For this bareboat sailing holiday we chartered from a small local operation rather than one of the large international charter companies.  We also got to try out a new boat, built in Poland.  I’ve also include contact information for two great restaurants in the Cagliari area.

Arrival and Transfers – Calgiari airport is the major city in Sardegna and has frequent flights throughout Europe.  The marinas are generally only 20 minutes from the airport and easily accessed.

Restaurant recommendations

– “Sa Schironada” via Baylle, 39 – near Largo Carlo Felice and the main port 070 234 3664 – bustling and friendly place with great local specialties served family style on huge tree trunk style wooden plates … fresh mussels & clams, salame and prosciutto, olives, roasted pork, escargot … at a fair price.

– “Da Balena” via Santa Gillia, 125 070 288 415.  An extremely plain “hole in the wall” style fish restaurant recommended by SlowFood that gives you the impression that it is run by fishermen themselves.    They don’t make pasta, nor coffee.   Just great fish and shellfish with local wine and beer at cheap prices.  You do have to clean the fish yourself before eating.

Charter Company – We chartered from Cagliari Sailing Charter out of the Marina di Sant’Elmo.  Very east side of the main port of Cagliari.  Major markets are a short distance by car.

The charter company set up is bare bones on the reception side, very different from the large international companies.  No marina office.  Area briefing was in the nearby cafe.  However, the service was professional, check in rapid and thorough, boat was in excellent condition, responses were rapid, and the price was “very good”.  Additionally, unlike the major charter companies, this company provided a few basic provisions like toilet-paper, cleaning liquids, sponges and trash bags.  We will charter from them again.

Other Area Insights: Before Departing  Provisions/Living Aboard  Sailing Stuff