Travel by ferry to Sicily! Travelling to Sicily couldn't be more relaxed than by ferry. This way you start your Sicily holiday rested and without stress.
From mainland Italy, Sicily can be reached from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples and Salerno. There are also ferry connections from Sardinia and Malta. If you want to travel to Sicily from France, you can do so from Toulon and Nice. There is also a ferry connection from Tunisia (Tunis). The Sicilian ferry ports are Catania, Palermo and Trapani.
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Search & Book Ferries to Sicily
Use our ferry search to find your ferry to Sicily. We compare the offers of different shipping companies on each route. So you always get the cheapest offer for your Sicilyferry. Check availability and timetables now.
Map of ferries to Sicily
On this map you can see an overview of all ferry connections to Sicily.
Wir laden gerade die Karte der Fähren to Sicily für dich.
All ferries to Sicily
Hier findest du alle aktuellen Fährverbindungen to Sicily noch einmal in der tabellarischen Übersicht.
| Ferry connection | Country of origin & country of destination | Number & Duration of trip |
Shipping company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Cagliari – Palermo | Ferry from Sardinia to Sicily | 1 time per week 12 hours |
Grimaldi Lines |
| Ferry Catania – Valletta | Ferry from Sicily to Malta | 1 time per week 7 hours 15 minutes |
Virtu Ferries |
| Ferry Civitavecchia – Palermo | Ferry from Rome, Italy to Sicily | up to 6 times a week 13 hours 45 minutes |
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) |
| Ferry Genoa – Palermo | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | up to 7 times a week 20 hours 30 minutes |
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) |
| Ferry Livorno – Palermo | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | up to 3 times a week 20 hours 30 minutes |
Grimaldi Lines |
| Ferry Marsala – Favignana | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | 5 times a day 30 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Marsala – Levanzo | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 50 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Marsala – Marettimo | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | 14 times a week 1 hour 10 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Messina – Lipari | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 4 times a day 1 hour 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Messina – Panarea | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 13 times a week 2 hours 5 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Messina – Rinella | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 13 times a week 2 hours 20 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Messina – Salina | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 20 times a week 2 hours 20 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Messina – Stromboli | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 13 times a week 1 hour 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Alicudi | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 3 times a day 2 hours 45 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Filicudi | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 3 times a day 2 hours 15 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Ginostra (Stromboli) | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 4 times a day 1 hour 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Lipari | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | up to 24 times a day 1 hour 5 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries Siremar |
| Ferry Milazzo – Panarea | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 5 times a day 1 hour 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Rinella | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 4 times a day 1 hour 40 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Salina | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 9 times a day 1 hour 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Milazzo – Stromboli | Ferry from Sicily, Italy to Aeolian Islands, Italy | up to 10 times a day 2 hours 45 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries Siremar |
| Ferry Naples – Palermo | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | up to 4 times a day 8 hours 30 minutes |
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) Grimaldi Lines Tirrenia |
| Ferry Naples – Palermo Termini Imerese | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | 5 times a week 9 hours 0 minutes |
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) |
| Ferry Palermo – Alicudi | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 1 hour 55 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Filicudi | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 2 hours 30 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Lipari | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 3 hours 55 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Milazzo | Ferry from Sicily to Sicily | 7 times a week 5 hours 10 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Panarea | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 4 hours 40 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Rinella | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 3 hours 5 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Salina | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 3 hours 20 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Stromboli | Ferry from Sicily to Aeolian Islands, Italy | 7 times a week 5 hours 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Palermo – Tunis | Ferry from Sicily to Tunisia | 1 time per week 11 hour 0 minutes |
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) Grimaldi Lines |
| Ferry Palermo – Ustica | Ferry from Sicily to Ustica Island, Italy | 5 times a day 1 hour 30 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Porto Empedocle – Lampedusa | Ferry from Sicily to Pelagie Islands, Italy | 5 times a week 4 hours 15 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Porto Empedocle – Linosa | Ferry from Sicily to Pelagie Islands, Italy | 5 times a week 3 hours |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Pozzallo – Valletta | Ferry from Sicily, Italy to Malta | up to 3 times a day 1 hour 45 minutes |
Virtu Ferries |
| Ferry Salerno – Catania | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | 6 times a week 13 hours 0 minutes |
Grimaldi Lines |
| Ferry Salerno – Messina | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | 7 times a week 9 hours |
Caronte & Tourist |
| Ferry Salerno – Palermo | Ferry from Italy to Sicily | 2 times a week 9 hours 30 minutes |
Grimaldi Lines |
| Ferry Trapani – Favignana | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | up to 27 times per day 30 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries Siremar |
| Ferry Trapani – Levanzo | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | 15 times a day 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Trapani – Marettimo | Ferry from Sicily to Egadi Islands, Italy | 4 times a day 1 hour 10 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Trapani – Pantelleria | Ferry from Sicily to Island of Pantelleria, Italy | several times a week 7 hours 30 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
| Ferry Trapani – Ustica | Ferry from Sicily to Ustica Island, Italy | 1 time per week 2 hours 25 minutes |
Liberty Lines Fast Ferries |
Ferry ports to Sicily
You can find an overview of all ferry ports to Sicily here.
