A land of endless wonders, Italy has pockets of serenity awaiting beyond the well-trodden paths. Reachable by ferry, these seven locations offer a fresh Italian narrative, one where quaint charm and quiet beauty reign. Set sail and let the lesser-known shores entice your wanderlust.
1) Salerno
Salerno, a picturesque city nestled on the Gulf of Salerno, calls travelers seeking an intimate slice of Italy. Its rich tapestry of history, vibrant street life, and the serene allure of the Tyrrhenian Sea combine to craft a narrative distinct from its more frequented neighbors. While the Amalfi Coast‘s glamor often overshadows this humble city, Salerno holds its own with an unassuming charm.
How to get to Salerno by ferry
The trip to Salerno is a prelude to its understated beauty. Ferries glide across the Tyrrhenian Sea from various ports including Sicily and Tunisia, presenting travelers with vistas of the rugged coastline as they draw nearer to Salerno’s welcoming embrace.
Historical allure
The city’s historical narrative is vividly told through the medieval architecture that dots its landscape. The Salerno Cathedral, a sublime embodiment of religious reverence and architectural finesse, stands as a testament to the city’s rich past.
Seafront serenity
Salerno’s sweeping seafront promenade, Lungomare Trieste, provides a serene escape. As you wander along, you’ll come across beach clubs where you can relax with a drink, or if you prefer, find a quiet spot on the public beach to soak up the sun. Nearby, the public garden, Villa Comunale, offers a shaded retreat with its lush foliage and fountains.
Vibrant street life
Delve into the heart of Salerno by exploring its lively streets and markets. The main shopping street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is where you’ll find a mix of retail stores and quaint boutiques. For a more traditional experience, visit the Mercato Coperto to browse fresh produce, meats, and local cheeses. Don’t miss out on the bustling nightlife in the historic old town, where locals and tourists alike revel in the vibrant atmosphere.
Culinary delights
No journey to Salerno is complete without indulging in its culinary scene. For an authentic taste of Salerno, venture to a local pizzeria to enjoy a classic Margherita. Seafood lovers should head to the marina where restaurants serve freshly-caught fare. And of course, no trip to Italy is complete without indulging in a scoop or two of gelato from a local gelateria.
2) Genoa
Genoa is more than a city. It’s a voyage through time, a feast for the senses, a harbor of history and modernity mingling effortlessly.
Ferry to adventure
Set sail from Genoa after booking your tickets with Ferryscanner and explore the glittering Ligurian coast. With ferries ready to whisk you to picturesque spots like Portofino or the Cinque Terre, the sea is your gateway to Italy’s rugged Riviera charm.
Maritime marvels
Genoa is a maritime marvel where the past sails beside the present. The old port, revamped by famed architect Renzo Piano, is a realm of aquatic allure. The Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest, unveils the mysteries of the deep, while the maritime museum pays homage to Genoa’s nautical heritage.
Alleyway adventures
Intrigue beckons in Genoa’s ancient heart. The narrow caruggi (alleyways) of the old town are a maze of surprises. Each twist leads to cozy eateries, antique shops, or perhaps a hidden square where locals share laughter and aperitivos. Here, every stone whispers tales of bygone eras.
Culinary voyage
Dive into a bowl of fresh trofie al pesto, the city’s gift to the culinary world. The old town cradles traditional bakeries where the scent of freshly baked focaccia genovese fills the air. Sip on a robust glass of local wine as you toast to the city’s delectable offerings.
3) Cagliari
A realm where every alleyway and azure wave unveils a slice of Sardinia’s soulful serenade, Cagliari is one of Sardinia’s gems and has plenty waiting to be discovered.
Historic haven
Amidst the shimmering sea, Cagliari unfolds its rich tapestry of history. The ancient Castello district, perched high, narrates tales of bygone eras through its stone ramparts. Here, the lofty towers of Elephant and San Pancrazio stand as sentinels to the city’s illustrious past, while the Archaeological Museum unveils Sardinia‘s ancient roots.
Beachside bliss
A stone’s throw away, the sweeping Poetto Beach offers a golden embrace. The sun casts a sparkling veil on the turquoise waters, inviting a leisurely dip or a serene stroll along the shoreline. As evening descends, the beachfront brims with lively chatter amidst a cascade of sunset hues.
Culinary cruise
Cagliari’s culinary scene is a voyage of tantalizing flavors. Savor the taste of the sea with a plate of fregola con arselle, a traditional Sardinian pasta dish, while local wines like Vermentino or Cannonau promise a delightful companionship to your meal.
Ferrying through fantasia
A ferry ride from the mainland cradles you to Cagliari’s captivating shores. The city, a gateway to Sardinia’s mesmerizing landscapes, also beckons further sea-bound adventures to the dazzling Costa Smeralda or the mysterious ruins of Nora.
