LivornoTuscany · Italy

All About Livorno

Also known as Leghorn, Livorno was created in the sixteenth century as a state-of-the-art new town under the direction of the all-powerful Medici family. Rapidly developing into a multi-cultural city long before such ideas had even been thought of, much of this history continues to show itself through the blend of villas, churches, and palatial mansions that can be found on its streets.

Facing out into the Ligurian Sea, an offshoot of the Mediterranean, Livorno is one of Tuscany’s most important urban centers. West of Florence and just a few kilometers southwest of Pisa, there are a huge number of reasons to consider purchasing ferry tickets to Livorno. Ferryscanner makes the process of organizing ferry tickets to Livorno incredibly easy, by giving you all the information on routes and prices that you need to make an informed decision on the best sailings for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Livorno

When it comes to routes linking Livorno with the wider Mediterranean region, ferries voyage beyond Italy and its islands to also include territories of France. Those looking for ferry tickets to Livorno which can be purchased as a day trip shouldn’t miss the ferries that head to Capraia in the Tuscan Archipelago. The route is operated by Toremar, one of several ferry companies that cross this part of the Mediterranean Sea. The one-way journey to the island takes two hours 45 minutes, with departures from Livorno up to nine times per week. Adult foot passengers are able to board these vessels for around €31.

Slightly further from mainland Italy, ferries depart the port of Livorno for two different destinations on the island of Sardinia. Also, Olbia, which is located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, can be reached up to 28 times per week in seven hours at a cost of €22-70. Golfo Aranci, in the far north of Sardinia, takes just 30 minutes longer to reach. Services are scheduled to depart up to three times per day, with ferry tickets to Livorno costing between €50 and €130, depending on which departure is chosen.

There are also two alternative ferry routes for reaching the French island of Corsica. The closest route sees a sailing of 4.5 hours arrive into Bastia. They are operated by both Corsica-Sardinia Ferries and Moby Lines. Although it’s an international ferry route, there are still an unbelievable 21 sailings per week, which average out at three departures per day. What’s more, tickets can cost as little as €18, although they can rise to €110. The alternative route arrives into the town of Ile Rousse. This voyage is scheduled to last 7.5 hours and is limited to one service per week.

Finally, it’s also possible to reach Sicily by ferry from Livorno. These ferries arrive into Palermo, the island’s capital, which is located on Sicily’s northwestern coastline. One of the Mediterranean’s most compelling sea voyages, the total journey time clocks in at 19.5 hours. Passengers are able to book private cabins for the overnight leg of the trip, which given the ticket price of €50-80 is a great value way of reaching Italy’s largest island. There is also an average of 11 sailings per week.

As an important port, Livorno is well-connected to the Italian road network, and also receives regular train services into its railway station. The closest airport is Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport. Approximately 20 kilometers away, it is a focus airport for Ryanair among other airlines.
 

Ports of Livorno

Providing a vital sea link for much of northern Italy, the port of Livorno is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Covering 1.6 kilometers in area, it is divided into old (porto vecchio) and new (porto nuovo) ports. Together they contain four primary basins and some 30 wharves. The new port is at the northern end of the harbor, while ferries normally dock at the meeting point between old and new ports. This puts passengers just a few hundred meters from the city’s main sights and attractions.
 

Best Beaches

The best beaches in and around Livorno are wonderfully atmospheric. Often times you’ll find delightful historic structures overlooking their waters, and a combination of rocky foreshores, pebbles, and sand, offering something for everyone.

Calambrone Beach

This beach is situated immediately to the north of the new port, on the opposite side of the Canale Imperiale in the Calambrone district. Stretching for several kilometers, it is made up of a combination of free-to-use public beach and individual lidos offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and waiter service.

Spiaggia del Sale

South of the city center, Spiaggia del Sale is a small rocky area of the coast that turns to a dramatic pebble beach close to the train station of Antignano. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but plenty of food options on neighboring streets.

Castiglioncello

The top recommendation of many who know the Livorno region well, Castiglioncello village sits on a promontory with a variety of small hidden coves and beaches. The area is of particular interest to the surfing fraternity, although anyone can enjoy the lapping waves here easily enough.

Vada

A little over 30 kilometers to the south of Livorno, Vada’s beaches are a scene more usually expected in the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. White sands meet azure blue seas to create a beach resort you’ll never want to escape from.
 

Places to Visit

If you do manage to pull yourself away from the best beaches in Livorno, there are plenty of other options to keep you entertained, however long you may be staying in the city. Out of all of them, these are the places you simply shouldn’t miss.

Church of Santa Caterina

One of Livorno’s most unusual churches, Santa Caterina can be found on Piazza dei Domenicani, although you may first mistake it for a lighthouse. A classic example of baroque architecture, the structure was consecrated in the 1750s but is still technically unfinished on the outside. On the inside, the octagonal structure gives way to a 63-meter-high dome.

Fortezza Vecchia

Simply known as the Old Fort, this defensive structure traces its origins back to medieval times, when Livorno was ruled by Pisa, then an independent city-state. Protecting the city from attack by the sea, it’s truly an impressive sight, and demonstrates the power and wealth of the region in days gone by.

Piazza della Repubblica

‘People’s Square’ remains perhaps the most important single public space in the city. Surrounded by buildings of all ages, and filled with people throughout the day, the piazza is also unusual in the fact that it has a functioning canal running beneath its paving.
 

Transportation Around Livorno

Livorno’s bus network is operated by the Compagnia Toscana Trasporti Nord (CTT Nord). Tickets for its 12 central lines should be purchased before boarding, from tobacconists and newsagent’s stands. Although good value for money, it can be tricky to know exactly where you’re heading with these buses since they have little onboard information and drivers rarely speak a lot of English. Taxis, therefore, make a good alternative, although it’s still advisable to have an address written down for anywhere beyond the main sights. A funicular railway also connects the lower city with the Sanctuary of Montenero. Separate tickets are required to make use of the service. They can be bought from the stations themselves.