Vibo Valentia

Vibo Valentia is located in the center of the Tyrrhenian coast and is one of the main cities of Calabria. Its ancient origins blend with the wild beauty of its long coastline, creating an otherworldly scenery. 

On Ferryhopper, you can find useful information on must-see places, beaches, local delicacies and ferries from Vibo Valentia. Take a look at our travel tips and plan unforgettable holidays in Italy hassle-free.

Find out more about Vibo Valentia below:

• Vibo Valentia ferry port
• Holidays in Vibo Valentia

Swimming at the beautiful port of Vibo Valentia

Vibo Valentia ferry port

The commercial port of Vibo Valentia, apart from its trade activities, is also connected to the Aeolian Islands by ferry, providing safe and smooth services of maritime transport.

Ferries from Vibo Valentia port: schedules and tickets

From Vibo Valentia, you can easily travel to the beautiful Aeolian Islands, thanks to seasonal ferry connections (from June to September).

All direct ferry connections are operated by the hydrofoils of Liberty Lines, introducing you to the islands of Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano. There are usually 2 weekly connections, with scheduled departures in the afternoon.

The same hydrofoil usually stops in various ports of the islands, first docking at the port of Stromboli, and then continuing to Panarea, Salina, Lipari and Vulcano. Specifically:

• Vibo Valentia - Stromboli ferry: you can catch a ferry from Vibo Valentia to Stromboli that arrives in around 1 hour and a half.
• Vibo Valentia - Panarea ferry: the direct ferry route to Panarea from Vibo Valentia lasts 2 hours.
• Vibo Valentia - Salina ferry: the ferry from Vibo Valentia to Salina makes the crossing in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The hydrofoils arrive at the main port, Santa Marina Salina, located in the eastern part of the island.
• Vibo Valentia - Lipari ferry: the connection from Vibo Valentia to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, lasts around 3 hours.
• Vibo Valentia - Vulcano ferry: the itinerary from Vibo Valentia to Vulcano lasts a total of 3 hours and a half.

Important: the itinerary across the Aeolian Islands from Vibo Valentia ends at the port of Milazzo in Sicily. For more information, check out the Vibo Valentia - Milazzo ferry route.

Where is the ferry port in Vibo Valentia?

Vibo Valentia and its port are found in the region of Calabria in southwestern Italy.

Specifically, the port of Vibo Valentia is located in the hamlet of Vibo Marina, 9 km from the upper village. It is situated on the famous Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) , a 55-km-long coastline ranging from Pizzo Calabro to Nicotera.

How to get to Vibo Valentia port?

The train station of Vibo Marina is only a 12-minute-long walk from the port. If, on the other hand, you arrive at the Vibo - Pizzo station and want to reach the port, there is the Ferrovie della Calabria shuttle service, which takes you to your destination in 10 minutes.

Enchanting sunset over the Aeolian archipelago

Holidays in Vibo Valentia

Dreaming of holidays in Calabria? Vibo Valentia and its province will introduce you to some of the most beautiful locations in Italy.

Nature, sea and history will accompany you every step of the way, along with the fantastic cuisine and warmth of Vibo Valentia and its people.

After visiting its nearby villages, beaches and artistic sites, how about a little ferry trip to the Aeolian Islands from Vibo Valentia? Take the ferry from the Calabrian port and reach the beautiful archipelago for a short (or long) island getaway!

One thing is certain: Vibo Valentia and Calabria are guaranteed to steal your heart!

How to get to Vibo Valentia

You can reach Vibo Valentia by car, train, bus or ferry.

If you wish to travel with your vehicle, take the A3 Salerno - Reggio Calabria motorway to the S. Onofrio - Vibo Valentia exit.

As for train services, Vibo Valentia is part of the Lamezia Terme - Reggio Calabria railway line. If you’re traveling from other Italian cities, you must switch trains to get to Vibo Valentia. There are also Ferrovie della Calabria buses traveling throughout the province and stopping in numerous Vibonese locations.

From the Sicilian town of Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands, there are direct ferries to Vibo Valentia in the summer. 