4) Messina
Messina is a gateway cradled by sea and history, a starting stanza to Sicily‘s poetic allure. From
Ferry to fascination
A ferry voyage unveils Messina, where the rhythm of the sea accompanies your explorations. Beyond, the ferry extends your journey to the heart of Sicily or the toe of Italy’s boot, each a new chapter in your maritime adventure.
Historic whispers
Nestled by the Ionian Sea, Messina is a tale told through ancient stones. The Cathedral of Messina, with its Gothic whispers and astronomical clock, narrates epochs of faith and ingenuity. Nearby, the Fountain of Orion sparkles under the Sicilian sun, a marble ode to the city’s mythical foundations.
Coastal charm
The city’s coast is a gentle lullaby of waves. A stroll along the harbor unveils a panorama of azure merging with sky, while the Ganzirri Lake, with its tranquil embrace, is a picturesque retreat from urban hustle.
Culinary journey
The essence of Sicily unfolds in Messina’s culinary offerings. A forkful of pasta con le sarde or a sip of local Malvasia wine is a ticket to the island’s hearty and rustic flavors.
5) Rio Marina
Discover Rio Marina, Elba’s rustic retreat where nature’s palette meets a rich mining heritage, offering a tranquil escape with every sandy footprint and gentle wave.
Mineral memories
Rio Marina’s veins run rich with iron ore. The Mineral Park and its Museum are gateways to a rusty past, narrating tales of a flourishing mining epoch. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re looking to discover the history of the area.
Beachside bliss
Color spectacle at the coastline, where red, iron-kissed sands meet turquoise waves at Spiaggia Luisi d’Angelo. It’s the perfect spot to laze the days away and soak up the mineral history while falling head over heels with the natural splendor.
Simple savors
Indulge in Rio Marina’s simple yet bold flavors, be it the sea’s morning catch, the afternoon’s gourmet delight. A culinary journey that celebrates the fresh, the local, the delicious. A taste of the sea, a toast to simplicity.
Ferry into serenity
The ferry ride to Rio Marina is more than a voyage—it’s an overture to tranquility. Tyrrhenian waves guide you to this serene haven, setting the rhythm for a calm retreat and what awaits in Rio Marina
6) Procida
Procida is an unassuming haven in the Phlegraean Islands, a pause in the noise, a hue-rich, history-clad embrace by the sea.
Color dance
Procida doesn’t just welcome you, it immerses you in a cascade of color. The village of Corricella is a canvas, with houses painted in warm hues of pink, yellow, and blue, seemingly defying gravity as they cling to the cliff face. It’s an invitation to wander, to lose oneself in the vibrant embrace.
Historic whispers
Venture to Terra Murata, a fortified medieval village that tells tales of bygone eras. Within its ancient embrace is the Abbey of San Michele, a sentinel of spirituality amidst the island’s colorful vibrance. Every stone, a paragraph in Procida’s long, winding narrative.
Beach solace
Procida’s beaches are a quiet escape, a gentle retreat from the modern rush. Chiaia Beach is a stretch of soft sand caressed by calm, azure waters, a peaceful nook under the warm Italian sun.
Ferry passage
A ferry voyage unveils Procida, a gentle glide over the tranquil waters of the bay. As the mainland recedes, the quaint charm of the island gradually unfolds, a serene prelude to the quiet allure awaiting ashore.
7) Levanzo
Levanzo is a whisper amidst the Mediterranean tumult, a gentle call to the seekers of tranquility and natural allure.
Ferry voyage
The journey to Levanzo by ferry is not merely a mode of travel, but an unfolding narrative. As the sea breeze accompanies, the sight of Levanzo emerging on the horizon is a prelude to the serene exploration awaiting.
Simplicity charm
Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands, is where time seems to pause, allowing nature’s raw beauty to unveil. The simplistic lifestyle here is a stark, refreshing contrast to the modern hustle. It’s an island where the charm lies in the uncomplicated, the undisturbed.
Cave tales
Levanzo holds secrets of ancient times within the Grotta del Genovese. This prehistoric cave is a page from the past, with wall etchings and paintings narrating tales from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. A step inside is a journey through time.
Turquoise allure
The waters around Levanzo are a theater of nature’s hues. Turquoise blue sea caressing the rugged coastline creates a visual spectacle. Snorkeling and diving here reveal an underwater world that’s as pristine as the island itself.
Italy via ferry
From the serene beaches of Salerno to the vibrant hues of Procida, these destinations by ferry are an ode to Italy’s understated beauty, awaiting the gentle lap of curiosity.