Discover Sardinia's main ports and all the ferries to reach the island
Planning your next holiday in Sardinia? Good choice! In this article I will guide you through the main ports of Sardiniaof the most common routes of the ferriesof the shipping companies available and all practical information for book the trip to the best price. Whether you start from Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa or by others Italian portshere you will find everything you need to easily reach Sardinia by ferry.
What are the main ports in Sardinia?
La Sardinia is well served by numerous portsdistributed along the coast in strategic positions. I Sardinia's main ports are:
- Porto Torres north-west
- Olbia e Golfo Aranci on north-east coastin the region of Gallura
- Cagliarithe regional capitalin the south
- Arbatax, on the east coastin the heart of theOgliastra
- Santa Teresa Galluraat the northernmost point of the island
These ports are the main hubs for ferries from the continent and the Corsica.
Map of ports in Sardinia
How to get to Sardinia by ferry?
Arriving in Sardinia with the ferries is simple and convenient. Le shipping companies such as Grimaldi Lines, Moby, Tirrenia, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) e Sardinia Ferries offer connections daily from several Italian ports. Le crossings vary from 5 to 12 hours, depending on the port of departure and arrival.
The ferry to Sardinia is ideal if you are travelling with cars, campervan or if you need to take a lot of luggage with you. The cabins provide comfort even for night crossings. In addition, platforms such as Ferries.com allow compare pricesschedules and services.
From which Italian ports do ferries leave for Sardinia?
The main Italian ports with direct connections for the Sardinia are:
- Civitavecchia
- Livorno
- Genoa
- Piombino
- Naples (in summer)
From these ports you can sail to Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres, Arbatax e Cagliari. For example, from Civitavecchia depart ferries to Olbia with Moby, Tirrenia e Grimaldi Lines, while Livorno offers routes to Olbia e Golfo Aranci with Sardinia Ferries.
Port of Porto Torres
The port of Porto Torreslocated near the town of Sassari, is one of the most important in Sardinia. From here you can explore the Asinara National Parkthe beaches of the north-west coast and easily reach Alghero.
The harbour offers links regular with Genoa, Civitavecchia, Barcelona e Marseilleoperated by Grimaldi Lines e GNV. It is particularly convenient for those who want to visit the north-west of the island by car.
The port of Porto Torrese is located in the north-west of Sardinia
Port of Olbia
Olbia is among the busiest ports in Sardinia, located in the heart of the Galluraa stone's throw from the Costa Smeralda. The port of Olbia has a sea station modern and well connected to the city and the airport. From here you can reach famous locations such as Porto Cervo, San Teodoro e La Maddalena.
I ferries to Olbia start from Livorno, Civitavecchia, Piombino e Genoa. Le shipping companies most active are Moby, Tirrenia e Grimaldi Lines.
The port of Porto Olbia is located in the north-east of Sardinia
Port of Golfo Aranci
About 20 minutes by car from the centre of Olbia is the port of Golfo Arancianother important gateway to the North-eastern Sardinia. Smaller than the port of Olbia, it is particularly appreciated for its proximity to beaches and for the quieter atmosphere. The passenger terminal is functional, with essential services such as ticket office, barwaiting areas and connections buses with Olbia and the Costa Smeralda.
From the port of Golfo Aranci depart ferries regular for Livorno and other cities on the continent, operated mainly by companies such as Corsica Ferries. It is a good option especially during the high season, when traffic on theWhite Island can be more intense.
The port of Porto di Golfo Aranci is located in the north-east of Sardinia
Port of Cagliari
The port of Cagliarithe most important of the south of the island e capital of Sardinia, offers direct connections with Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo e Trapani. It is perfect for those who want to explore the southern Sardinia, from the beaches of Chia to those of Villasimius.
Cagliari has a quay modern and well-organised. The routes are managed by Grimaldi Lines e Tirreniaand the port is well connected to the city centre and the railway station.
The port of Porto Torrese is located in southern Sardinia
Port of Arbatax: explore Ogliastra and the east coast
The port of Arbatax, in the municipality of Tortolìis a small but valuable landing on the east coast. An ideal point to discover the wild heart of the island: the mountains of Gennargentu, the paths of the Supramonte and the crystal clear sea of Ogliastra.
I ferries to and from Arbatax depart from Civitavecchiawith seasonal frequencies, often managed by Grimaldi Lines. This port is less crowded than Olbia or Cagliari, so it is perfect for those seeking a more convenient and relaxed.
The port of Arbatax is located on the east coast of Sardinia
Santa Teresa Gallura: ferries to Corsica
The port of Santa Teresa Gallurain the northern tip of Sardinia, is famous for the ferries to Corsicain particular for Bonifacewhich is only 12 km away. The journey takes about an hour and is also possible with an accompanying car.
This small port is perfect for a day trip to Corsicaor as a stop on an on-the-road trip between Sardinia and Corsica. The routes are operated by Moby e Ichnusa Lines.
The port of Santa Teresa Gallura is located on the north coast of Sardinia
How to book ferries to Sardinia?
Booking a ferry to Sardinia is simple. You can use the official website of the shipping companies or rely on price comparators which makes it possible to compare schedules, tariffduration of the journey and on-board services.
Council of book in advance, especially in the high season, to secure the best seat and the best price. Tickets are often flexible and changeable, with options for cabins, seats and accompanying vehicles.
If you travel with a campervan or a car, remember to specify this at the time of the booking. Le companies also offer preferential rates for residents of Sardinia and discounts for families.
Useful travel tips: car, camper van and luggage
Arriving at the port earlyat least one hour before departure (two if travelling by vehicle).
Always check the measurements and weight of the vehicle whether you bring cars, vans or campervan.
Bring with you a hand bag with all the essentials for the crossing, especially if you have booked a bridge passage.
If travelling at night, consider a cab to get the best rest.
In summer, choose evening routes to travel in less heat and more tranquillity.
In summary: what to remember before leaving
I Sardinia's main ports are: Porto Torres, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Cagliari, Arbatax, Santa Teresa Gallura
I ferries start from Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa, Naples, PiombinoLe shipping companies are: Moby, Grimaldi Lines, Tirrenia, GNV, Sardinia Ferries
Book in advance to get the best priceTravelling by car, motorbike or camper van is possible and convenient
The shortest routes are for the Gallura (Olbia and Golfo Aranci), the longest for the south of the island
Santa Teresa is perfect for reaching Corsica
Arbatax is ideal for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded Sardinia
