Sicily 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

Time Zone
UTC/GMT +1 hour.

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. 
• Currency: Euro  
• Electricity:  voltage 230V/50Hz (European or Italian plug)  
• Time: UTC/GMT +1 hour.  Daylight saving time: +1 hour

Some Major Events 

• January – Fair of Sant’Orso in Aosta 
• February – Feast of the almond-blossom in Agrigento 
• February/March – Carnival in Venice, Viareggio and Ivrea 
• March/April – “Scoppio del carro” in Florence 
• May – Candle race in Gubbio; “Cavalcata sarda” in Sassari; “Maggio musicale” in Florence 
• May/June – “Festival of the Two Worlds” in Spoleto 
• June – Flower festival in Genzano 
• July – “Palio” horserace in Siena; “Festa del Redentore” in Venice; “Umbria Jazz” 
• August – Quintana tournament in Ascoli Piceno in Siena ana tournament in Arezzo 
• August/September – “Settimane musicali” in Stesa al & Opera seasons in Milan and Verona 
• September – Historical regatta in Venice Game in Marostica in Asti national Cinema Festival in Venice 
• October – Grape feast in Merano 
• November – Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 
• December – Franciscan crib in Greccio

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How to Get There

Airport Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is a 2 hour transfer to the base.

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 will be happy to do this for you. While we will arrange these transfers, they must still be paid for locally in Euros.

Taxi transfers can be arranged from the following airports to the base: 

The transfer time from Catania Airport to the base is approximately 2 hours and the costs are around:

• 1-3passengers: 230 Euros
• 4-8 passengers: 300 Euros
• 9-14 passengers: 390 Euros

The transfer time from Palermo Airport to the base is approximately 3 hours and the costs are around:

• 1-3passengers: 305 Euros
• 4-8 passengers: 370 Euros
• 9-14 passengers: 450 Euros

All transfer prices listed are for single journeys (one-way).

On arrival, you will need to make payment by card (MasterCard or Visa) to our Sailitalia team at the base. Please DO NOT pay the taxi driver directly. 

A supplement will be incurred to clients for delays of ½ hour or more: 20% of the transfer cost for every delayed hour initiated.

Public transport

• From Catania airport by bus from the airport to Messina railway station, and then by train to Barcellona-Castroreale. Finally, by taxi to Portorosa which costs around €40 
• From Reggio Calabria airport buses are timed to coincide with national flights for transfers from Reggio Calabria airport to Messina railway station. From Messina to Portorosa you can catch a train to Barcellona-Castroreale. Finally, by taxi to Portorosa.
• From Palermo airport by taxi, metro, or bus from the airport to Palermo railway station, and then by train to Barcellona-Castroreale. Finally, by taxi to Portorosa. 

By Bus:

• There is no direct bus from Catania Airport (CTA) to Portorosa. However, you can reach Portorosa from Catania via Milazzo.
• Take a bus from Catania Airport to Milazzo, and then another bus from Milazzo to Portorosa. The journey, including transfers, takes about 4 hours.
• Find prices and timetables for buses here: Booking transfer Catania Apt to Milazzo – Capo d’Orlando – Portorosa – Alibrando

By train:

• Alternatively, you can take a train from Catania to Milazzo and then a bus from Milazzo to Portorosa, or a taxi and the cost of the taxi is approx. 40€.

*Transfers are not included in vacation packages. We ask that you send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer details where required. Guests should bring a copy of the charter contract invoice.

Car Rental  
The following car rental companies are available from the airport: Avis, Eurocar, Hertz and Maggiore.

Parking  
Parking can be booked directly at the base. There is a charge of €40 per week for all sized vehicles.

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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 
Charter Boarding Time: Charters start at 3:00 pm.  
Briefing Times: Chart briefings are scheduled between 1 pm and 3 pm local time 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 etc. 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. 

All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht.

Late Arrivals  
If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure.

