Portorosa, Sicily Travel Information & Planning Guide

Plan

Before You Go

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

Tel: +39 094 119 32110

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

Base Hours
Base is open all year round.

Fri-Sat: 10am–7pm (or until last charter)

Sunday: in case of embarkment

Language
The official language in Italy is Italian.

What to Bring

Passport and Visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html for the latest information before you leave. Sunsail is not accountable for any requirements changes.

Customs + Immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.

Passports are required by all visitors to Italy except for citizens from the following countries, who may enter Italy with a National Identity Card:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

No Visas are required for stays less than 90 days.
There is no departure tax payable.

Sailing Licenses
Click here to view the sailing requirements in Italy. 

Luggage + Packing list
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.

Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

What’s on Board

Cell phones
Your cell 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
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.

Drone
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/

Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Italy is 220 Volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

WiFi
WiFi is available, cost is as follows:

• €150 per week 5GB – 5 connections (€100 deposit for the 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.

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Go

How to Get There

Airport

• Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) – 2 hour transfer to the base.
• Palermo Airport (PMO) – 3 hour transfer to the base.

Transfers
Taxi Transfers can be arranged from:

• The transfer time from Catania Airport to the base is approximately 2 hours.
• The transfer time from Palermo Airport to the base is approximately 3 hours.

Transfers: Airport to Base	1-3 pax	4-8 pax	9-14 pax
Catania Airport – Portorosa Base	230 €	300 €	390 €
Palermo Airport – Portorosa Base	305 €	370 €	450 €

• All transfer prices listed are for single journeys (one way).
• A supplement will incurred to clients for delays of ½ hour or more: 20% of transfer cost for every delayed hour initiated.
• All transfer prices are subject to change

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.

Boarding Time + Checking Out

On Arrival
Briefing Times: Chart briefings are scheduled between 6 pm and 7 pm local time depending on arrival followed by the boat briefing.

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of Hours
There will be a representative at the base until 9 pm who will accompany the client to their boat. The check-in and briefing will be completed the following morning.

On Departure
All charterers must return to base by 5pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning.

Before departing your boat they will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away. Return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sail

About the marina

Marina Facilities
Portorosa Marina facilities include showers and restrooms.

Portorosa Marina is like a small village there are many bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.

The base can arrange parking at the cost €35 per week for all sized vehicles. Parking should be arranged in advanced. 

Dock Facilities
Fuel: Price available at the base. Cost: Euros 1.20 per litre

Sailing Licenses

Experience Level
Sailing experience: Level 2

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.

Sailing Grounds

Skippered Charter Information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared heads and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skipper’s it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.

Download Sunsail’s Procida Cruising Guide here.

Sailing Area Restrictions
This information is provided in the chart briefing.

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

Moorings Fees + Taxes
Most overnight stops in the area will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. The buoys will cost approximately €50.00 per night – to be paid locally at each anchorage. Marina fees start at approximately €40.00 per night and can be as much as €1600.00 per night, depending on the time of the year and the size of boat. 

These are approximate prices only.

Health + Safety

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. 

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Eat

Provisioning

Sunsail Provisioning
This destination offers online provisioning. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Visit store.sunsail.com to order.

There is one small supermarket on the marina and a bigger supermarket 5 minutes by car from our base. It is advised that you pre-provision before you arrive.

Dining

Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your vacation. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Tip according to quality of service.

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Shop

Around the Base

Hotels

• Corallo Residence – located inside the village resort and only 500m to the base
• Portorosa Residence – small apartments for rent 
• La Camelia – agro-touristic hotel with a restaurant approximately 1km from the Portorosa Village Resort
• Valtur Portorosa – 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)

Currency
The euro is the currency used throughout Italy.

Credit Card Information
MasterCard, Visa and Eurocheque cards are widely accepted throughout Italy.

Traveler’s checks are accepted in major Italian cities and tourist areas, however not in some very small establishments and outdoor markets.

Banks
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30am-1:30pm and 2:30-4:00pm; Closed on Sat & Sun.

ATMs operational 24 hours a day.
There is an ATM directly at the entrance to the village.

In Lipari and Salina there are many banks and ATMs. On the other islands you’ll find ATMs only.

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Play

Water Toys + Sports

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

Kayaks & SUP’s
Kayaks are €180 per week (one man) and SUP’s are €200 per week

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.