Catania
Welcome to Sicily! The image of the city and life there has always been shaped by the towering volcano Mount Etna. The lively centre of Catania is located at the ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Catania.
Port address
| Ferry port Catania | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Complesso Vecchia Dogana |
| Postcode & city: | 95121 Catania CT |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 37.498946, 15.095295 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
How to reach the Catania ferry port in Sicily by car:
- From the north (e.g. Messina): Follow the coastal road SS114 south towards Catania. In Catania, follow the signs to the port.
- From the south (e.g. Syracuse): Ferry north on the coastal road to Catania. In Catania, follow the signs to the port.
- From the west (e.g. Palermo): Take the A19 highway west to Catania. Leave the highway at the Catania exit and follow the signs to the port.
Arrival by bus & train
There are bus connections from the center of Catania and other cities in Sicily to the ferry port. Catania Centrale main station also offers train connections to the region.
Arrival by plane
- From Catania Airport (CTA): Take a cab or use the public bus from the airport to the ferry port. The ferry ride takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Marsala (Sicily)
Marsala, a town full of history, located in the westernmost part of Sicily. Known for its famous Marsala wine, this town offers not only the impressive Stagnone lagoon but also ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Marsala (Sicily).
Port address
| Ferry port Marsala (Sicily) | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Lungomare Mediterraneo |
| Postcode & city: | 91025 Marsala TP |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 37.792101, 12.434926 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
The ferry port of Marsala is easily accessible via the Sicilian road network:
- From the north(Trapani): From Trapani, take the SS115 and follow the signs to the ferry port of Marsala.
- From the east(Catania): From Catania, take the A19/E932 highway in the direction of Palermo and continue to Castelvetrano. From there, take the SS115 to Marsala.
Arrival by bus & train
There are buses that connect Marsala with other cities in Sicily. From Trapani you can take the train to Marsala.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS). From there, you can take a bus or hire a car to the ferry port of Marsala. Alternatively, you can use Palermo Airport (PMO) and take the bus or train from there to Marsala.
Messina
In Sicily, the port city of Messina exudes charm and an Italian attitude to life. The imposing Castello del Santissimo Salvatore welcomes visitors as soon as they enter the harbour. ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Messina.
Port address
| Ferry port Messina | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Villa S. Giovanni |
| Postcode & city: | 98121 Messina ME |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 38.208430, 15.562089 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
If you want to travel to the ferry port of Messina by car, you can use the following highways and roads:
- From the west (e.g. Palermo): Ferries on the highway A20/E90 or the coastal road SS113 in the direction of Messina. Follow the signs to the ferry port.
- From the south (e.g. Catania): Take the European road E45 or the coastal road SS114 to Messina. In Messina, follow the signs to the ferry port.
Arrival by bus & train
The Messina ferry port is well connected to the public transport network:
- By train: Messina Central Station offers train connections from various cities in Sicily. From the train station, you can take the public bus or a cab to the ferry port.
- By bus: Various bus lines connect Messina with other cities and regions. Check the local bus timetable for exact departure times to the ferry port.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). From there you can take a shuttle bus or cab to Messina. From Messina, follow the signs to the ferry port.
Milazzo
The port city of Milazzo is located on the north coast of Sicily . The mighty Castello di Milazzo rises high above the city, and the old cathedral is also ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Milazzo.
Port address
| Ferry port Milazzo | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Via Ammiraglio Luigi Rizzo |
| Postcode & city: | 98057 Milazzo ME |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 38.218352, 15.240780 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
To reach the Milazzo ferry port by car, there are various highway access routes, depending on your location in Sicily:
- From Palermo (south): Ferries on the A20 in the direction of Messina. Take the Milazzo exit and follow the signs to the port.
- From Messina (north): Take the A20 in the direction of Palermo and take the Milazzo exit. Follow the signs to the ferry port.
- From Catania (east): Ferry on the A18 to Messina and then change to the A20 towards Palermo. Take the Milazzo exit and follow the signs to the port.
