Ferries Sicily

Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, with more than 1,000 km of coastline washed by three seas and separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina, Sicily is not only an island but also the largest region in Italy. It includes numerous islands and archipelagos such as the Aeolian Islands, the Aegadian Islands, the Pelagie Islands, Ustica and Pantelleria.

 Sicily is a vast natural area that attracts thousands of visitors every year with its breathtaking landscapes: from the volcanic areas of the Etna Park and the volcano of the same name, to the hills and numerous nature reserves. From the wonderful historical cities and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites to the coast and its beaches, among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, Sicily is the right place for every type of holiday.

Every year, more than 2.5 million tourists choose Sicily as their holiday destination, a figure that has almost doubled in recent years.

🛥️ Most of the country consists of hills, separated from Italy only by the Straits of Messina, which are crossed by the ferries and hydrofoils of Caronte & Tourist shipping company, making the Messina Villa San Giovanni route.

Sicily is a region that can be visited at any time of the year and will enchant you with its beauty, its wonderful beaches, the highest active volcano in Europe or the impressive ruins that testify to the centuries of Magna Graecia that Sicily has experienced.

 However, Sicily is not only made up of beautiful beaches and islands, but also of history and culture. It experienced a moment of great splendour during the rise of Magna Graecia, in fact there are several UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of which is the archaeological area of Agrigento. The Aeolian Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000.

A trip to Sicily can satisfy any traveler; its territory ranges from the sea to the mountains, from cities of art to charming seaside villages.

⚓ The main ports:

The main port in Sicily is Palermo, the regional capital, which is considered one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, both in terms of size and passenger traffic. The port of Palermo offers year-round connections with Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa, Salerno, Ustica and the Aeolian Islands. Thanks to its strategic position, it also connects some cities with the Tunisian coast.

Trapani is another of the most significant ports in the region and is the main port of call for those wishing to visit the Aegadian Islands and Pantelleria.

The ports of the Egadi Islands, Favignana, Marsala, Levanzo and Marettimo, are all connected to each other and to the port of Trapani. Every year, about 1 million passengers choose to travel by ferry from Trapani.

Other major ports in Sicily include Messina, Termini Imerese, Milazzo, the Aeolian Islands and, south of Ragusa, the port of Pozzallo, which has daily connections to Malta.

⚓ The shipping companies: 

Sicily is well-connected by sea to the rest of the Italian peninsula, thanks to the major shipping companies that maintain active maritime links.

🚢 You can reach this beautiful island by ferry from ports in northern, central and southern Italy, as well as from Sardinia, Tunisia, and the island of Malta, using the routes operated by the 7 ferry companies:

•  Grandi Navi Veloci

•  Grimaldi Lines

•  Tirrenia

• Caronte & Tourist

•  Virtu Ferries

•  Siremar

•  Liberty Lines

Sea connections are guaranteed all year round, linking Sicily to the rest of Italy and the neighboring islands, making the Sicilian region one of the most popular holiday destinations.

 If you decide to visit Sicily, you cannot miss the traditional cuisine, a gastronomic heritage known all over the world. Some of the most famous dishes are Sicilian arancino, pasta alla norma, the famous Sicilian cannolo, brioche with ice cream or Passito di Pantelleria.

🏖️ There is no best time to visit Sicily, it will manage to surprise you in all seasons. Of course, if you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and its 1500 km of coastline, we recommend a visit in summer. If, on the other hand, you are a lover of history and culture, we suggest you visit in spring or autumn, when the temperatures allow you to visit without any problems.

 All the ferry companies to Sicily operate night crossings, with timetables that not only allow you not to miss a single day of your holiday, but also allow you to disembark at a time that is convenient for you.

The crossing time varies from a minimum of 10 hours to a maximum of 20 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the line. The Strait of Messina is the shortest link between the mainland and Sicily, with the ferry crossing from Sicily to Calabria (Villa San Giovanni Messina) taking just 20 minutes.

🚗 All ferries to Sicily, except Liberty Lines, carry both passengers and vehicles. The Liberty Lines hydrofoils do not have garages on board, so they cannot carry cars, only passengers.

🛏️ On board the ferries to Sicily, you can choose between different types of accommodation offered by the different companies operating on the route. Some routes are long, so the companies offer comfortable cabins with private facilities, or more convenient solutions such as a reclining seat or deck passage.

 On some routes that are only a few hours long and are operated by hydrofoils or catamarans, companies offer deck passage as the only accommodation option. There are no assigned seats, but you can sit on the seats in the lounges, on the sofas in the common areas, at the bar tables or on the benches outside.

 Bars/restaurants, air-conditioned indoor lounges with TV, shops, Wi-Fi service, children's play areas and outdoor terraces are always available to keep you and your family entertained during your journey. Some ferries to Sicily also offer swimming pools, discos, spas, gaming rooms and themed parties.

🐶 Want to take your pet with you? No problem! The shipping companies that operate connections to and from Sicily allow pets on board. They will not be able to access the common areas or the dining areas of the ships, but will have dedicated areas on the outside decks and inside. 

Remember to have everything you need with you for proper boarding of your pet: leash, muzzle, pet carrier, the ticket where they will also be present, and the necessary medical documentation.

Take the ferry to Sicily. There are lots of places to see!

Sicily is a place rich in culture and history, with great attractions in every part of the island. The city of Syracuse in the south is particularly famous for its historic center of Ortigia and the archaeological park of Neapolis.

Of course, the capital city of Palermo is not to be missed. The historic city combines the refined elegance of Baroque and Rococo buildings with the vibrancy of local and district markets in a unique blend.

Among the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites, don't miss Val di Noto, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Cefalù and Monreale.

The peculiar town of Taormina, set on a terrace of Mount Tauro, is also well worth a visit, but if you decide to take the ferry to Sicily, Europe's highest volcano is a must: Mount Etna, where you can practice many activities and admire the fascinating lava landscape.

With Mr Ferry you can book your ferry ticket to and from Sicily in just a few minutes and get ready to plan your next holiday! If you need help, check our FAQ or contact our customer service.

Mr Ferry can calculate you some quotes for large groups with or without vehicle (bus, but also car or motorbike). If you are at least 10 people travelling, please ask for a special price by filling out the specific form. Our staff will contact you soon to calculate the best available offer!