Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is a well-known seaside resort situated near Rome. On Ferryhopper, you can take a look at available ferry routes from/to the port of Civitavecchia, our travel tips for your vacation, and book your ferry tickets with just a few clicks!

Find useful information about the port of Civitavecchia and read our suggestions and travel tips for the perfect holidays in Italy:

• Civitavecchia ferry port
• Vacation in Civitavecchia

Buildings parallel to the port Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia ferry port

The port of Civitavecchia was built back in 108 AD. and, since then, it is one of the most important ports in Lazio and throughout central Italy.

Every year Civitavecchia welcomes millions of tourists arriving or departing for Sicily, Sardinia, and Spain.

Being a very large port, there are several services such as ferry and cruise terminal, info point, bars, restaurants, shops, and luggage storage. In the area, you will also find hotels and some private car parks with possible shuttle service to the terminals.

In addition, near the port area, you can admire some historical monuments, such as the ancient medieval fortress and the Vanvitelli Fountain.

Ferries from Civitavecchia port: schedules and tickets

From Civitavecchia you can travel by ferry all year round to some ports in Sardinia (Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres, and Arbatax), embark for Palermo in Sicily, or reach the coast of Barcelona (Spain).

The companies that operate the direct connections from the port of Civitavecchia are Grimaldi Lines, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), Moby Lines and Tirrenia.

On all ships, it is possible to embark your vehicle so you can explore Italy in comfort. Also, as the crossings are not very short, we recommend that you book a cabin for a smooth, relaxing trip.

Here you can find more information for the ferry connections from Civitavecchia:

• Civitavecchia - Cagliari ferry: the ferry route from Civitavecchia to Cagliari usually operates 3 times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) with crossings between 13 and 15 hours.
• Civitavecchia - Olbia ferry: the ferry crossing from Civitavecchia to Olbia includes 1 daily departure during the winter months and up to 5 daily connections in the high season. The ferry trip takes about 6-8 hours, depending on the ferry operator.
• Civitavecchia - Porto Torres ferry: the connection to Porto Torres from Civitavecchia is usually operated once a week (on Tuesdays) with crossings of 7.5 hours.
• Civitavecchia - Arbatax ferry: the ferry route from the port of Civitavecchia to Arbatax is usually active twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with crossings of about 9 hours.
• Civitavecchia - Palermo ferry: the connection from Civitavecchia to Palermo is operated once a week (on Fridays) and lasts 14.5 hours.
• Civitavecchia - Barcelona ferry: the Civitavecchia - Barcelona ferry has 6 weekly connections. Travel times vary between 19 and 22 hours, depending on the ferry operator.

Tip: from Civitavecchia, you can also arrive by ferry in Morocco and Tunisia. The connection to the port of Tangier and Tunis from Civitavecchia are not direct. The Civitavecchia - Tangier ferry has a stopover in Barcelona whereas the ferry route from Civitavecchia to Tunis has a stopover in Palermo.

Where is the port in Civitavecchia?

The port of Civitavecchia is located 72km from Rome. It’s one of the most popular meeting points in the town as it is very close to the historic center of Civitavecchia.

How to get to Civitavecchia port?

You can get to the port of Civitavecchia by car, bus or on foot.

If you arrive in Civitavecchia by car, you can access the port area from the Varco Vespucci. If you are traveling without a vehicle from the train station, just take one of the CSP or PortLink city buses departing every 20 minutes and take just 10 minutes to reach the port.

Buses arrive at Largo della Pace, the dock for the cruise ships. For the ferry terminal, you can take the free shuttle service that will take you to the departure dock. You can also reach the port on foot through the entrance to Varco Fortezza and continue by shuttle bus.

The Fort of Michelangelo at the port of Civitavecchia

Vacation in Civitavecchia

Known mostly for its port, Civitavecchia is a city that has a lot to offer its visitors. With its mild temperatures, mesmerizing coast, and beautiful archaeological and natural sites, it is a place worth exploring before taking the ferry, or when disembarking.

You can also combine your visit to Civitavecchia with a trip to Rome. Spend an entire day to discover the beauties of Civitavecchia or give yourself a few more days to visit its surroundings.

How to get to Civitavecchia

You can get to Civitavecchia by car, train, bus and, of course, by ferry. Located in central Italy and very close to Rome, it is easily accessible from various places in the country.

If you don’t want to travel by car, the best option is the train. From Roma Termini, you can reach Civitavecchia station in just 1 hour at a cost of €5. There are also direct buses to Civitavecchia, but most require a change in Rome.

Civitavecchia is also connected to several Italian and foreign cities by the sea. You can reach Civitavecchia by ferry from Sardinia, Sicily, and even Spain.

The beautiful waterfront of Civitavecchia

What to do in Civitavecchia

Although Civitavecchia is known for its port, it is a very interesting destination from a historical and cultural aspect. In fact, in the city, you can admire several monuments, medieval churches, and archaeological sites.

Start your stroll from Piazza Leandra, the oldest square of Civitavecchia located in the town’s center. You can enter the ancient churches and walk towards the old city walls or explore the seaside, take some dives on the city beaches and cool off in the shade of the beautiful pine forest of La Frasca.

If you are into spa and relaxation, then you can't miss a few hours at the Ficoncella thermal baths, very popular both for the beneficial properties of their waters.

Beaches in Civitavecchia

On Civitavecchia’s coast, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches only a few minutes away from the historic center.

