Sardinia Travel Facts for Yachts

Fact File for Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest island of the Mediterranean boasting some of the best sailing conditions in the region, with the famed Costa Smeralda- home to the ultra-chic Porto Cervo Marina. The coastline is stunning and features countless lovely beaches and a handful of elegant marinas.

COORDINATES: 39º15N, 09º04E

LANGUAGE: Italian, Sardinian (Sardu)

ISLAND'S CAPITAL: Cagliari

WEATHER: The climate along the coasts is Mediterranean and summers are dry and hot with temperatures reaching up to 30C (86F) in Jul-Aug. Rainfall occurs in the winter.

BEST TIME TO CHARTER: June-September

AIRPORTS: There are three international airports: Alghero (AHO), Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB) and Cagliari (CAG).

TIME: UTC+1 (winter), UTC+2 (summer)

CURRENCY: EUR; Visa and MasterCard are accepted in large establishments but smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash. ATMs are available in all cities and towns.

ELECTRICITY: 220 V, 50 Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

1 Jan - New Years Day
6 Jan - Epiphany
Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
25 Apr - Liberation Day
1 May - Labor Day
2 Jun - Republic Day
15 Aug - Assumption
1 Nov - All Saints' Day
8 Dec - Immaculate Conception
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - St Stephen's Day

MAIN PORTS AND MARINAS: Porto Cervo Marina, Marina di Portisco, Marina di Porto Rotondo, Alghero Marina Aquatica, Marina di Sant'Elmo, IBS Yachting Point Cagliari

RECOMMENDED BEACHES: Beaches in Sardinia are diverse and some of the best in the Maddalena archipelago include Cala Corsara, Capo Testa and Cala Brandinchi.

CULTURAL: The social structure in Italy is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, and family ties are in general stronger than in most Western European countries. Dress is casual but beachwear is confined to the beach. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, transport and cinemas. Although English, French and German are spoken in bigger cities and tourist areas, it is appreciated to speak a few words of Italian (buon giorno=hello, grazie=thank you, arrivederci=goodbye).