Cala di Volpe
Golfo di Cugnana — Cala di Volpe · Cala Volpe
41°05.1'N 09°32.5'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in the wider part of the bay. The bay narrows significantly in its inner section — reduce to 50m if anchoring deeper inside. Mooring buoys are available in the bay if swing room is limited.
About This Anchorage
Cala di Volpe is one of the Costa Smeralda's most beautiful inlets — a sheltered, turquoise-watered bay on the NE coast of Sardinia, dominated by the legendary Carly di Volpe luxury hotel. The area is part of the exclusive Costa Smeralda development initiated by the Aga Khan in the 1960s. The bay offers good shelter from N through E, with a beautiful sandy bottom and exceptional water clarity. No formal AMP designation but the Costa Smeralda's local authority (Consorzio Costa Smeralda) has strict environmental rules. Porto Cervo marina (5nm W) is one of the world's top superyacht marinas. The anchorage is a favourite stop for sailing guests of the resort.
Protected From
N · NW · W · E
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in the bay (outside any private mooring zones).
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No formal permit required. The Consorzio Costa Smeralda enforces local environmental rules — avoid any activity that disturbs the seabed or marine environment.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Keep clear of the hotel pier and private mooring area. Respect the 5 kn speed limit in the bay. No dinghy motors at full speed in the inner bay area.
Hazards
- !Summer crowding: The bay attracts large superyachts and charter boats in July–August; anchoring room is limited and wake from motorboats can be significant
- !Shoaling in the inner bay: Depth reduces to 1m in the innermost section marked by the hotel pier — do not proceed past the first mooring buoy field without checking depth
- !Maestrale exposure (indirect): Although the bay is reasonably sheltered, a strong NW Maestrale funneling around Capo Ferro can create uncomfortable swell in the outer bay area
- !Private mooring zones: The hotel maintains private mooring areas — respect their extent and do not anchor in designated private water
Skipper's Tips
- →Porto Cervo YCCS (Yacht Club Costa Smeralda) hosts major regattas including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September) — plan accordingly as anchorages and marinas are full during race events
- →The Costa Smeralda as a whole offers spectacular day sailing between stunning inlets — Cala Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja, Cala Petra Ruja are all worth visiting by dinghy or short sail
- →For provisions, Porto Rotondo (8nm NE) is more accessible than Porto Cervo and has a good supermarket and weekly market
- →The famous Spiaggia del Principe (Prince's Beach) is a 2nm dinghy ride — one of Sardinia's finest beaches and usually less crowded than better-known spots
Facilities
The Cala di Volpe Hotel beach bar is accessible by dinghy (expensive). Porto Cervo (5nm W) has all facilities including world-class restaurants and the famous Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
Nearest provisions: Porto Rotondo (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
The Costa Smeralda season is June–September. Outside these months the bay is quiet; facilities at Porto Cervo are reduced in winter. July–August is the height of the 'dolce vita' season — VHF-equipped superyachts, celebrities, and fully booked marinas.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Sardinia, the Maestrale can build from calm to Force 8 while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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