Did You Visit These Major Italian Port Cities?

It is estimated that cruise ship passenger numbers at Italian ports will reach a record 13 million in 2023, making the country one of the most popular cruise destinations after the Caribbean. Italy is a hub for cruises from both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and its central location in the Mediterranean often calls at multiple Italian ports in a single itinerary.

The country is known for its beaches, picturesque towns and wineries, rich history, and natural wonders. Cruises allow travelers to explore multiple cities in just a few days, getting a good overview of the country without driving or taking a long train journey.

But with so much to do and see, how do you decide which cruise ports in Italy to prioritize? Are they all close to major cities? Or do you have to be careful about which cities you stop at? To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a guide to Italy’s eight major coastal cities and the cruise services they offer.

1. Civitavecchia (Rome): Italy’s famous port city

With centuries-old ruins, charming piazzas, and fascinating history, Rome is full of awe and chaos. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to small vine-covered squares, where visitors can glimpse life in 16th-century Rome, while wide boulevards showcase stunning ancient architecture amid the bustling traffic.

Visitors visiting Rome by cruise ship will stop in the port town of Civitavecchia, about an hour’s drive from the city center. While not the most convenient, the capital’s landlocked location makes it the only option—Rome is a must-see destination, even if it means spending a day traveling to and from the cruise port.

Train services are also available, which are faster than taking a taxi. Depending on where your cruise ship is docked, you may be able to walk to the train station, but we recommend saving your energy for a taxi later. It takes only 50 minutes from Civitavecchia to reach the city’s main train station, Roma Termini Station.

For those who have already been to Rome and want to relax, exploring this major Italian coastal city is a fun alternative. It lacks the capital’s irresistible charm and picturesque architecture. Still, Civitavecchia has a rich history dating back to the 1st century BC, and many interesting landmarks are within walking distance of the port.

2. Venice: A romantic and idyllic Italian port city

Venice is perhaps Italy’s most popular cruise port, with canals filled with steamboats and gondolas, bridges leading to squares filled with century-old buildings, and traditional cafes serving espresso. While the city is filled with historical landmarks, the city center can be explored in a day, making it an ideal cruise port.

At the end of 2021, large cruise ships were banned from sailing in the historic center to reduce pollution and congestion. This forced cruise lines to look for alternative ports in the area. Marghera, located across the Venetian lagoon, is the closest and most convenient to the city center. There are frequent buses and taxis, ships, and ferries between Marghera and Venice.

Only a few cruise lines call here, including Costa, MSC, Viking and Azamara, while the rest call at other ports further afield. For example, Royal Caribbean has moved to Ravenna, while P&O currently calls in Trieste. Most offer land trips from Italian cruise ports to Venice, but driving from the canal city can take up to two hours.

3. Livorno (Florence): Italian Port, Gateway to Tuscany

Livorno is the gateway to the province of Tuscany, home to Italy’s must-visit destinations like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca. Florence attracts history buffs with its magnificent architecture and world-class museums; you’ll need a full day to explore it. Road trips include themed visits and walking tours of the city center.

From Livorno, visiting Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and the Tuscan countryside, which includes many famous wineries, is possible. While some cruise lines also offer land excursions to the Cinque Terre from this major Italian port city, La Spezia is a better option, as it takes a maximum of two hours to get from Livorno to the nearest Cinque Terre town.

4. Genoa: Capital of the Italian Riviera

Located at the northwestern tip of the country, Genoa is the capital of the picturesque Italian Riviera and one of Italy’s most important ports. The city is often overshadowed by the more famous Florence and Cinque Terre, but it is beautiful, with stunning palaces and centuries of historical background.

The UNESCO-listed city center is the main attraction here. Still, nature lovers (and those traveling with children) won’t want to miss the city’s aquarium, which is considered one of Europe’s best. Unlike other Italian ports, the Port of Genoa is only a five- to ten-minute walk from the main attractions. The area around the port is also known for its excellent restaurants.

While Genoa is well worth a visit, you can easily reach other popular towns on the Italian Riviera, including Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Camogli.

5. Salerno: Italian port that opens the door to the picturesque cities of the Amalfi Coast

While the port of Naples may seem like the obvious choice when planning a trip to Campania’s capital, some cruise travelers describe the experience as chaotic and stressful. By choosing Salerno, visitors can explore Naples and the picturesque towns along the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Sorrento, and Ravello. It’s just as easy to visit Pompeii from Salerno as Naples.

Salerno is also a good jumping-off point for Capri, a popular island known for its relaxed atmosphere, rugged coastline dotted with colorful houses and villas, and stunning views. Direct ferries from Salerno to Capri take only about 1.5 hours from the island to mainland Italy.

If you want to visit Naples, it’s about a 35-minute train ride away or a short taxi ride from the port of Salerno. The same trains go to Pompeii, although you’ll need to change trains at Nocera Inferiore.

6. Messina: A more authentic, relaxing Sicily cruise port that’s worth exploring

Directly separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, the Port of Messina outperforms all other Sicily cruise ports for travelers who have Mount Etna and the beautiful city and beaches of Taormina on their wish list. While Palermo and Catania get a lot of attention for their history and architecture, Messina is an excellent choice for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere or exploring lesser-known areas.

Messina itself is a quiet city set against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Etna. The cathedral is worth a visit, as several viewpoints offer panoramic views of the stunning natural harbor, the surrounding mountains, and mainland Italy a few miles away.

The port is conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and a 10-minute walk from the train station, which offers connections to Taormina and Catania.

7. Trieste: Italy’s Least Known Port

Trieste is a city with a Mediterranean heart and a Central European feel, which has led to it being described as “the least distinctive Italian port.” Its Grand Canal might remind you of Venice, but if you look around, you’ll find Italian palaces, majestic Orthodox churches, domed buildings, and historic cafes reminiscent of Vienna.

The skyline is dominated by the imposing 223-foot-tall Faro della Vittoria column, which serves as a lighthouse. Below, the city stretches along the coast. The port is just a few minutes from some of the city’s main attractions, including Piazza della Solidaridad, the Cathedral of San Giusto, and several museums.

Although the temptation to book a road trip from Trieste to Venice might be great, you’ll spend four hours on the bus and only have a few hours to explore the city. Alternatively, you might consider combining a half-day cruise along the coast of Slovenia with a self-guided tour of Trieste city center.

8. Cagliari: A Stunning and Fun Port in Sardinia

Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari, might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a cruise to Italy, as it’s the gateway to some of the country’s best beaches. Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun or want to take a break from an intense cruise in the Western Mediterranean, Cagliari won’t disappoint.

Cagliari offers more than just beaches. It has a beautiful medieval quarter, excellent museums, great restaurants, and various historical sites, and it is just a short walk from the cruise port. Due to its hilltop location, the city offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea.