Ferries & Boats
As a peninsula with two large islands, Italy has one of the densest ferry networks in Europe. For Sardinia and Sicily, ferries are a real alternative to flying.
Important Ferry Connections
| Route | Duration | Price (from, person) | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Olbia (Sardinia) | 5–8h | €35 | Grimaldi, Tirrenia, Moby |
| Genoa → Olbia (Sardinia) | 10–12h (night) | €40 | Moby, Tirrenia, GNV |
| Livorno → Olbia (Sardinia) | 8–10h | €35 | Grimaldi, Moby |
| Naples → Palermo (Sicily) | 10–11h (night) | €45 | GNV, Tirrenia |
| Villa San Giovanni → Messina (Sicily) | 20 Min. | €3.50 | Caronte & Tourist |
| Naples → Capri | 50–80 Min. | €15–22 | Caremar, SNAV, NLG |
| Salerno → Amalfi/Positano | 35–70 Min. | €10–14 | Travelmar |
| La Spezia → Cinque Terre | 25–75 Min. | €5–18 | Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti |
Tips
- Night Ferries to Sardinia and Sicily are ideal: You save a hotel night and wake up at your destination. Book a cabin (from €50–80), the deckchair area is noisy
- Bringing a Car is worthwhile on Sardinia and Sicily — a rental car is almost mandatory there. From about €70–100 per route for a car
- Capri, Ischia, Procida: Fast boats (Aliscafi) from Naples are faster but more expensive and rougher in choppy seas. Regular ferries (Traghetti) are cheaper and calmer
- Book Early for Sardinia in August — the ferries are booked weeks in advance, especially around Ferragosto (August 15)
💡 Tipp
The ferry from Salerno along the Amalfi Coast to Positano and Amalfi is the most relaxing way to experience the coast — no traffic, no hairpin bends, just sea views. From €10 per route.