Budget-friendly day trips by ferry in Italy

Are you looking for low-cost day trips by ferry in Italy? We have prepared the ultimate list of budget-friendly day trips that are sure to please everyone in your group. We have something for you whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or a thrilling adventure.

Here are the 6 best budget-friendly day trips by ferry in Italy:

1. Salerno to Cetara
2. Positano to Vietri sul Mare
3. Naples to Procida
4. Positano to Minori
5. Trapani to Favignana
6. Naples to Ischia

Find out more about the day trips, pick your favorite and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!

The port of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast

1. Salerno to Cetara day trip

Since Salerno and Cetara are so close to one another, traveling from one town to the other by ferry is very simple.

Located at the foot of Mount Falerio, Cetara is an ideal place for hiking. In fact, there are 5 hiking trails starting from the village, ranging from 1 to 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can head to Marina Beach, right next to the town. Despite its location, both the beach and the water are incredibly clean. 

During your day trip to Cetara, make sure to visit the Viceregal Tower, an ancient watchtower dominating the eastern end of the beach at Cetara. The tower operates as a civic museum showcasing local artists. 

Then stroll through the main streets of Corso Garibaldi and Corso Federici. Since Cetara is famous for its seafood, we suggest you go to a small restaurant at the port and try the local specialties of colatura di alici, anchovies and red tuna. 

Ferries serving day trips from Salerno to Cetara are operated by Grassi Junior and Travelmar up to 7 times daily all year round. The Salerno to Cetara ferry takes only 15 minutes and tickets usually start at €7.

The Viceregal Tower at the eastern end of a beach in Cetara, Italy

2. Have the best day trip from Positano to Vietri sul Mare

If you’re on vacation in Positano and want to escape the crowds for a few hours, then Vietri sul Mare is the perfect place for you. 

The town of Vietri Sul Mare is located on the opposite end of the Amalfi Coast. It is well-known for its ceramics and many stores there sell vibrant traditional and budget-friendly tableware. Visit the Solimene Ceramics Factory, as well as the Museum of Ceramics. You will also find numerous stores with distinctive artisan designs in the pedestrian-only part of town.

Next on the agenda, relax at Spiaggia della Crestarella, which is possibly the quietest beach on the Amalfi Coast. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to make a reservation and pay to access this private beach.

Ferry tickets are affordable, with the cost of a single ticket from Positano to Vietri sul Mare starting from €15. 

Tip: for the most Instagrammable spot in Vietri sul Mare, take a photo in front of the colorful buildings in Marina Di Vietri.

The Duomo of Vietri sul Mare standing out from the town of Vietri sul Mare

3. Hop on a ferry from Naples to Procida

The island of Procida is a great option for a day trip, since it is only 3 km long. Procida, which was named as Italy's Capital of Culture for 2022, is most known for its old picturesque port, Marina Corricella. 

Take a quick stroll from the harbor to the little marina to begin your day trip. Head up the hill toward the Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo for the most impressive views of Procida. Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll find a tiny cafe and a lookout point with views of Capri and Vesuvius. 

If you’re looking for a good spot for lunch, head to Via Roma, Procida’s main street. Make sure to order lingua di suocera, the island’s traditional puff pastry filled with lemon custard.

During the summer, there are daily ferries and hydrofoils leaving from 2 of Naples piers, Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa, as well as from Pozzuoli, just north of the city. Pozzuoli to Procida ferries are the most affordable, since tickets start at €9. 

Fun fact: Procida has served as the set of the movies The Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino.

The picturesque and colorful port of Marina Corricella in Procida

4. Enjoy a day trip to Minori from Positano

Another option for a peaceful escape from Positano is Minori. Minori is an ancient fishing village that existed in Roman times. If you’re interested in discovering the remains of an ancient Roman patrician residence, then visit Villa Marittima Romana. 

Walking the Sentiero dei Limoni (the path of lemons) is also a must! This long path connects Minori to the town of Maiori and it is considered one of the most beautiful paths in Italy!

Additionally, Minori is known for its history of pasta making. Make sure to try its specialty, scialatielli (thick ribbons of fresh pasta). Those with a sweet tooth should also try delizia al limone (a dome of sponge cake with limoncello liqueur and lemon cream). I’m not hungry, you are :D

The ferry trip from Positano to Minori lasts 40 minutes to roughly 1.5 hours. Tickets for the ferry from Positano to Minori start at €13.

The fishing village of Minori seen from the sea

5. Go on an adventure to Favignana from Trapani

From Trapani, Favignana is just a 40-minute hop by ferry. Situated off the west coast of Sicily, Favignana is the most popular island in the Aegadian Archipelago. 

This butterfly-shaped island is known for its azure waters, tuna fish and breathtaking sunsets. Make sure to visit Cala Rossa, the most famous bay on the island. Walk or cycle around the quiet back alleys of Favignana’s town and visit the ex Stabilimento Florio, the important tuna factory in Favignana. 

Before taking the ferry back to Trapani, dine at one of the great fish restaurants in Favignana’s port. 

The Trapani to Favignana ferry is available up to 20 times a day. Ferry crossings last from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours and tickets cost approximately €12 to €16.

Tip: you can also check out the budget-friendly day trip from Trapani to Levanzo.

The beach of Cala Rossa in Favignana with turquoise waters

6. A refreshing day trip from Naples to Ischia

The largest island in the Bay of Naples, Ischia is more low-key and relaxed than its neighbor, Capri. 

After getting off the ferry in the main port, stroll towards the historic Castello Aragonese. This is a castle town situated on a fortified island connected to the rest of Ischia by a causeway. You can also spend your day at one of the island’s thermal waters and mud baths. Ischia’s lovely sandy beaches are another highlight of a day trip to the island.

The Naples - Ischia ferry route is active all year round with more than 30 daily ferry crossings. The cost of a single ferry ticket starts from around €13 and the duration of the ferry trip is between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours. Ischia has 3 main ports: Forio, Casamicciola and Ischia, so make sure to find the most convenient port of arrival.

The majestic Aragonese Castle in Ischia

Check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries to find more ideas on day trips by ferry in Italy. Find up-to-date ferry routes, travel tips and plan your adventure. 

Tip: before you get ready for a magical day trip, learn more about your budget-friendly seaside vacation in Italy.