Arrival by bus & train
There are bus services that connect the Milazzo ferry port with various cities in Sicily. Check the current bus timetables for connections and departure points.
Milazzo train station offers train connections from various cities in Sicily. You can take a cab from the train station to the ferry port.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). From there, you can take a cab or bus to the Milazzo ferry port. The ferry ride takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Palermo
Sicily’s capital Palermo is rich in fascinating buildings, lively streets, beautiful squares and special places. The cathedral from the 12th century, Byzantine mosaics and magnificent palaces are witnesses of an ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Palermo.
Port address
| Ferry port Palermo | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Banchina Crispi |
| Postcode & city: | 90133 Palermo PA |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 38.128241, 13.363430 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
- From the direction of Catania/Messina (east): Ferries on the highway A19 or A20 direction Palermo. In Palermo, follow the signs to the port (Porto), which is well signposted.
- From the direction of Trapani (west): Take the E933 and E90 in the direction of Palermo. Once in Palermo, follow the signs to the port.
- From the direction of Agrigento (south): Ferries on the SS118 and from Bolognetta the SS121 in the direction of Palermo. In Palermo, follow the signs to the port.
Arrival by bus & train
Palermo is well connected to the regional and national rail network. It is only a few minutes by bus or cab from Palermo central station to the ferry port.
Arrival by plane
- Palermo Airport (PMO): Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport is about 32 km from the city center. From there you can take a bus, train or cab to the ferry port.
Additional information
The Palermo ferry port is centrally located and well signposted. It offers ferry connections to various destinations, including the Italian mainland coast and the surrounding islands.
Porto Empedocle
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Porto Empedocle.
Pozzallo
Pozzallo, a lively coastal town in Sicily, attracts visitors with its crystal-clear water and fine sandy beaches. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a mixture of historical ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Pozzallo.
Port address
| Ferry port Pozzallo | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Via Pozzallo |
| Postcode & city: | 97016 Pozzallo RG |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 36.717295, 14.830199 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
If you are already in Sicily and want to drive to the Pozzallo ferry port, follow these instructions:
- From the north from Catania: Ferries on the highway A18/E45 in southern direction. Then change to the SP46 and follow the signs to Pozzallo to the ferry port.
- From the northwest from Palermo: Follow the A19 highway and then the A18 in a southerly direction. Then change to the SS194 and follow the signs to Pozzallo.
Arrival by bus & train
There are buses and trains connecting different cities in Sicily. You can take the train to go to Pozzallo but also the bus. Find out about the current timetables and connections from the local transport providers.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Comiso Airport (CIY), which is approximately 60 kilometers from Pozzallo. From the airport, you can take a cab or shuttle bus to the ferry port.
Trapani
The city of Trapani fascinates with its unique location on a crescent-shaped headland. The city’s landmark is the Castello della Colombaia, which is situated on a rocky island. A tour ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Trapani.
Port address
| Ferry port Trapani | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Via Giuseppe Verdi, 36 |
| Postcode & city: | 91100 Trapani TP |
| Country: | Italy |
| GPS: | 38.014081, 12.507266 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
If you want to get to the ferry port of Trapani by car, follow the appropriate roads:
- From the A29 highway: Leave the highway at the Trapani exit and follow the SS187 towards the port. You will find the signs to the ferry port.
- From the SS115 (from Marsala): Follow the SS115 to Trapani and then follow the signs to the port.
- From the SS187 (from Palermo ): Ferry along the SS187 towards Trapani and follow the signs to the port.
Arrival by bus & train
The main train station in Trapani, “Trapani Stazione Centrale”, offers train connections to various cities in Sicily. The central bus station is also easily accessible and offers bus connections within Trapani and to other cities.
Arrival by plane
The airport of Trapani, “Vincenzo Florio Airport” (TPS), is about 20 km from the ferry port. You can take a cab or the bus to the Trapani ferry port.
Die GNV Fähre GNV Orion beim Einlaufen im Hafen von Genua.
The Ferries GNV VIRGO operates on the Genoa-Palermo route.
Travel guide Sicily
Holiday to Sicily
With a trip to Sicily, you are opting for Greek temples, Byzantine mosaics, Arab domes and Norman castles. The highest volcano in Europe, beautiful beaches and Sicilian cuisine promise unforgettable vacation days.
Your ferry trip to Sicily – information, tips & recommendations
A ferry trip to Sicily combines relaxed travel with the experience of the sea. Instead of stressful flights, you can enjoy the view of the Mediterranean, travel in a more climate-friendly way and take your car, motorcycle or even pet with you. Whether you are traveling from northern Italy, southern Italy, Sardinia, Malta, France or even Tunisia – Ferries to Sicily offer you a wide range of options.