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 for Italian charter, a security deposit (amount as per your invoice) is payable at the base by traveler’s checks, 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. 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.

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.

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!

Wi-Fi  
WiFi is available, cost is as follows:

• €100 per week 5GB – 5 connections (€50 deposit for modem)

WiFi is not included in your charter price. Please contact your Vacation Planning Specialist who can add this service to your contract.WiFi must be paid for locally in Euro upon arrival.

Most hotels offer wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) in at least on 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.

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. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

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.

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 insuranceahead of time.

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Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov 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 

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. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

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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.

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 srl 
Turistica “il gabbiano” – Villaggio Turistico Portorosa 
Zona Laguna Azzurra 
98054 Furnari (ME) – Italy

Base Hours  
The base is open all year round.

Marina Facilities
Your comfort is assured by extensive facilities including restaurants cafes supermarkets, shower and restroom.

Please note that this base is operated by our Franchise partner Sailitalia.

Marina Information  
Most stops in the area are moorings buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays.  Cost for buoys will cost approximately €50.00 per night. Marina charges start around €40.00 per night and can be as much as €1600.00, depending on season and size of boat.  All fees are paid locally at each anchorage.

Marina Prices:  
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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Cruising Grounds

To sail in this destination you’ll need one of the following certifications: ASA 104, US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, SLC, IPC, ICC. Original license/certificate must be submitted in advance and presented upon check in at the base.

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

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

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.

Moorings Fees & Taxes
There is no departure tax payable.

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Sailing licenses

Experience level
Sailing experience level 2

At least 10 days or 200 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht.

Our intermediate sailing destinations, Level 2 sailing areas offer a greater challenge for sailors more comfortable on the open water. Enjoy strong winds and longer spells of open water sailing, suitable for more experienced skippers.

To sail in this destination you’ll need one of the following certifications: ASA 104, US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, SLC, IPC, ICC. Original license/certificate must be submitted in advance and presented upon check in at the base.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.

Around the Base

Accommodations
Corallo Residence(link sends e-mail) – located inside the village resort and only 500m to the base 
Portorosa Residence(link sends e-mail) – small apartments for rent  
La Camerlia(link sends e-mail) – agro-touristic hotel with a restaurant approximately 1km from the Portorosa Village Resort 
Valtur Portorosa(link sends e-mail) – hotel with a full range of high-standard services, including outdoor equipped swimming pool overlooking the Portorosa Marina (outdoor parking and parking garage, several restaurants and bars).

Banks
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 am-1:30 pm  
Saturdays: 8:30 am-1:00 pm (during the summer months only)  
Cash Machine operational 24 hours a day.

Currencies/ Money Exchange  
You can exchange currency and traveler’s checks 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.

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

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Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning

Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination. Visit The Moorings Yacht Charter Provisioning (link sends e-mail)to order.

Supermarkets 
There are several supermarkets located near the base, which are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am – 1:00 pm and 5:30pm – 8:30pm. During the summer months, supermarkets are open on Sunday mornings. 

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Things to Do

Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page(link sends e-mail) for more of the best places to visit on your trip.

Click here for a guide to sailing distances in Italy.

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these 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 and Snorkelling
Scuba diving around Portorosa, features clear Mediterranean waters, volcanic underwater landscapes, and rich marine life. Highlights include dramatic cliffs, lava tubes, and the famous Nereo Cave. The area offers diverse dive sites suitable for all levels, making it a top spot for Mediterranean diving.

Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.

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 snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

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

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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
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Distance from the sea and the height of the larger mountains are the causes of sharp differences in climate: on the coastal belt, the average annual temperature is around 19° C, which drops to 13° C inland. The precipitations are confined mainly to the winter months. Rainfall is low particularly on the low-lying ground round Catania and Gela.  
Prevailing north-westerly winds.  
June – August the wind strength is 20-25 knots, very rarely more.

Read more on 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.