Sardinia Travel Information & Planning Guide

This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your holiday smooth and care free.

We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.

Before You Travel

After hours & Sunday
Tel:+(39) 3294333994 
We suggest you notify family and friends of how you may be reached in case they need to contact you.

Base Hours 

Monday – Thursday: in case of embarkment

Friday: 15:00-20:00pm

Saturday: 09:00am-13:00pm and 14:00-20:00pm

Sunday: in case of embarkment

Season: This charter destination is closed from early November to mid March

Time Zone
UTC/GMT +1 hour.

Tourist Information Center 
Agencia Di Viaggi Totem Tours 
Tel: + 39 0789 88153 
Website: www.totemtours.it

General Information 
Area: 187,244 sq. mi. 
Population: 58,126,212 
Capital city: Rome 
People: Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south) 
Language: Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d’Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area) 
Religion: Roman Catholic, other (includes mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community) 
Government: Republic 
Major industries: tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics 
Tipping:  This is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. You may use the following as a guideline:  Porters: 50¢ per bag; Waiter/Waitress: $1.00 per person; Chamber Maid: 50¢ per person, per day; Bus Driver: $3.00 per person, per day; Group Tour Guide: $6-7 per person, per day; Private Car Tour Guide: $10 – $15 per person, per day. 
Currency: Euro 
Electricity:  voltage 230V/50Hz (European or Italian plug) 
Time: UTC/GMT +1 hour.  Daylight saving time: +1 hour

Some Major Events

January: Feast of Saint Anthony

February: Carneval of Mamoiada & Sa Sartiglia in Oristano

March/April: Artichoke Festival in Uri, Easter celebrations

May: Sant’Efisio Procession in Cagliari & Cavalcata festival

June: San Giovanni Battista celebrations 

July: S’Ardia Horse Race

August: Ferragosto celebrations throughout Italy, Sagra del Redentore traditional procession in Nuoro 

Throughout the fall: Autunno in Barbagia cultural fesitval showcasing crafts, food, and traditions of the Barbagia villages

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How to Get There

Cannigione is in the Gulf of Arzachena. The Gulf has two harbors. The first is Mucchi Bianchi on the east side near the entrance, and Cannigione on the West side. The nearest airport is Olbia Airport. Olbia Airport is approximately 27km from the Base. By car the journey to the base will take about one hour.

Airport  
The nearest airport is Olbia Airport – OLB

Transfers  
Transfers are not included in your charter price, so you must arrange or pay for your own on arrival (see below) or, for your convenience, you can arrange return taxi transfers in advance. Please contact your Vacation Planning Specialist who can direct you to complete the AGI form to book transfers. While we will arrange these transfers, they must still be paid for locally in Euro.

The transfer time from Olbia Airport to the base is approximately 1 hour and the costs are around:

1-4 passengers: 200 Euros

5-8 passengers: 250 Euros

9-12 passengers: 300 Euros

Car Rentals 
Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget Dollar, National Sixt, Thrifty Eurocar 
Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer (1 km = 0.621 miles). 
An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries. US drivers need to present an International Drivers Permit (IDP) and may be asked for this when picking up the rental car, or by local authorities. The cost is $20 and the permit is obtained through AAA. 
The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. 
An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age. 
Traffic drives on the right. Road signs are international. 
Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. 
Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times.

Taxi 
Satta – Via Marie Curie: Transports all over the island Taxi service for and to the Olbia airport “Costa Smeralda” Car rental with drivers 
Tel. +39 335 8446498  
Website: www.autonoleggiosatta.it/ – Email: fabio@autonoleggiosatta.it

Parking 
Free of charge, not bookable. It is not a secure car park that we have any association with.  

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Boarding Time/Check Out

Pre-charter briefing 
– All head charterers are required to attend a pre-charter briefing and yacht orientation prior to the charter start.   
– You will be advised of navigation and customs procedures between the various islands, points of interest, proper yacht and equipment operation, and emergency information.  Please hold all questions of this nature until that time. 
– Specific yacht operation and navigation questions will be addressed during this briefing. 
– A yacht operations manual will be aboard the yacht for your use.

Boarding Time Procedures 
Embarkation: Boarding Time 3:00 pm. 
Briefing Times: Chart briefings are scheduled depending on arrival followed by the boat briefing.    
All skippers must attend the briefing and everything you need to know will be covered from customs regulations, use of the radio, making dinner reservations, how to get help and more. Please save all questions of this nature until then. The Moorings operations manual will be on board your yacht for your use throughout your charter.

Late Arrivals  
The Base personnel wait for you until 9:00 pm. After 9:00 pm, you will find an information sign at our reception office with a message for you indicating your yacht’s name and berth. Your boat will be open and indicated by a sign with your name. The boat’s equipment will be ready for the night. The Base personnel will be available the next day from 9:00 am..

Check Out Procedures
Charter End Time: All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning. 

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

Returning paperwork
– In order to provide you with the flawless charter you expect from The Moorings, we require that specific information be provided in a timely manner.   
– Please return all items, such as the guest list, transfer form and resumes to us at least 30 days prior to your charter start.   
– Any information provided or changed within 90 days of your charter start date, which The Moorings considers crucial to the planning process, is subject to an additional fee. 

Security Excess If you haven’t purchased Yacht Damage Waiver, a security deposit (amount as per your invoice) is payable at the base by Visa or Master Card, and is refundable at the end of the charter subject to there being no loss or damage. The liability includes loss or theft of the dinghy and/or outboard.

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What’s on Board

Mobile phones  
Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.

Music/iPods  
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Companies in Italy will rent you a GSM mobile phone all set to make and receive calls. You can usually arrange such rentals at your hotel, or on the Internet before you arrive in Italy.

TVs

Please note: there are no TV’s on our yachts in Italy. 

Electricity
Electricity in Italy is 220 volts, 50 cycle’s alternating current (AC). For comparison, in the United States it is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC current. Regardless of voltage, if your appliance has flat prongs, you will need a plug adapter: Italian sockets are designed to accept round prongs. Do get one before your leave!

WiFi  
Wi-fi is now included on crewed yachts, exclusive and exclusive plus yachts. Optional on club for rates stated. Refundable security deposit is still charged on site.

Most hotels offer wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) in at least one public space, such as the lobby or lounge.  

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

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What to Bring

Customs & Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

A valid passport (for each passenger) and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return. A customs declaration form must be completed at the port of entry.

Cruising Licenses 
 A formal license is required to sail in Italy.  Click here to review the sailing requirements.

Luggage & Packing List 
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit  https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-italy/ 

Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.Please see our Base Notes for additional information.

There is no departure tax payable.

Security Deposit 
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

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Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. You are advised to be up-to-date with your Tetanus vaccines. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. Visit cdc.gov(link sends e-mail) for the latest information.

Travel Advice   
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov (link sends e-mail)

Swim Safe  

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

Travel Insurance

The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind, through our partner, Redpoint Travel Protection. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation. 

Medical Information 
In general for any person traveling abroad the following suggestions can be made: 
Take personal protective measures against insects. 
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. 
Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. 
Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. 
Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. 
Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.

Emergency Information 
Police & General Emergency: 113 
Fire, disasters: 11

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**Our bases in Italy are partner locations of The Moorings operated by Sailitalia. Gift certificates or charter credit certificates cannot be redeemed in these locations. For further information, please contact a Vacation Planner.

Sardinia Base Guide

Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you’re at a Moorings base.

About the Marina

Address  
Sailitalia/The Moorings 
Via A.Vespucci, 28 
Cannigione (Sassari) 
Sardinia 
Italy

Base Hours  
Monday – Thursday: in case of embarkment 
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm or until the last arrival 
Sunday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm in case of embarkment 
Season: This charter destination is closed from early November to mid-March. 

Marina Facilities
Your comfort is assured by extensive facilities including a laundromats, hotel, restaurant, public phones, bank and fuel.

Marina Information 
During the summer months, you will generally need to call in advance to reserve a berth at other Ports and Marinas. You will find a booklet on board listing the telephone numbers for these. Port authorities will sometimes request the boat’s papers and your charter contract. Do not forget to retrieve your documents before leaving.

Marina Prices 
Sail Italia/Moorings has reserved berths in the Marina, just a short walk from the Sail Italia/Moorings Office. Your first and last night moorings are complimentary. 
All other nights are at customer’s expense and subject to availability. Payment details will be confirmed at the Base.

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Sailing licences

Experience required

Sailing experience level 3

• At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Qualifications required

ICC International Certificate of Competence
RYA Day Skipper

To sail in this destination you’ll need at least an ICC or an RYA Day Skipper qualification or above. Original license/certificate must be presented upon check-in at the base.

Cruising Grounds

Cruising Area Restrictions  
Restricted Zones: Information will be given at time of briefing. 
Cruising Information: Information will be given at time of briefing.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Download The Moorings Italy Charter eGuide here.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing  
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes

• If you choose to sail to Archipelago-La Maddalena, a permit is required. Permit application needs to be done online before they arrive here. Permit rates vary by boat size. 

   Provisioning

Around the Base

Accommodations
Hotel Morisco 
Hotel Residence Riva Azzurra 
Hotel Del Porto 
Hotel Baja 
Hotel Micalosu 
Hotel Club Cala di Falco

Banks
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30 am-1.30 pm and 2.30-4.00 pm; Closed on Sat & Sun. 
Cash Machine operational 24 hours a day.

Currencies / Money Exchange 
Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency in Italy at most major banks, airports, large hotels, or at one of the many money exchange centers. Generally, banks will give you better rates so check around. For this base specifically, we suggest getting cash out at the airport, or before arrival.