Why travel to Sicily by Ferries?
A crossing by Ferries is not only comfortable, but also particularly practical for those who want to travel independently. You can take your vehicle with you and are mobile on the island. The ferry trip is therefore ideal for families, camping enthusiasts or individual travelers.
The advantages at a glance:
- Relaxed start to your journey without airport checks
- Overnight crossing saves hotel costs
- Car, motorcycle or motorhome travels with
- More environmentally friendly alternative to short-haul flights
- More luggage at no extra charge
Ports of departure for Ferries to Sicily
From the Italian mainland
Sicily has excellent connections to the Italian mainland. These ferry ports are at your disposal:
- Genoa: long but popular route, ideal for those traveling from northern Italy, Switzerland or southern Germany
- Livorno: Shorter than Genoa, very easy to reach from central Italy
- Civitavecchia (Rome): Combination of city trip and crossing possible
- Naples: Ideal for southern Italy, Campania and the surrounding area
- Salerno: alternative to Naples with less traffic
From Sardinia and Malta
- Cagliari – Palermo: connection between the two largest Mediterranean islands
- Valletta – Pozzallo: Fast connection with modern high-speed Ferries
From France
- Toulon – Trapani or Palermo
- Nice – Palermo (seasonal)
From North Africa
- Tunis – Palermo: For travelers from Tunisia or with a combination of North Africa and Southern Europe
Shipping companies & ships
Several shipping companies are active on the ferry routes to Sicily, including:
- Grimaldi Lines: Routes from Salerno, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Barcelona
- GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci): Connections from Genoa and Naples
- Tirrenia: Serves Naples-Palermo and other destinations
- Corsica Ferries: Seasonal connections from France
- Virtu Ferries: Fast crossings between Malta and Sicily
- CTN Ferries (Tunisia)
Depending on the route, the ships offer:
- Cabins with bath/WC
- Restaurants and cafés
- Sun decks
- Cinemas or small stores
- Dog crates or pet cabins
- Wi-Fi
Popular routes at a glance
| Port of departure | Port of destination | Duration (approx.) | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genoa | Palermo | 20-22 hrs. | GNV, Tirrenia |
| Livorno | Palermo | 19-21 hrs. | Grimaldi Lines |
| Civitavecchia | Palermo | 14-15 hours | Grimaldi Lines |
| Naples | Palermo | 10 hrs. | GNV, Tirrenia |
| Salerno | Palermo | 9-11 hrs. | Grimaldi Lines |
| Valletta (Malta) | Pozzallo | 1 hour 45 m | Virtu Ferries |
| Cagliari (Sardinia) | Palermo | 12 hrs. | Tirrenia |
| Tunis | Palermo | 12-14 hrs. | CTN Ferries |
Vehicle transportation & camper trips
Traveling to Sicily by Ferry is particularly popular with campers and car travelers. Depending on the ferry company, you can take the following vehicles with you:
- Passenger car, SUV, estate car
- Motorcycles, scooters
- Motorhomes & campervans
- Trailers & bike racks
Tip: Specify the exact dimensions when booking (length, height incl. roof box/bicycles) to avoid additional payments.
Pets on board
Pets are allowed to travel on almost all Ferries. The shipping companies offer:
- Animal cabins (mostly with linoleum flooring)
- Outdoor decks with dog area
- Boxes in the ventilated area
- Carry in a transport box or on a leash
Don’t forget:
- EU pet passport
- Rabies vaccination
- Muzzle compulsory depending on shipping company
Best time to travel by ferry to Sicily
Ferries operate all year round, although the offer is significantly greater in summer. The best time to travel:
- Spring (April-June): pleasantly mild, ideal for active vacations
- Summer (July-August): High season, long days and full ships
- Autumn (September-October): warm sea, fewer tourists
Booking tips
- Book early, especially in the high season
- Compare prices – we automatically show you the best options
- Cabins are worthwhile for night crossings
- Motorhome / pet / specify special size directly
- Book a return trip = discount possible
TOP excursion destinations to Sicily
Sicily’s capital Palermo, with its imposing cathedral, Norman palace and baroque facades, invites you to take a long stroll through the city. Through the old town to the beach, where numerous cafés await you with a real Italian cappuccino.
Taormina is known for its medieval old town, ancient theater, churches and palaces. The pedestrian zone Corso Umberto connects the two city gates, while Piazza IX Aprile, halfway between them, offers a square open to the sea with a magnificent view across to Mount Etna.
