Italy By Ferry

The islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as the smaller islands along the coasts, are connected to the mainland and to each other by ferries (traghetti) and the more expensive hydrofoils (aliscafi); international trips are generally made by ferry. Italy’s largest private ferry service, Tirrenia (www.gruppotirrenia.it), runs ferries to Sardinia, Sicily, Tunisia, and Albania. Other major ferry companies ( Siremar, Toremar, Saremar, Caremar, Moby Lines, and Corsica Ferries ) and the SNAV (www.snav.it) hydrofoil services travel between major ports like Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Civitavecchia, Genoa, La Spezia, Naples, and Trapani. Ferry services also depart for the Tremiti, Pontine, and Aeolian Islands.

Ferry service is also prevalent in the Lake Country. These ferries can be expensive and time-consuming, but sometimes they are the best way to go from city to city, and many carry cars as well. Pick up a schedule brochure at the tourist office upon arrival at each lake. Some cities act as major hubs (e.g., Desenzano on Lake Garda) and require you to stop there between cities in order to catch a ferry to your next destination. Ferry times and fares vary, so check for information at major hub cities in your area.

For major trips reserve tickets at least one week in advance and even earlier if the ferry company permits it. Service is often infrequent on longer routes, with only one or two departures per week, and during peak travel seasons, these routes are booked quickly. Schedules change unpredictably—confirm your departure one day in advance. Some ports require check-in two hours before departure, or your reservation will be cancelled. Posta ponte (deck class; preferable in warm weather) is cheapest but is often only available when the poltrona (reclining cabin seats) are full. Port taxes often apply.