close to guaranteed.
Practical notes
- An hour north-west of Olbia, where thirteen of this fleet's yachts sit
- The Strait of Bonifacio funnels wind here almost every summer afternoon — the most reliable breeze on the coast
- Two bays either side of the isthmus: whichever way it blows, one of them is comfortable
- Palau and Capo d'Orso are fifteen minutes east, with the Maddalena archipelago beyond
Reached from: Olbia
Where to dine
A table by the water
Le Dune
Porto PolloOn the isthmus with a bay on each side, and the tables set on sand rather than on a terrace.
Palau waterfront
PalauFifteen minutes east, where the ferries land and the fish is priced for the town.
Isola Rossa
Isola RossaWest along the coast, a fishing harbour under red porphyry rock, and the least visited corner of this shore.
What to do
Anchorages & excursions
The two bays
One takes the wind and one lies in its lee, so whichever way it blows one of them is comfortable.
Isola dei Gabbiani
Low, sandy and almost undeveloped at the end of the isthmus, with granite and shallow turquoise on the seaward side.
The Strait of Bonifacio
The channel between Sardinia and Corsica that funnels the wind here, with the white cliffs of Bonifacio visible across it.
Capo d'Orso
Fifteen minutes east: granite worked by the wind into the shape of a bear, recorded by Ptolemy as a landmark for sailors.
The fleet
Yachts available for Porto Pollo
Vessels that operate here, from flagship motor yachts to smaller crewed boats. Every rate is quoted on enquiry.
Good to know
Questions we are asked about Porto Pollo
- Why is Porto Pollo known for wind?
- The Strait of Bonifacio funnels between Sardinia and Corsica and accelerates through this corner almost every summer afternoon. It is one of the best-known sailing spots in Europe for that reason.
- Is that a problem for a charter?
- The opposite. Two bays either side of an isthmus means one of them is always in the lee, and an afternoon under sail here is close to guaranteed on a coast where the mornings are often glassy.
- What does a yacht charter at Porto Pollo cost?
- It depends on the yacht, the season and the crew, so we quote on enquiry rather than publish a figure that would be wrong for most weeks.
Destinations
Nearby destinations
Charter here
Enquire about a charter at Porto Pollo
Tell us your dates and how many of you there are, and we will come back with the right yacht and a full quotation.