Tip: the closest airport reference point is Lamezia Terme (30 km away).

The beautiful Coast of the Gods in Calabria

What to do in Vibo Valentia

The historic center of Vibo Valentia is a great starting point for exploring the area! Walk through its alleys and squares, admire the buildings and climb up to the castle. Stroll in more modern parts of the city, full of shops and ateliers, and walk towards the port.

Discover the wonders of the Coast of the Gods: go snorkeling and explore the area’s beautiful seabed and try out exciting water sports, such as kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Even the hinterland of Vibo Valentia is full of natural wonders. Woods and unspoiled beauty attract many trekking and birdwatching enthusiasts every year. For more details, discover the best of Vibo Valentia below!

Beaches in Vibo Valentia

Vibo Valentia and its province are home to some of the most stunning beaches in Calabria. Here, you can find beautiful stretches of white sand, secluded coves and swimming spots where history and marine beauty become one.

Here are the 7 top beaches in Vibo Valentia and its surrounding areas:

1. Bivona beach: just 2 km from Vibo Valentia, it is a long and wide stretch of fine sand. Beautiful landscapes, thick vegetation and views of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands await you here! There are also bars, clubs, visitor amenities and the famous Museo della Tonnara within walking distance.
2. Rotonda beach: among the most famous beaches in Italy, it is located in front of the historic center of Tropea. Very popular in the summer, it has turquoise waters and white sand. A part of the beach is free, but there are also areas where you can rent umbrellas and deck chairs. There are numerous services, including bars, kiosks and restaurants.
3. Michelino beach: located in Parghelia, it is 20 minutes by car from Vibo Marina. This small, completely free beach has clean waters and vegetation, and is surrounded by rocks. It has a perfect seabed for snorkeling and can be reached on foot via a staircase.
4. Piedigrotta beach: located in front of the famous Piedigrotta church, it is 6 km from Vibo Marina and is among the most quaint swimming spots. It’s not very large, has shallow waters and can be reached via a flight of steps. If you arrive by car, you can opt for paid parking or park on the main road.
5. Sant’Irene beach: about 1 km long, it is located in the locality of Briatico. It has clear sand, crystal clear waters and a free area. There are also some lidos, restaurants, bars and hotels. You can reach the beach along a steep road that descends from the headland.
6. Torre Mezza Praia beach: this is a long beach surrounded by nature and is mostly uncrowded. Located in Marina di Curinga, it has white sand mixed with gravel and a rich pine forest right behind it. Access to the beach is rather easy, and you can also find a tourist facility nearby.
7. La Marinella beach (Paradiso del Sub): found 20 minutes from Vibo Marina, it is not visible from the main road, as it is surrounded by unique vegetation. Its blue waters and depths are ideal for diving. It gets quite crowded in the summer, so make sure to arrive early. You can get there on foot via a dirt path and then a staircase.

The beautiful beach of Paradiso del Sub on the Coast of the Gods

Sightseeing in Vibo Valentia

The historic center of Vibo Valentia provides visitors with numerous opportunities for cultural and historical sightseeing. Walking along Corso Umberto I and then heading down towards Vibo Marina introduces you to various attractions.

Our top must-see attractions in Vibo Valentia are the following:

• The Norman-Swabian Castle, with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea
• The Vito Capialbi National Archaeological Museum, housed in a wing of the castle
• The ruins of Hipponion, a pre-Hellenic settlement outside the town of Vibo Valentia
• The coastal castle of Bivona, from the 12th century BCE, located close to the port
• The church of Santa Maria Maggiore, standing on the remains of a medieval basilica
• Palazzo Gagliardi, an elegant building in the center that hosts interesting events
• Palazzo Luigi Razza, the current seat of the Municipality of Vibo Valentia
• Parco delle Rimembranze, where the temple of Proserpina once stood

The imposing Norman-Swabian Castle of Vibo Valentia

Nightlife in Vibo Valentia

While Vibo Valentia is a quiet village, its coastal part comes alive in the summer!

Towards Zambrone, Briatico and Tropea, you can find numerous nightlife options. There are several lidos and seaside clubs with tasty aperitifs and live music.

