From Stintino: Sailing Trip to Asinara with Lunch

If you’re dreaming of sailing Sardinia’s rugged northwest coast, this tour from Stintino to Asinara offers a blend of scenic beauty, local history, and delicious food. It’s a full-day adventure that promises more than just pretty views; it’s an experience rooted in authentic craftsmanship and genuine hospitality.

We love how this tour combines the charm of a vintage wooden sailboat with the opportunity to swim in pristine coves and indulge in hearty Sardinian fare. It’s a relaxing way to see one of Italy’s most unspoiled islands. However, keep in mind that the itinerary can shift depending on weather — which is common in sailing trips — so some flexibility is essential.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic, smaller group journeys, quality local cuisine, and scenic maritime adventures. If you’re looking to escape crowds and enjoy nature on a historic boat, this might be your perfect day out.

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Boat: The sailboat, built with traditional techniques, offers a unique, period feel that enhances the sailing experience.
• Stunning Swimming Spots: Expect crystal-clear coves and natural pools ideal for a refreshing dip.
• Rich Local Food: A generous Sardinian lunch onboard features cold cuts, cheeses, typical desserts, and local wine.
• Expert Guides with Stories: The youthful captain and crew share interesting insights and keep the atmosphere friendly.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops at Cala Reale and other bathing spots depend on weather, adding a bit of unpredictability.
• Limited Group Size: Capacity is capped at 12 passengers plus crew, ensuring a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Sailing Experience

Starting from Stintino, the tour kicks off with a short walk or drive to the marina, where you’ll board the beautifully crafted all-wood gozzo, built using traditional Italian techniques. The boat’s design, with mahogany, fir, azobé, and Sardinian oak, isn’t just charming — it’s built to last, offering excellent buoyancy, durability, and a tactile sense of history. With a length of about 10 meters and a width of 3.5 meters, it’s spacious enough for comfort but intimate enough to feel like a shared adventure.

Once underway, the cruise along Sardinia’s coast offers a chance to appreciate the rugged coastline from a different perspective. The vintage sailboat’s Latin sail and manual tiller rudder make navigation feel hands-on, even if you’re not steering all the time. We appreciated the crew’s relaxed attitude and their willingness to answer questions, as one reviewer noted, “Alessandro was attentive to our needs, providing everything from refreshments to a yummy lunch.”

Cala Reale and Asinara National Park are your first main stops. The boat anchors here for about an hour, giving everyone time to enjoy the water. The waters are famously clear, and the sheltered coves provide perfect spots for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating and soaking up the sun. The reviews highlight how stunning the views are — “really amazing trip” and “the whole experience was perfect,” reflect the consensus of travelers.

Lunch onboard is a highlight, especially if you’re a fan of genuine Sardinian flavors. The meal features a generous platter of cold cuts, cheeses, seasoned Sardinian bread, a first course of gnocchetti with sausage sauce, seasonal vegetables, and local wine. Desserts are traditional and sweet, finishing the meal nicely. One reviewer, Olga, mentioned how attentive the service was, noting “Alessandro was attentive to our needs, providing everything from refreshments to a tasty lunch.” The inclusion of wine, water, coffee, and digestif adds a touch of local hospitality often missing from standard tours.

Following lunch, you’ll head to the east coast for more swimming stops, such as Li Giorri or the natural pools of Fornelli. These spots are known for their beauty and calm waters, perfect for a leisurely swim or some relaxing time on the boat. Each stop lasts about half an hour, giving enough time to cool off without feeling hurried.

The return journey wraps up with a scenic sail back to Stintino, typically concluding the day’s adventure. As the tour is weather-dependent, the captain has the flexibility to modify stops or routes, which keeps safety and comfort a priority. This unpredictability can be a minor drawback if you’re eager for a fixed itinerary, but it’s also part of the charm of sailing — going with the flow.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the cost includes the boat, skipper, fuel, insurance, and a hearty Sardinian meal, it’s the experience that adds real value. You’re paying for a well-maintained, traditional vessel** and the expertise of a passionate crew that brings the island’s stories to life. The small group size ensures a personal, less touristy experience, more akin to sailing with friends than a large tour bus.

The food itself is a standout — not just a sandwich or buffet, but a full, local-style meal served in a relaxed maritime setting. The inclusion of wine and digestifs also helps you unwind and enjoy the moment. From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that many guests appreciate the attentiveness of the crew and the quality of the food.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring swimwear, towel, and water to fully enjoy the swimming stops.
• The tour departs from Stintino Marina, with parking nearby for 5 euros for the day. Arrive a bit early to settle in and get your bearings.
• The tour lasts about 8 hours, so plan for a full day — comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a hat are recommended.
• Kids and families could enjoy this trip, especially if they love the water and sailing.
• If you’re vegetarian or lactose-intolerant, contact the provider in advance for options — special diets are accommodated.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sailing trip is ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing — it’s perfect for travelers craving authentic craftsmanship, local flavors, and outdoor adventure. If you enjoy small boat cruises, swimming in unspoiled waters, and stories of Sardinia, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s a particularly good choice for those interested in historical boats and genuine local hospitality.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer a rigid, structured itinerary or who aren’t comfortable with variable weather conditions. But for anyone willing to go with the flow, this voyage offers an intimate look at Sardinia’s coast, an unforgettable meal, and a boatload of stories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with departure and return from Stintino.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the boat, skipper, fuel, insurance, and a traditional Sardinian lunch with drinks.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and water. Sun protection like sunscreen and a hat is also advisable.

Are there vegetarian or lactose-free options?
Yes, options for vegetarians and lactose intolerance are available upon request before booking.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at the marina in front of the Stintino Marina kiosk, with parking available nearby for 5 euros.

Is the itinerary fixed?
No, the stops and route depend on weather and captain’s decisions, which adds some flexibility to the experience.

Can children join?
Yes, this trip can be enjoyed by families, especially those who love swimming and outdoor adventures.

Final Thoughts

This sailing trip from Stintino offers a beautifully balanced mix of authentic maritime tradition, scenic beauty, and delicious local food. With a small, friendly crew, a vintage boat, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a chance to experience Sardinia in a relaxed, intimate way. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time watersports enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship of the boat and the welcoming atmosphere.

The inclusion of a hearty Sardinian lunch, the chance to swim in pristine coves, and the knowledgeable guides make this trip excellent value for anyone wanting a meaningful day on the water. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences, scenic beauty, and a taste of Sardinian hospitality — all wrapped into one memorable outing.

Note: Always check availability and weather conditions before booking, as sailing adventures depend heavily on the local maritime climate.

You can check availability for your dates here: