Genoa historic centre and Ligurian waterfront in Italy
Liguria · Italy

Genoa Ferry &
Destination Guide

Explore Genoa’s old town, palaces and Mediterranean waterfront, then choose from an extensive ferry network to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica and North Africa.

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Discover Genoa

A labyrinthine historic centre, grand maritime heritage and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest passenger-ferry ports

Genoa’s wealth and identity were built around the sea. The historic centre drops towards the Porto Antico through a dense web of narrow caruggi, churches, small squares and former merchants’ palaces.

Via Garibaldi and the Palazzi dei Rolli showcase the city’s Renaissance and Baroque grandeur, while the cathedral of San Lorenzo and Palazzo Ducale sit within easy walking distance of the old port.

The regenerated Porto Antico contains the aquarium and major visitor attractions, but Genoa’s seafront character extends east along Corso Italia to the colourful former fishing village of Boccadasse.

For a panoramic view, climb or ride towards Spianata Castelletto and look back over slate roofs, harbour cranes and the Ligurian Sea.

Genoa is also one of Italy’s principal passenger-ferry hubs, with routes to Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and Morocco. Long-distance sailings make cabins and careful terminal planning particularly important.

Genoa landmarks and visitor highlights
City highlights

What to see while you are in Genoa

Genoa rewards slow exploration, moving between aristocratic palaces, maritime attractions, narrow old-town lanes and coastal neighbourhoods.

Porto Antico

Explore Genoa’s regenerated old port, waterfront promenades, museums and major visitor attractions.

Via Garibaldi & Rolli Palaces

Walk the UNESCO-listed Strade Nuove past richly decorated palaces from Genoa’s mercantile golden age.

Genoa Aquarium

Allow several hours for one of Europe’s best-known aquariums in the Porto Antico.

Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Visit the striped medieval cathedral in the heart of the historic centre.

Boccadasse

Walk or take local transport to the colourful former fishing village on the eastern seafront.

Spianata Castelletto

Head uphill for one of the classic panoramic views over Genoa’s roofs, harbour and sea.

Tours & experiences

Things to Do in Genoa

Browse historic-centre walks, food tours, coastal experiences and day trips around Genoa and the Ligurian Riviera.

Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.

Genoa passenger ferry terminal and waterfront in Liguria, Italy
Arriving or departing by ferry

Genoa Ferry Terminal

Cars and foot passengers are carried on the main long-distance services. Many sailings are overnight or longer, so cabins, pet arrangements and check-in times should be compared carefully before booking.

The passenger port is extensive and different operators use different check-in areas. Follow the terminal and gate details shown on your booking confirmation rather than assuming every ferry departs from the same berth.

Genoa has one of the Mediterranean’s largest passenger-ferry networks. Current routes include Sardinian services to Olbia and Porto Torres, Sicily services to Palermo, seasonal Corsica sailings to Bastia and long-distance links to Tunis and Tangier Med.

Passenger terminal Genoa passenger ferry port, follow your operator-specific check-in instructions
Main routes Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and Morocco are served by passenger ferries
Foot passengers Accepted on the principal passenger services
Vehicle travel Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and other touring vehicles can be booked on suitable sailings
Long-distance travel Cabins are strongly worth considering on overnight and North Africa crossings
Plan your stay

Getting around Genoa

Genoa’s historic core is best explored on foot, while rail and local transport connect coastal districts and the wider Ligurian Riviera.

Walk the historic centre

Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi, the cathedral and many old-town streets are close enough to combine on foot.

Use trains along the coast

Genova Piazza Principe and Brignole connect the city with the Italian rail network and Ligurian coastal towns.

Find Genoa rail tickets here...

Allow time for the ferry port

The port is large and motorway approaches can be busy, so confirm the correct terminal before setting out.

Stay in Genoa

Stay near the old port, historic centre or Brignole

Porto Antico is convenient for first-time sightseeing; the historic centre is atmospheric, while Brignole gives useful rail access towards the eastern Riviera.

Find Genoa Accommodation
Common planning questions

Genoa ferry & destination FAQs

Where is Genoa Ferry Terminal?

Passenger ferries use the large port complex close to central Genoa; your booking confirmation identifies the correct operator terminal and check-in area.

Where can I sail from Genoa?

Current passenger routes include Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and Morocco, with exact seasonal availability varying by route.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Genoa?

Yes. Foot passengers are carried on the principal passenger-ferry routes.

Can I take a car on ferries from Genoa?

Yes. Vehicle travel is a major part of the Genoa ferry network; enter accurate dimensions when booking.

What are the best things to do in Genoa?

Porto Antico, Via Garibaldi, the Rolli Palaces, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Boccadasse and the city viewpoints are key highlights.

Are cabins available on Genoa ferries?

Yes. Cabins are available on many overnight and long-distance sailings and are particularly useful for Sardinia, Sicily and North Africa.

Can I reach Genoa by train?

Yes. Piazza Principe and Brignole are major rail stations with national and regional services.

How long should I spend in Genoa?

Two or three days gives time for the historic centre and waterfront; add extra days for the Ligurian coast or a ferry departure.

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