This is the first post of our “Sailing Directory” by our friend Hiroshi.  Each time we will cover a specific subject or geographical area of Sardinia. Let’s talk about marinas in south Sardinia.

“I normally sail with a monohull with 2 mt draft, so some information may not be suitable to those who have a deeper boat, but it will be ok if you are the lucky owner of a catamaran.

There are 9 accessible marinas from S.Pietro Island (SW) to Porto Corallo (SE) that I briefly want tell you about.

-Porto di Carloforte
It is a pretty big harbour that assures the connection between Sardinia main island and the small island of S.Pietro, of which Carloforte is the only town.
Inside the harbour there are different pontoons, managed by different companies. Restrooms and showers are quite poor though.
It is a must to visit Carloforte, so do plan at least a night stop in this marina and be prepared to some water movement during the night. This is due to the ferries’ traffic. If you can, try to avoid the very busy month of August.

-Marina di Calasetta
It is a good  and cheaper alternative to Carloforte. You will not suffer any traffic related water movement during the night as ferries do not come close to it. The marina is also smaller and you will find a really friendly atmosphere together with clean and big restrooms with showers. Nearby the marina’s office there is a cheap but excellent restaurant where you can have a nice dinner. You can still reach Carloforte in only 15 minutes by ferry.

-Porto di Teulada
A very big marina but almost nothing around it. The staff are very helpful and normally will assist you with anything you may need. Facilities are pretty poor though and there is no gas station! If you need diesel ask the guy at the marina and he will kindly get it for you the day after. I normally tip him for this service.
Nearby the marina (5minutes walk) there is a camp site with a bar – pizzeria and a small shop similar to an off license where you can get some food and groceries.
If you wish to have a meal inland, you will be pleased to know that some restaurants offer transfers from and to the marina for dinner…so you can drink all the mirto you want!
-Marina del Sole
Sailing East, the first decent marina is in Cagliari. Do skip the previous ones as they are not deep enough.The Marina del Sole is inside Cagliari’s harbour and it is the cheapest one. Don’t expect any cool facility, there is just a restroom and a shower but if your boat needs some fixing, they can deal with it. There are many English and Germans that permanently live in Cagliari so you may meet some old friends
It is also close to Cagliari therefore if you have a bike you can enjoy our main city.

-Marina di S.Elmo
It is very close to the Marina del Sole so you could mistake them.
This one is much more expensive though and offers better facilities such as washing machines and bigger (but not too much) showers. As the previous marina, it is close to the city.

-Marina Piccola
A small marina and one of the favorite places for a night walk in the city during the summer season.
You may want to pick this as you can easily anchor outside the harbour in really clean waters and have a good swim. It is served by restaurants, a good sandy beach and excellent ice creams bars.
Unfortunately the restrooms and showers are not at the same standard.
Pay attention at your draft, the entrance is about 1.90 – 2.00 mt. max

-Marina di Capitana
Without any doubt, the nicest marina in the area. It offers many facilities including a restaurant, a hotel with wellness and clean showers. Unfortunately there is not any village or town nearby so your nightlife will simply consist in a having a beer at the marina’s bar.

-Marina di Villasimius
It’s a big and well served one located inside the protected area of Villasimius. You will find good facilities but if you want to have a shower you will have to get a coin at the Marina’s office.
Extremely busy in July (week-ends) and August (everyday) you will have to reach the marina not later than 5.30 pm if you want to be sure to get a place.
A small tip: if there is not wind during the night and you want to use your anchor, there is a safe and wonderful anchorage point right in front of the port main entrance (2.50 mt draft max), where you can stay ’till 8.30 am when the police will ask you to move away.

-Porto Corallo
Go there just if you have no other choice as there is nothing around. Facilities are really poor and it makes sense to stop only if you need a break during your trip.”

Hiroshi

Thanks Hiroshi for all this info!! – Manu

The Costa Verde, is on the south-east side of Sardinia. My favorite place here is Piscinas, located at about 25 KM from Arbus. What it is so special about it are the huge dunes of unbelievable thin amber sand that dominate this side of the coast, together with the usual stunning crystal waters of the sea. It is such a powerful and spectacular view that made Piscinas one of the Unesco world heritage sites. It is not so easy to get here (do not worry, we will give you directions!) which means no crowds (yes!) but also not bars or toilets..

This area of Sardinia used to be full of mines, then dismissed, which have being turned into fascinating geo-mineral parks open to visitors in recent times. If you visit Montevecchio, you will have the chance to explore the mines galleries and some of the historic villas that were built by the owners of the mines. Montevecchio is surrunded by woods and if you love trekking you may be lucky and see a some of the beautiful Sardinian deers or wild boars!

Other interesting places to visit are Ingortosu (ex miners village), Fluminimaggiore & Gonnosfanadiga (archeaology) and Guspini. There are many activities that you can take in the Costa Verde: trekking, horse riding, snorkeling, diving, excursions by Quad..and apparently you can take a tour on carriages pulled by donkeys (never tried this last one but let us know if you do!!).

If you want to spend some days in Arbus try clicking on our Hotel category on the right.

Enjoy!

Manuela

PS. Be aware that there are two places called Picinas in Sardinia!

Turistic Harbour in Cagliari, Marina Piccola is the ideal place to arrive in the city if you are sailing in Sardinia or the Mediterranean Sea.

The harbour has always being used as a glamorous place where to have a coffee or a drink after dinner, you can find people from Cagliari just having a walk waiting to head to clubs or discos at the week end or just there for some fresh air after the hot day.

During the summer an outdoor cinema shows the latest movies and you can find many ice cream or drinks kiosks. Bars and restaurants are nearby.

If you are driving there, remember that despite a large car park it can get very busy at night in July and August.

To see how to get there and harbour info click on the title of this post.

Directions:

From Piazza Matteotti (main train station) take via Roma (south east), straight to Viale Armando Diaz and keep going. You will see on your right the Fiera Campionaria Exibition center, is a large road with trees on both sides and middle.
When at a traffic lite with a stadium in front of you (slightly left) keep following the road, will bring you at two traffic lights, soon after the second there’s a roundabout stay on the right lane and go straight. You will enter a smaller road, take first right and you are in the car park.

Here’s a Map

From the official local government website:

Address: viale Marina Piccola – 09100 Cagliari
tel.: +39 070 605 1940
fax: +39 070 371485
Radio frequency: VHF Channel 74
Management: Motomar Sarda

- N. moorings available: 280
- Min/max mooring length: 04.00 mt to 3 mt
- Maximum draught: 2,40 mt
- Power supply: 16 Ah; 32 Ah; 220 V; 380 V
- Water
- Weather forecast
- Ordinary waste; Special waste (oil, filters, batteries)
- Minimum booking period: 20 days
- Latest booking accepted: 20 days
- Summer transit availability (Information available from): Port Authorities Office
- Fixed crane: 20+04 T
- Watchman
- Assistance:: Summer-Winter: from 00 to 24.00
- Showers
- Toilets and washrooms
- Assistance: mechanical, electrical, electronic, ship builders
- Fuel: summer: from 8.00 to 19.00; winter: from 9.00 to 18.00
- Tel.: (0039) 070 373 802
- Airport: Cagliari (15 km)