Always carry additional cash to cover both anticipated and unanticipated expenses. The following are anticipated expenses to aid your advance planning. A Vacation Planning Specialist can assist you in approximating costs:   
-Airport/Shuttle Transfers 
-Taxes & service charges 
-Customs & Duty fees 
-Refundable deposits 
-Additional beverages 
-Additional meals 
-Personal incidentals 
-Gratuities

Post Office  
The post office is just 19 miles from the Sail Italia/Moorings office. 
The Post Office is open From Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Dining

• Ristorante La Risacca
• Ristorante La Sciumara
• La Zattera
• Ristorante Pizzeria Linus

Inquire at The Moorings Customer Service for more options.

Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning

All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Visit online store to place an order. For more information, visit here for our different provisioning options.

Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation.

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Things to Do

Interesting Sites
While you are in Sardinia take the opportunity to visit these cultural attractions. Cannigione lies on the western shore of the broad bay that forms the Gulf of Arzachena. This deep bay has two harbours. The first is Mucchi Bianchi on the east side near the entrance and Cannigione on the West side. Tourist development has transformed this old fishing village, which was also the point of departure for boats to the island of La Maddelena, into a functional, modern vacation resort. The Gulf of Arzachena which reaches so deeply into the mainland that it seems like a fjord, ends in a lagoon that is highly interesting from the point of view of nature. The small village is charming and the hinterland fertile and green, in marked contrast to the barren rocky landscape so often encountered elsewhere. In the summer, the town is full of life in an unsophisticated enjoyable way.

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Water Toys & Sports

You are able to rent twater toys at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options(link sends e-mail).

Diving  
In order to save you from carrying extra luggage, The Moorings provides snorkeling equipment: flippers, mask and snorkel for your use. The equipment is stored in the office. Just ask the customer service representative for the sizes needed for you and your crew.

Sardinia’s clear waters, rocky coastline and islands offer great scuba diving for the novice through to the seasoned diver. Alghero, on the North West coast is a good base for year round diving in the deep sea with many caverns to explore. In the northeast dive schools abound and some of our hotels have their own dive center such as the Abi d’Oru, the Capo d’Orso, Park Hotel Cala di Lepre and Dune Village. For self-catering Residence Il Mirto. In the south marine life abounds and our hotels Sofitel Timi Ama, Hotel and Residence Cormoran and Hotel Chia Laguna have their own dive centers. Diving in the warm waters of the Mediterranean during a vacation is definitely the way to have a go! Dive equipment contact information can be requested through the base in the event the client would like to pre-book their scuba diving excursion.

Fishing
Sardinia offers numerous opportunities for fishing either inland on the numerous lakes and rivers, on the coast off the rocks or jetties, you can see the locals catching octopi and taking them home for dinner. Offshore sport fishing trips can be also be arranged. 

Some hotels in the north of the island offer trips on The Poseidon, a 14m sport fishing boat with excellent equipment, a very comfortable cabin and sundeck. They offer day or night fishing, drifting, deep or shallow line fishing and deep or coastal fishing. The waters around the northeast are especially rich with fish and this is a fantastic trip for the keen fisherman. Inland near to Mandra Edera Farm is Lake Omodeo with stunning scenery and coarse fishing. There is also fishing on the lakes and lagoons that surround Oristano on the west coast. In the south there is excellent fishing at Cala Carbonara where there is an abundance of marine life. From Alghero you can take a boat and rod out to fish under the cliffs at Capo Caccia. From Cala Gonone there is freshwater fishing on the Fiumendosa and Cedrino Rivers getting better the further upstream you go. Whether you are a keen fisherman or a child with a hand line, fishing is a popular activity in Sardinia.

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

Cruising Conditions

General Conditions
Sardinia has a pleasant 6 month summer, hot and dry from May to October but often with a breeze due to its location, centre of the Mediterranean. The winter months are mild with a good amount of sunshine, particularly in March and April when all the flowers are out and it can be hot during the daytime and cooler in the evenings.

The weather is generally good – during the year there is an average of 300 days of sunshine, with rain during the remaining period; the largest concentration of rainy days occurs during the winter and autumn, with some sudden showers in springtime. The island is swept by many winds – firstly by the mistral, a wind from the northwest, which is fresh and piercing in the winter, and during the summer months mitigates the heat, making the air drier and more breathable. 
Prevailing north-westerly winds. 
June – August the velocity is 20-25 knots and usually not more.

Learn more about the best time to sail in the Mediterranean.

Tides 
In the Mediterranean, the tide range is very small: 20cm to 40cm (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Weather Forecast 
When you arrive at the Base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. On your radio, you can also listen to the weather forecast 24 hours a day on Channels 68 and 21 in both English and Italian. Harbour offices also receive a weather forecast regularly.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):