Catania stands for urban lifestyle and relaxation. The sandy beach Playa di Catania is no less than 30 kilometers long. In the city, Via Etnea, the cathedral, Roman theater, Ursino Castle and Piazza del Duomo with its famous elephant fountain are all waiting to be discovered.
The old town of Syracuse is picturesquely situated on a peninsula and boasts Baroque facades, a castle, an imposing cathedral and a freshwater spring. In the Archaeological Park, visitors will find the Greek Theatre, with a diameter of 138 meters, it could seat up to 15,000 spectators.
If you are a fan of Baroque architecture, Noto is the place for you. An earthquake in 1693 destroyed almost the entire town. The reconstruction in Baroque style was characterized by wide streets, squares, open staircases, palaces and churches. In 2002, Noto was declared a World Heritage Site.
The picturesque town of Agrigento is situated on a hill and is famous for its ancient ruins and the Valley of the Temples. The temples of Hera and Heracles can be visited here. The temple of Concordia has been completely preserved – apart from the roof. Pure fascination!
At 3,323 meters, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. Its last eruption took place in 2017. You can reach an altitude of 2,900 meters by cable car and bus. The rest of the way to the summit can only be covered on foot – accompanied by a mountain guide.
The Scala dei Turchi – the “Staircase of the Turks” – is a fascinating natural phenomenon. The monumental rock shines in brilliant white, its formation reminiscent of the steps of a staircase. Below it, the blue sea – magnificent!
On hot summer days, the Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve offers a welcome way to cool off. Along the ten-kilometre-long gorge, turquoise pools and numerous waterfalls invite you to take a refreshing dip.
Entry requirements
German citizens require an identity card, a passport or a child’s passport for their stay in Italy. You do not need a visa for Sicily.
Alternative travel options
From Germany, it is easy to travel by car, bus and train to all ferry ports in Sicily. Sicily also has two international airports, Palermo and Catania.
Questions & Answers about the Sicily ferry
››› Do I have to book Ferry in advance?
Yes, especially in the summer months it is advisable to book early. Spontaneous bookings are possible, but risky – especially with a vehicle.
››› Are there night ferries?
Yes, many Ferries – e.g. Genoa-Palermo or Civitavecchia-Palermo – depart in the evening and arrive in the morning. Ideal for long distances!
››› Can I sleep at Ferry?
Yes, on the long-haul routes you can choose between:
- Seat
- Recliner
- Cabin with bed and bathroom
- Outside cabin with sea view
choose. A cabin is recommended for a relaxed crossing.
››› How much does a Ferry to Sicily cost?
This depends heavily on the route, season, shipping company and vehicle. Examples:
- Foot passenger: from approx. 40 €
- Car + driver: from 90-150 €
- Cabin: from 30-120 € extra
- Pet: approx. 10-30 €
››› Can I travel by Interrail or train and then use the Ferries?
Yes! Civitavecchia and Naples are particularly easy to reach by train. There are also combined train + Ferries tickets from some providers.
››› Is there WLAN on board?
Some Ferries offer WLAN (in some cases for a fee). However, the connection can be weak on the high seas – offline mode is worthwhile.
››› How long does it take to get to Sicily by car?
From Munich, for example, it is approx. 1,500 km to Genoa. The crossing then takes 20-22 hours. You should allow 1.5 to 2 days in total.
››› Which ports in Sicily are particularly well connected?
- Palermo: largest selection of connections, also international
- Catania: proximity to Mount Etna and eastern Sicily
- Trapani: for western Sicily, e.g. to the Egadi Islands
››› How does check-in work from the port?
You should be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure – with a vehicle even 2 to 2.5 hours before. Have your booking confirmation (printed or digital) and ID documents ready. You will receive your ticket or boarding pass at check-in. Embarkation usually begins about 1 hour before departure. Passengers without a vehicle board directly on foot via the passenger bridge, while drivers follow the staff to the vehicle deck for briefing.
››› Is it possible to take bicycles with you?
Yes, you can take your bike with you on almost all Ferries. It is either free of charge or available for a small fee (usually €5-15). When booking, be sure to state that you have a bicycle with you, especially if you are also transporting a car with a roof rack. Some Ferries have separate bicycle parking spaces on the vehicle deck.
››› Can I rebook or cancel my ferry crossing at a later date?
This depends on the shipping company and the fare booked. Many providers offer flexible fares with rebooking or cancellation options for a fee. Low-cost economy tariffs are often excluded from reimbursement. Therefore, check the fare conditions carefully before booking. Rebooking is usually possible up to 48 hours before departure – with some shipping companies even at shorter notice.
