Passengers who take the ferry to Vibo Valentia, enjoy a pleasant journey to the charming port town in the southern part of Italy, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea!
Vibo Valentia, being a Greek colony named Hipponion, was founded in the 7th century BC by inhabitants of the Greek region of Locris, on the Ionian Sea. After the town’s occupation in 388 BC by the tyrant of Syracuse, who expelled all the population and the rule of the Buratti, Vibo Valentia became a Roman Colony until the fall of the Roman Empire, when the town was once again deserted. In 1070, the Normans came and built a castle in the place of the old Acropolis and in 1235 the Roman Emperor Frederick II ruled the city under the name Monteleone di Calabria until 1928 when the original name Vibo Valentia finally prevailed.
Located in the heart of the southern part of Calabria, Vibo Valentia, with a population of 30.000 inhabitants, is an agricultural and commercial tourist center full of history, culture and places of interest and entertainment. Archaeological sites, amazing views, wonderful landscapes, has made Vibo Valentia the capital city of the province and one of the best destinations for summer holidays. The proximity with Sicily and the Aeolian islands is a reason why tourists, from all over the world, choose this place as the perfect point for exploring the whole area.
If you are ready for a wonderful adventure, visit our online booking system, check the schedules and prices, plan your trip and book your ferry tickets in advance!
Vibo Valentia ferry routes
Car and passenger modern and comfortable ferries connect the Aeolian Islands and Sicily with Vibo Valentia and give the opportunity to passengers to enjoy the sea and sun while traveling. The Vibo Valentia ferry routes are seasonal so before traveling it is advisable to visit our updated website and confirm the available sailings.
Below there is a list of the ferry trips:
- Vibo Valentia to Stromboli with a ferry journey of 1h 30m
- Vibo Valentia to Panarea is the second stop over after Stromboli, with 30 minutes extra travel time
- Vibo Valentia to Salina with a journey duration of 2h 40m
- Vibo Valentia to Lipari with a ferry journey of 3h 15min
- Vibo Valentia to Vulcano has a longer sailing distance of about 3h 30m
- Vibo Valentia to Milazzo journey can be made within 4h 35m
Vibo Valentia ferry port
Vibo Valentia ferry port is located within a walking distance to bars, restaurants and shops. Parking is available around as well as hotels, car motorbike and boat rental offices. Being one of the main gateways to the Archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, mostly visited during the summer period, Vibo Valentia plays an important role in passengers and trade transport. Before your embarkation on a hydrofoil, you can stroll around the port area, drink a refreshing juice, eat a local speciality or just watch the passers-by and the ships come and go.
Transportation options in Vibo Valentia
Bus
The port of Vibo Valentia is connected with the nearby destinations by bus, but the schedules and the stops are not so well organized, so in case you want to move from the center to the port or the opposite, it is better to ask your landlord or call a taxi in order to avoid delays.
Taxi
The taxi service in Vibo Valentia is well organized. In case of need you can call +0039 333 354 8247 or check Vibo Valentia Taxis.
Train
Vibo Valentia port and the provincial capital is served by state railway trains, regional and high-speed. The station is not far from the main port and can be reached on foot.
Airport to port of Vibo Valentia
The closest airport to the marina is Lamezia Terme, also known as St. Eufemia Airport located at a distance of 34 km from Vibo Valentia. During the vacation period, as it is the main airport of Calabria, it is very crowded and flights arrive from all over the world. Upon arrival at Lamezia Terme Airport, you can take the bus to Vibo Valentia port with a ticket price of 5 - 7 eur and a journey time of 30 min. approximately.
Highlights in Vibo Valentia
Below, you can find some of the most interesting places you can visit while in Vibo Valentia:
- Vibo Valentia Castle is one of the most important sites of the area. Built around 1000 AD by the Norman occupiers, ruined by the earthquakes but reconstructed, today houses the Archaeological State Museum
- The Walls of Hipponion are very impressive in size and it is believed that they were constructed in order to protect the town from the invasions of the enemies
- The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, patron saint of the city, was built during the 16th century, on the remains of a Byzantine church of the 9th century. It is located in St. Leoluca square. In 1783, the earthquake damaged the church and the dome was demolished. Later it was restored with a Baroque facade and neoclassical frescos inside
- Valentianum was a monastery during the 16th century but nowadays it hosts a collection of modern artworks. It also houses the treasury of the cathedral like paintings, furniture, books and vestments. This combination of old with modern is really interesting for the visitors of the historic building
- Palazzo Romei, Palazzo di Francia and Palazzo Gagliardi are some of the most important buildings you can see if you make a stroll along the historic center of Vibo Valentia
Vibo Valentia beaches
Not only the archaeological sites and the historical buildings but also the beaches are an important reason to visit the area. Whether you prefer an organized and crowded or a more isolated beach you can find what you desire.
Below, you can find some suggestions:
- Lido Proserpina is a sandy beach suitable for children and families providing all the facilities for an all day stay. It is situated a few minutes away from the ferry port terminal
- Spiaggia di Bivona in the southwest side of the port, is rather a more quiet beach due to the lack of facilities. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy the sea, the sun and relax far from the noise of the center of the town
- Lido la Playa is a rather pebbly organized beach with a lot of lounges and parasols for rent, close to restaurants and bars
- A part of the 55km “Costa degli Dei”, is the Vibonese Coast which can offer fishing and diving excursions along the coastline. For some it could be an opportunity to meet the locals and discover the customs and the food specialities of the villages
Whatever you decide to do though, this experience will be unforgettable!
