15 Best Cruise Ports in Italy

There’s no more popular Mediterranean cruise destination than Italy, with ports ranging from some of Europe’s most impressive capitals to tiny fishing villages and everything in between. Whether you’re dreaming of a European cruise someday soon or choosing between the best cruise itineraries for your adventure-in-the-making, read on for all the most popular – and unforgettable – cruise ports in Italy.

Civitavecchia

You may not recognize the name, but Civitavecchia is one of the busiest ports in Europe. What’s its appeal? It’s the gateway to the Eternal City of Rome; just an hour away, the capital of Italy is a perfect day trip destination for cruise passengers. Whether you spend the day wandering through the Vatican museums, eating pizza and gelato, or exploring the ancient Roman forum, a stop in Rome will be the highlight of your Italy cruise.

Livorno

Located north of the port of Civitavecchia, Livorno is the gateway to Italian gems such as Pisa, Lucca, and, most popular: Florence. Take a quick train ride to Pisa to take a photo of the iconic leaning tower, or head into Florence to spot Michelangelo’s famous David at the Galleria dell’Accademia or explore the renowned Uffizi Gallery. There’s no better way to explore some of the most unforgettable icons of the Renaissance and the Tuscany region of Italy.

La Spezia

If you don’t see the port of Livorno on your Italian cruise itinerary, look out for La Spezia. Just an hour north of Livorno, La Spezia is another gateway port to Tuscan highlights like Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.

Venice

There’s no better way to see the city that floats above the waves than from the water. While Venice is seeking to limit cruise ship traffic to curb larger-than-life visitor numbers, it’s still a highlight on many cruise ship itineraries and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular destinations to visit in Italy.

Ravenna

Located on the eastern coast of Italy, the port of Ravenna is a perfect gateway to explore Venice to the north, Bologna to the west, or the tiny independent city-state of San Marino to the south. Even those cruise ship passengers sticking closer to Ravenna will enjoy the city’s age-old churches that boast some of the most impressive and complete Byzantine mosaics in Europe.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is the Italian port for Taormina on the island of Sicily, known for being one of this Mediterranean island’s most beautiful cities. It is located just over half an hour south of Taormina, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the city’s renowned Greco-Roman theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina.

Catania

Located along the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania is one of the more popular and busier ports on Italy’s most enchanting Mediterranean island. While many cruise passengers choose to head up the coast to Taormina or visit the famous volcano Mt. Etna, there are plenty of historic sights and popular attractions within Catania to appeal to all travelers.

Genoa

The northern Italian port city of Genoa is famous for more than just its salami. This Italian port town is a popular stop on Mediterranean cruises, and though many travelers use time in Genoa to head to smaller coastal villages nearby, there is more than enough to do here to spend a day.

Portofino

Larger cruise ships tend to head to Genoa, but smaller ships like luxury Windstar Cruises can visit smaller, tucked-away Italian ports like Portofino that have become some of the country’s most popular destinations. This charming and colorful village is a paradise for the rich and famous, though it boasts plenty to do for travelers of all budgets, including visiting the hilltop Castello Brown for stunning views over the town.

Naples

Naples is certainly not one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, though this major cruise port has plenty to offer. Stop in some of the oldest shops in Naples to try the world’s original pizza, or head south to the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Salerno / Amalfi

The ports of Salerno and Amalfi are among the most popular in Italy for cruise ship passengers and provide a gateway to the five stunning villages that form the Cinque Terre. While larger cruise ships tend to dock in Salerno, smaller ships can access the port of Amalfi, much closer to Cinque Terre.

Sorrento

Cross the Gulf of Naples and you’ll find the port city of Sorrento, one of the most popular cruise ports in Italy. Not only is Sorrento within day-trip distance from the ruins of Pompeii, but it’s also a short drive from the towns of the Cinque Terre.

Messina

In the Sicilian city of Messina, almost everything there is to see and do in town is walkable from the cruise port, making it a convenient stop for those passengers looking to stick around. However, many cruise ship passengers enjoy day trips south to Taormina or nearby beaches along the coast of Sicily.

Trapani

Located on the western edge of Sicily, the small port of Trapani is often left off the itineraries of larger cruise ships, though it is a highlight for small cruise ship travelers who love its laidback vibe. The historic center of Trapani is accessible as soon as passengers step off the ship, making for a leisurely day of exploring – no expensive shore excursions needed.

Cagliari

Sicily isn’t the only Italian island that makes for a popular stop on cruise ship itineraries. The island of Sardinia, most frequently accessed via the port city of Cagliari, is another destination travelers will love to cross off their bucket list. Visitors can enjoy hikes around the city’s hillsides, beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, and archeological ruins to keep them busy for a day.