During your visit to Civitavecchia, don't miss the 3 most famous beaches:

1. Il Pirgo: located in the center, this beach is one of the most frequented places even by the locals. It has fine sand and shallow waters that are also perfect for children. You can find bathing facilities such as umbrellas and sunbeds. However, there is a free beach area with quiet corners.
2. La Baia dell’Orso: the beach takes its name from its bathhouse and is located just outside Civitavecchia. The waters are crystalline and its bottom is rocky. Here, you can find sunbeds, umbrellas, and a restaurant. You can easily reach it on foot from the seafront in just 20 minutes.
3. La Frasca: about 6km long, it offers breathtaking views thanks to its rocky coast and its pine forest. The area is a natural monument of the Lazio region hosting remains of archaeological findings. You can reach it from Civitavecchia in about a 15-minute drive.

Il Pirgo beach near the center of Civitavecchia

Sightseeing in Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is home to important architectural structures. Stroll around the historic center and near the port area, explore several monuments, and get mesmerized by the beauty of the town.

Here are some must-see attractions in Civitavecchia:

• The Fort of Michelangelo, the symbol of the city
• The Roman Dock, where the Roman Empire used to refuel its ships
• The Vanvitelli Fountain, set in the walls of the port of Civitavecchia
• The Lazzaretto Tower, which once served as an internal lighthouse
• The Fort of San Pietro, with 2.000 years of history
• The Taurine Baths, an important archaeological site located north of the city
• Piazza Leandra, the oldest square in town
• The National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia, with important ceramics and Etruscan finds
• The Cathedral of Civitavecchia, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi
• The Casa della Memoria, a beautiful cultural center hosting art and photography exhibitions in the city
• The Church of the Prayer and Death (Chiesa della Morte), the oldest in Civitavecchia
• The city waterfront, a meeting place for young people and famous for its sunsets

Nightlife in Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is a fairly quiet town. However, during the summer the port area of the town center is bustling. The area of the Marina is the busiest, with several clubs and pubs open until late at night. In summer, the city streets and the promenade come alive and restaurants are filled with tourists enjoying fresh seafood on the harbor.

If you prefer an evening at a dancing club, we recommend you the Ladispoli area (30km from Civitavecchia), which is very popular among young people.

Food in Civitavecchia

Seafood, seafood, and seafood! Civitavecchia is a coastal town and as is expected its cuisine is linked to the sea. Fresh fish dishes filled with delicious soups, mussels, octopus, and stuffed squid are a gastronomic delight that you simply can’t miss. 

Among the most delicious local delicacies to try in Civitavecchia are:

• fish soup
• seafood spaghetti
• polipetti affogati (octopus in tomato stew)
• lumache al sugo (snails in a tomato sauce)
• stuffed squid
• pizza coperta (double-crust pizza)

A delicious traditional fish soup

Villages in Civitavecchia

If you have decided to spend a couple of days in Civitavecchia and its beauties, you should take advantage of it and also reach some nearby villages and places.

Here are 3 villages to visit near Civitavecchia:

1. Tolfa: this medieval village is only 25 minutes from Civitavecchia and is located on top of a hill. With its ancient fortress, its characteristic streets, and famous leather shops, Tolfa will captivate you right away!
2. Tarquinia: located about 20 minutes from the port of Civitavecchia, the village of Tarquinia represents the center of Southern Etruria. Here you can admire Etruscan necropolis, museums, medieval churches, and UNESCO heritage monuments Tarquinia is also home to the beautiful Saline Nature Reserve.
3. Bracciano: about 45 minutes from Civitavecchia, Bracciano combines history and nature. The village itself and its nature reserve are absolutely worth a visit! You can even bathe in the volcanic lake, go canoeing or practice sailing sports.

Panoramic view of Lake Bracciano

Tips

Here are 3 useful tips for your trip to Civitavecchia:

1. If you decide to take the ferry from the port of Civitavecchia, keep in mind that the area can be very crowded, especially in summer. We, therefore, recommend you arrive well in advance, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle.
2. In August, locals in Civitavecchia celebrate “il Padellone”, the most anticipated town festival, with mega fried fish and lots of fun!
3. If you want to have fun while enjoying the sun and some cool splashes, go to Aquafelix. It’s about 6km from the port of Civitavecchia and it’s the largest water park in central Italy. It’s perfect for young and old and we guarantee you that you will have lots of fun!

Useful information about Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is a town that offers several services. Both in the center and near the port you will find various shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies.

As for accommodation, you can find many options around the city. You can choose between hotels, villas, apartments or campsites.

Regarding health facilities, the San Paolo central hospital is located about 4km from the port. There is also a health center closer to Civitavecchia.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Civitavecchia

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Civitavecchia:

• Civitavecchia Hospital: 07665911
• Emergency medical service: 076631624
• Carabinieri: 076620231
• Civitavecchia Port Authority: 0766366401
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Civitavecchia

You can easily explore Civitavecchia on foot. However, if you have little time available, you can opt for the tourist buses that will take you to the most famous cultural monuments and the most popular spots.

Public transport is quite efficient connecting various parts of the town. From the central station, there are bus lines for the port, taking about 10 minutes. If you arrive in Civitavecchia by car, it won’t be difficult to find parking space in the center, as there are very few ZTL areas.

As for the port, if you want to embark without a vehicle, you can park directly inside the port area. There are 3 parking lots and a shuttle service that takes you directly to the ferry terminals.

Evening lights at the Civitavecchia ferry port

Where to book Civitavecchia ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry from the port of Civitavecchia at the same price with the ferry companies. Find all the available ferry connections on our Map of ferries for Sardinia, Sicily, and Spain, and get ready for your vacation in Italy!