Ferries Sicily

Ferry companies often provide fixed discounts for specific passenger categories. Most operators allow children up to 3 years old to travel for free, while discounts are available for children up to 11-12 years old.

Native citizens and residents of Sicily can benefit from a special discounted rate throughout the year. Simply select the discount during the online booking process on Ferryhopper and enter your ID card or passport number. It is recommended to carry a residency document as proof of eligibility for the discount during your ferry journey.

Useful info: fixed discounts may vary slightly depending on the ferry company, so we recommend checking the specific conditions that apply to your trip.

If you're planning to travel in the summer, we highly recommend booking well in advance, preferably 4-5 months ahead. This will give you access to a broader selection of routes and allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts. Ferry operators often launch special offers for summer travel as early as November, but these deals are often available only for a limited time.

For additional savings, consider traveling during the week, as prices tend to be higher on weekends and the days leading up to holidays.

If you prefer to travel in the off-season, there's no need to book months in advance since tickets rarely sell out quickly. In autumn, winter, and spring, prices are generally lower, and you may even come across some great last-minute deals.

Keep in mind that on Ferryhopper, you can easily compare prices for all ferries to/from Sicily and choose the itinerary that best fits your travel plans.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is home to UNESCO treasures, baroque cities, volcanoes, and nature reserves. Explore Palermo, a vibrant crossroads of history and tradition, or venture to the eastern coast to discover Catania, Syracuse and the charming Ortigia. Let yourself be captivated by the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Taormina Theater and the baroque gems of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica.

Yet, the real star of Sicily is its stunning coastline! With plenty of Blue Flag beaches, the island promises moments of pure relaxation. Plunge into the pristine waters of San Vito Lo Capo and Mondello, and admire the magnificent Scala dei Turchi. Nature enthusiasts can climb Mount Etna or explore Sicily’s natural reserves. Don’t forget to set aside time to visit the Aeolian or the Egadi Islands, each offering their own unique charm and allure.

The charming island of Levanzo, part of the Egadi archipelago

Here are 6 tips to help you plan your vacation in Sicily:

1. During the summer months, prices in Sicily can be higher. Therefore, we recommend booking your ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance.
2. The best way to get around the island is by car. While some parts of Sicily are accessible by train and bus, traveling by car gives you greater freedom and comfort to discover Sicily’s hidden gems at your own pace.
3. It is possible to bring a vehicle on ferries to Sicily. However, if you’re planning to visit the Aeolian Islands with your vehicle, keep in mind that there are restrictions on disembarking and driving vehicles on the islands.
4. For a serene beach getaway away from the crowds, check out our blog on Sicily's hidden beaches.
5. Don’t leave Sicily without picking up some iconic souvenirs, such as hand-painted ceramics, Moor's Head vases, pistachios, and tuna bottarga.
6. Sicily hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. In addition to the famous Acireale Carnival and the Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo, don’t miss the Infiorata in Noto (celebrated on the third Sunday of May) and the Bread Festival in Cefalù (in June).

Ferry companies provide a range of onboard services for ferries to Sicily, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Most routes are operated by conventional ferries, but in some cases, you can travel on high-speed vessels. Conventional ferries are usually equipped with garages, allowing you to bring your vehicle along.

Depending on the route, you can travel in a seat or a cabin for added comfort. For budget-friendly travel, the deck passage option provides access to all public areas of the ferry without assigned seating.

Onboard amenities often include bars, cafés and, in some cases, à la carte and self-service restaurants. Some ferries also feature stores, boutiques, children’s play areas, and Wi-Fi service.

As for pets, you can bring them on board by paying an additional fee during booking. Be sure to carry all the necessary health certificates for your journey. Dogs must always be kept on a leash, while smaller animals should travel in appropriate carriers. For added convenience, certain ferries offer pet-friendly cabins.

A ferry speeding toward the Aeolian Islands

Sicily's ports are strategically located near major cities and popular tourist resorts.

In northwestern Sicily, you’ll find the ports of Palermo and Trapani. Palermo, one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, offers year-round connections to Naples, Salerno, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Genoa. During the summer, it’s also possible to reach the Aeolian Islands and Ustica. The port of Trapani, on the other hand, serves as the main departure point for the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria.

The port of Marsala provides daily connections from Sicily’s western coast to the Egadi archipelago, particularly Favignana. In northeastern Sicily, the port of Messina is connected to Calabria, Salerno and the Aeolian Islands, while Milazzo offers routes to Palermo and Naples as well.

On the southeastern coast, Pozzallo is one of Sicily’s most important ports. Located just 90 km from Malta, it serves as the primary Sicilian gateway to the island. Lastly, Porto Empedocle connects southwestern Sicily to the Pelagie Islands (Lampedusa and Linosa).

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Sicily, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.