Il Mediterranean It has always been a place of travel and connection between very different territories. The Italian coasts, the large islands, Spain, the Balkans, and North Africa can also be reached by sea, using the numerous ferry connections between the main ports.
For those planning a vacation, the choice of ferry can depend on several factors: the destination, the duration of the trip, the amount of luggage and, above all, the need to bring a car, motorbike or camper.
Traveling by sea allows you to reach your destination with your own vehicle and continue your journey once you disembark. This option is especially useful in areas where beaches, villages, and attractions are spread across fairly large areas.
Reaching Sicily and Sardinia by ferry
Among the Italian destinations most affected by maritime connections we find Sicily and SardiniaFerries connect the two islands with various ports on the peninsula and are an alternative for those who prefer to arrive with their own vehicle.
Available routes include connections from Genoa, Civitavecchia, and Naples to Palermo and Termini Imerese, while for Sardinia there are routes that reach ports such as Olbia and Porto Torres.
Once you disembark, you can continue along the coast or head inland, building a multi-stop itinerary. This is a particularly suitable travel option for those who prefer to stop in multiple locations during the same vacation.
A similar situation is encountered on the Gargano, where having your own vehicle allows you to organize your travels between the coast and the hinterland. The promontory encompasses coastal towns, small villages, beaches, and vast natural areas spread across a territory best explored at your leisure.
Da Vieste, for example, you can follow the coast reaching bays and beaches located both north and south of the town. Towards the interior the landscape changes and gradually gives way to the woods of the Umbra Forest, to trails and rural areas.
By car you can also reach centres such as Peschici, Vico del Gargano, Monte Sant'Angelo and Mattinata, organizing day trips or a multi-stop itinerary. In these types of areas, a private vehicle simply allows you to manage your time and stops more independently.
Loading cars, motorbikes and campers
One of the features of ferry travel is the possibility of taking your vehicle on board. Grandi Navi Veloci allows passengers to include a vehicle in their booking, with procedures that may vary depending on the route and ship used.
Cars, motorcycles, and campers allow you to continue your journey after disembarking without necessarily having to rent a vehicle. This can be useful when your itinerary includes small towns, beaches far from cities, or multiple overnight stays.
While sailing, you may not remain inside your vehicle. Before leaving the garage, you must gather everything you will need during the crossing.
Boarding times and procedures also vary depending on the port, ship, and destination. It's therefore important to check the information for your route before departure.
Cabins and accommodations during the crossing
The accommodations available on ferries depend on the company, the ship, and the duration of the crossing. Generally, you can choose between deck accommodations, armchairs, and various cabin categories.
The choice becomes more important especially for the night or long-distance crossingsA cabin allows you to have your own private space during your trip, while for shorter trips, a seat or a different arrangement may suffice.
Depending on the route, GNV ships offer standard, pet-friendly, premium, and deluxe cabins, as well as premium and deluxe suites. Standard cabins include bed linens, towels, and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer.
Before booking, it is advisable to check which accommodations are actually available on the ship used for your connection.
Traveling by ferry with pets
The ferry is also used by those who go on holiday with dogs and catsIn this case, the conditions vary depending on the company and the ship, and it is important to find out before departure which areas pets are allowed in.
GNV offers pet-friendly cabins, available in limited numbers and suitable for up to two pets. In the absence of this accommodation, dogs and cats must use the dedicated spaces on board, such as kennels and catteries. Outdoor areas are also available and accessible under the owner's supervision.
From summer 2026, the company will also allow pets to access certain designated areas of onboard catering outlets and shops.
Particular attention must be paid to international travelDocumentation and health requirements may vary depending on the destination country, so it's important to check the regulations before departure.
What to check before leaving by ferry
Routes, schedules, ships, and services may change throughout the year. Before departing, it's a good idea to check the latest information regarding your connection, paying attention to port check-in times and vehicle boarding procedures.
Those traveling with pets should also check the airline's specific rules and any documentation required at their destination. For longer crossings, it may also be helpful to check onboard accommodations in advance.
The ferry thus remains one of the various ways to travel between the Mediterranean coasts and can easily be included in a larger trip, especially when after disembarking you want to continue exploring the area by your own means.
