Sardinia Travel Information & Planning Guide

UTC/GMT +1 hour.

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

The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia covers an area of around 24,090 square kilometers (3,900 square miles). Overall, Italy is 187,244 square miles.

Despite being one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of the least populated islands in Italy, home to just 1.6 million people, compared to Italy’s total population of 58,126,212 people.

The official language of Sardinia is Italian, although the Sardinian language, Sardo, is still widely spoken.

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.

The official currency used in Sardinia, and across Italy, is the Euro.

Voltage 230V/50Hz (European or Italian plug).

• January: Feast of Saint Anthony
• February: Carnival of Mamoiada & Sa Sartiglia in Oristano
• March/April: Artichoke Festival in Uri, Easter celebrations
• May: Sant’Efisio Processione 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 festival showcasing crafts, food, and traditions of the Barbagia villages

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.Airport  
The nearest airport is Olbia Airport – OLB. Olbia Airport is approximately 27km from the Base. By car, the journey to the base will take about one hour.

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. 

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 rental companies: Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, National, Sixt, Thrifty, Europcar 

Licenses/documentation: Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometers (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.

Cost: The cost is $20 and the permit is obtained through AAA. 

Safety laws: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. 

Useful information: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.

– 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.

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.

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..

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.

– 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.

Mobile Phones
Your mobile phone may work when in Italy, but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

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 TVs on our yachts in Italy.

Electricity
Electricity in Italy is 220 volts, 50 cycles 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 you 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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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 for the latest information.

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.

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

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

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 of 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.

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.

• In general for any person traveling abroad the following suggestions can be made: 
• Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
• 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. 

Police & General Emergency: 113
Fire, disasters: 115

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

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.

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

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.FAQ: What sailing experience level is Sardinia?
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.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Learn more about the requirements for sailing a yacht.

To charter in Italy, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time.

As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing licence or a certificate issued by the government or state approved organisation. 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 submitted in advance and presented upon check in at the base.Please take a look at our sailing requirements page, or contact your Pre-Travel paperwork@thlmarine.com support agent for further information.

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.

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

Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

 “La Maddalena Permit”:

• If you choose to sail to Archipelago-La Maddalena, a permit is required. Permit applications need to be done online before they arrive. Permit rates vary by boat size. 
• Customers need a permit to sail around “La Maddalena Archipelago” and we suggest that this is done before arrival.  
• Apply here: https://autorizzazioni.lamaddalenapark.it/index.phpssez=Acquista&action=&lang=en_GB
• For more information on how to fill this out, please contact your Vacation Planner.

Fishing permit:

• Fishing from a boat within the waters of the La Maddalena national park is allowed only to residents.
• Outside the waters of the park it is possible to have a sport fishing permit through this link https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/190.

The fisherman, to request the card must follow the steps below

1. Register, on the proposed page indicate the name, an e-mail box to use as USERNAME and a password of your choice
2. Consult the e-mail address indicated and read the message received containing a link to click to activate the account and verify the activation code
3. Access the reserved area of the Ministry site again by specifying the e-mail address provided during registration and the relative password as USERNAME
4. Fill in the required information (identity of the fisherman, date and place of birth, residence, tax code) providing in addition statistical data on the type of fishing practices, geographical area of interest and equipment used

Check the data indicated, confirm and print the certificate of communication that will function as a title for the exercise of sport and recreational fishing, no other requirements are necessary

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

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.

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

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.

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

Inquire at The Moorings Customer Service for more options.

The Moorings Provisioning

All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Visit the online provisioning 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.

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.

Water Toys & Sports

You are able to rent water toys at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Sardinia’s clear waters, rocky coastline and islands offer great scuba diving for the novice through to the seasoned diver. Alghero, on the Northwest 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 centres such as the Abi d’Oru, the Capo d’Orso, Park Hotel Cala di Lepre and Dune Village.

In the south marine life abounds and our hotels Sofitel Timi Ama, Hotel and Residence Cormoran and Hotel Chia Laguna have their own dive centres.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from The Moorings are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. The Moorings does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk, and The Moorings shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by The Moorings.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkeling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkeling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkeling
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

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.

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.

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.

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):

At The Moorings, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of the oceans we explore. Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise

**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.