Caronte & Tourist S.p.A. was founded in 2003 from the merger of two historic shipping companies, Caronte of Calabria and Tourist Ferry Boat of Sicily, both active since 1965. The company began by offering connections between the ports of Reggio Calabria and Messina, representing an effective alternative to the routes of the State Railways. Today, Caronte & Tourist is a leader in the maritime transport sector, providing essential services connecting Sicily with the rest of Italy.
The Caronte & Tourist Group covers a wide range of essential maritime connections for Southern Italy. In addition to the frequent 24-hour fast ferry service in the Strait of Messina, the company operates routes such as Salerno to Messina through Cartour S.r.l., and vital connections to La Maddalena and the smaller Sicilian islands with the Siremar fleet.
The ferry service operates all year round, with the exception of the connection between Palau and La Maddalena, which only operates seasonally.
These routes are a hub for regional tourism and trade, facilitating the movement of people and goods with efficiency and safety.
The fleet of Caronte & Tourist comprises 20 modern ships, capable of carrying up to 1,000 passengers and numerous vehicles. The ships are built to the highest standards in terms of technology and safety. Rigorous maintenance checks are frequently carried out to ensure optimal performance and maximum safety. The main ferries operate in the Strait of Messina, connecting Messina to Villa San Giovanni with fast and regular services.
Caronte & Tourist takes care to offer a comfortable and pleasant travel experience. The long-distance ferries feature on-board restaurants serving regional cuisine, highlighting the gastronomic richness of the areas served. Modern comforts are also a priority, with spacious cabins and relaxation areas allowing passengers to enjoy their journey in total serenity.
The company places great emphasis on customer service, offering customised programmes such as the PET CABIN for travellers with pets and the TTTPLUS package for the Messina-Salerno route, which includes exclusive services such as priority boarding, luggage transport, and breakfast served directly in the cabin.
The company provides dedicated assistance to passengers with disabilities, which can be requested by email within 48 hours’ notice, ensuring an accessible and comfortable journey.
Caronte & Tourist has formed significant alliances with local businesses to enrich the benefits for the company’s loyalty program members. These partnerships range from food and beverage, accommodation, and culture, to shopping and other transport services, rewarding people who travel frequently.
In 2023, Caronte & Tourist was awarded the Seal of Sustainability by Corriere della Sera. This award recognizes the use of sustainable practices and the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility, distinguishing it as a leader in its sector.
Use Ferryscanner to book ferry tickets with Caronte & Tourist now, or check out the full list of ferry companies we work with to find one that fits your needs.
At Caronte & Tourist, value meets comfort. Periodically, passengers can find seasonal discounts and ticket offers that make exploring the Tyrrhenian Sea even more enticing. The company strives to offer a range of prices to satisfy every traveller.
The “Navigo Per Te” loyalty programme is designed to reward regular customers travelling on the Strait of Messina. Membership is free of charge and involves increasing discounts and the accumulation of Miles for each trip. These points can be redeemed for exclusive discounts and benefits at partner companies, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Understanding the bond between passengers and their pets, Caronte & Tourist has implemented a pet-friendly policy throughout its fleet. Special cabins are available for those travelling with furry friends, ensuring a comfortable journey for them too. However, it is essential that they are aware of the specific guidelines and requirements, which are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.