For a more relaxing evening, you can always go for a walk in the nearby village of Pizzo, with delicious ice cream and truffles!

Food in Vibo Valentia

Discover the Vibonese culinary traditions that can satisfy even the most demanding foodies! From fresh pasta to different kinds of cheese and traditional desserts, the delicacies of Vibo Valentia are famous all over Italy! We recommend the following:

• La ‘nduja (local spicy sausage)
• La Pitta Chjina (Calabrese stuffed bread)
• Tropea’s red onion
• Pecorino cheese of Monte Poro (DOP-certified)
• La Fileja al sugo (typical Calabrese pasta)
• Ciciriati (biscuits with filling)
• Il tartufo di Pizzo (local ice cream of the village Pizzo)
• Donuts
• Zibibbo wine
• Herbal liqueurs

La ‘nduja with bread, the perfect "made in Calabria" snack

Places around Vibo Valentia

The territory of Vibo Valentia boasts villages and cultural attractions of great beauty. Here are all the must-see locations close to Vibo Valentia, if you have more time to spare:

• Pizzo Calabro: just 6 km from the port of Vibo Valentia, this millennial village is famous for its sea, castle and delicious truffle. Before entering the historic center, visit to the small church of Piedigrotta, entirely carved into rocks.
• Tropea: known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, this seaside town is located 30 minutes from Vibo Valentia. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, enter the craft shops and admire the ancient buildings. Don’t forget to go up to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola for a breathtaking view!
• The Zungri Caves: about 20 km from Vibo Valentia, this rock settlement is located in an inland area, making for a truly magical setting. Between springs and walls carved into rocks, it’s a must-see location. Make sure to wear comfy shoes, as there are steep steps!
• Valley of the mills (Valle dei mulini): found in the hamlet of Sorianello, it is an open-air museum park. It unfolds along a beautiful forest and has interesting architectural elements. The old mills are its most recognizable symbols, celebrated in the stories of British traveler Henry Swinburne.

Tips for your trip to Vibo Valentia

Here are 3 travel tips for hassle-free vacationing in Vibo Valentia:

1. The anticipated Mediterranean Carnival is celebrated on the last Saturday of August in Vibo Valentia. This unique event features masks from all over Italy and includes musical and comedic happenings.
2. We recommend visiting the Museo Limen in Vibo Valentia, a contemporary art space curated by nationally and internationally renowned artists.
3. If you have time to spare, other must-visit places on the Coast of the Gods are Tropea and Pizzo. Staying in Vibo Valentia and planning short visits to these places is the cheapest option to see the highlights of Calabria!

Useful information about Vibo Valentia

In Vibo Valentia, you can find all the essential visitor services for a smooth vacation!

The hospital is located downtown, as are the shops and most activities. Also, in the hamlet of Vibo Marina, you can find banks, supermarkets and some hotels.

If you arrive in Vibo Valentia by car and wish to travel to the Aeolian Islands by ferry, you’ll have to leave your vehicle at the port. You can find a few convenient locations for parking close to the port area (though there are some restrictions), close to the sports hall and, of course, at the blue car parks. For longer stays, there is also a paid guarded parking lot close to the port.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Vibo Valentia

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your holidays in the Calabrian town:

• Vibo Valentia Hospital: +39963962111
• Vibo Marina medical guard: +39963572621
• Vibo Valentia Port Authority: +399635739201
• Carabinieri: +39963597111
• Tourist information and reception office: +3996342008
• Taxis: +3996341490
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Vibo Valentia

Being quite small and concentrated, you can easily explore Vibo Valentia on foot.

To reach the port, located in the hamlet of Vibo Marina, you can instead use the Ferrovie della Calabria shuttle services. The journey from Vibo Superiore to Vibo Marina lasts around 10 minutes.

Houses and buildings in the historic center of Vibo Valentia

Where to book Vibo Valentia ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets from Vibo Valentia at the best price and without any hidden fees! Find all ferry connections from Calabria to the Aeolian Islands on our Map of ferries and get ready to discover the entire archipelago.