SapriGulf of Policastro · Italy

All About Sapri

While Sapri has a population of just a few thousand individuals, this elegant Campania town has been heralded as a gem of a destination since the time of ancient Rome. Its narrow streets and small piazzas are brimming with personality, and the fine bay-side location on the Gulf of Policastro offers a range of attractive restaurants and bars.

Located roughly 100 kilometers south of Salerno on the west coast of Italy, Sapri is surrounded by green hills, as you’ll discover whether you arrive into the town via its winding mountain roads or by sea. Use Ferryscanner to discover specific sailings for the ferry routes that connect Sapri with Capri and various destinations within the Aeolian Islands. Compare departure dates and sailings, and buy your ferry tickets to Sapri in just a couple of simple steps.
 

Routes and Ferries to Sapri

Located within the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea at the southern tip of the Sorrento Peninsula and Gulf of Naples, Capri has attracted those with a desire for the high life for centuries and was a popular escape from Rome’s emperors. Today, it’s no longer necessary to rely on a vessel filled with hard-working oarsmen. Instead, visitors with ferry tickets to Sapri are able to take advantage of the high-speed ferry services operated by Alilauro. While it may not be a household name, Alilauro is still one of several trustworthy ferry companies in the region.

When it comes to the route that connects the rhyming destinations of Sapri and Capri, sailings take place at least five times a week during the summer months of July and August. It should be noted that sailings cease during the rest of the year. Tickets for an adult foot passenger start out at around €20 one way, with the voyage lasting 4 hours 15 minutes. Departures are normally in the early morning, meaning it’s normally best to spend the night in Sapri first.

The summer months also see those looking for ferry tickets to Sapri able to take advantage of sailings to the Aeolian Islands. These Alilauro ferries usually depart from Sapri in the later afternoons, giving you time to explore the town first. Sailing overnight, these ferries make several stops in the island chain. They first pull into port at Salina, before continuing on to Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, and finally Stromboli approximately two hours later. Overall, these sailings take from 17-19 hours, although the majority of this time is overnight.

Of several road routes to Sapri, the most useful that comes in from the west is the SS18 from Policastro. It continues around the bay and further south, with the SP104 breaking off south of Sapri before heading inland. A railway station is situated on the opposite side of Sapri to the port, approximately five blocks away. Direct trains to the Naples central station take around two hours.
 

Ports of Sapri

As a town of fewer than 10,000 people, it won’t come as any surprise that the ports of Sapri are also relatively petite. Indeed, port facilities in Sapri are limited to a small sheltered harbor on the southern side of the bay. This means you’ll see no large cargo vessels coming into dock here and spoiling the tranquility. It also makes boarding a ferry in Sapri a simple and stress-free experience. The harbor area is roughly one kilometer from the center of Sapri, which is easy enough to reach by taxi or by bus.
 

Best Beaches

There are a good number of beautiful beaches in and around Sapri. The excellent weather, which promises warmth and clear skies most days from April right through until the end of September, means there’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything these beaches have to offer.

Spiaggia di Sapri

This beach could not be more centrally located for those visiting Sapri, positioned as it is in the middle of the bay, a walk of no more than 100 meters from the town hall building. Made up of small grey pebbles, Spiaggia di Sapri is large enough that there’s space for everyone without it feeling crowded except for a few days in the height of summer.

Spiaggia della Luppa

Drift a short distance south by road or rail and you’ll soon reach the town of Maratea. Here Spiaggia della Luppa plays a similar role to Spiaggia di Sapri. Sun loungers and umbrellas line the foreshore, with some free space behind. Various watersports can be enjoyed here too.

Spiaggia dei Crivi

Something of a hidden gem, this is the beach to seek out for anyone who adores crystal clear waters and natural beauty. Just a few tens of meters in length, the beach sits between high cliffs, giving it a secluded, secret feel.

Spiaggia della Grotto

The quieter neighbor to Spaiggia della Luppa, the waters that lap this beach can appear almost Caribbean in their coloring. Spiaggia della Grotto is only narrow, however, it never gets too busy either, perhaps because of the need to tackle stairs that lead to and from it.
 

Places to Visit

There’s an intriguing mix of attractions for those with time on their hands in Sapri. Check out the best places to visit in Sapri below.

Torre della Specola

This tower immediately stands out to first-time visitors to Sapri because of its very Gothic appearance, despite the fact it is a couple of hundred years old. Constructed to act as an astronomical observatory, few fail to admire its beauty.

Monumento Bronzo di Carlo Pisacane

This impressive piece of public art commemorates the attempted uprising led by Carlo Pisacane in Sapri. It was intended to rid Italy of its hated Kings of Savoy. It was an action eventually achieved much more famously by Garibaldi, who united the peninsula city-states into the nation we know today as Italy.

Roman Villa

To delve into what Sapri must have been like when it was first celebrated as a summer vacation destination, the town’s Roman Villa is a great start. Bring your imagination and you’ll soon hear the sound of Roman centurions marching in step along the street beside you.
 

Transportation Around Sapri

If you’re staying in central Sapri, it’s unlikely you’ll need to make any significant use of the town’s public transportation system. You may however look for transport to get you to or from the port, or to some of the more far-flung beaches without access by rail. In that case, you have the choice of taxis or public buses. Taxis can be hailed from the road or arranged by phone. The bus network is comprehensive, but a little complicated for those without an understanding of Italian. Buses can also get very hot in the height of the summer.