Italy has a well-developed network of ferries and hydrofoils operated by a number of different private companies. Large car ferries connect the major islands of Sardinia and Sicily with the mainland ports of Genoa, Livorno, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino and Naples, while the smaller island groupings - the Tremiti islands, the Bay of Naples islands, the Pontine islands - are usually linked to a number of nearby mainland towns.

Fares are reasonable, although on some of the more popular services - to Sardinia, certainly - you should book well in advance in summer, especially if you're taking a vehicle across. Remember, too, that frequencies are drastically reduced outside the summer months, and some services stop altogether. You'll find a broad guide to journey times and frequencies in the "Travel Details" sections throughout the guide; for full up-to-date schedules, and prices, contact the local tourist office.

Getting around
Ø Trains
Ø Flights
Ø Driving
Ø Cycling, motorbiking
Ø Ferries, hydrofoils
Ø Hitchhiking

Italy guide

Getting there
When to go
Where to go
Italy general info
Italy
Average costs
Credit and debit cards
Cost, money, banks
The euro
Insurance, health cover
Embassies, consulates
Red tapes, visas
Banks and exchange
Travelers with disabilities
North-South divide

Festivals:
Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

Italy food and drink
Ø Italian cuisine
Ø Italian pizza
Ø Lunch and dinner
Ø Drinking

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