Cetara Ferries

The port of Cetara plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Cetara serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Cetara, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Vietri sul mare - Cetara, Positano - Cetara, Salerno - Cetara connecting Cetara with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Travelmar run regular services from Cetara, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Cetara offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Cetara is conveniently accessible via the coastal SS163 road that winds along the Amalfi Coast, approximately 7 km from Salerno and 45 km from Naples. Travelers arriving from Rome can take a train to Salerno (about 2 hours), then connect to local SITA buses that service the coastal towns. From Naples International Airport, private transfers take roughly 1.5 hours to reach Cetara. The ferry terminal is centrally located near the main village, with several public parking options available on the outskirts of town, though spaces are limited during peak summer months. Many visitors find it more convenient to arrive by public transport, as Cetara's narrow streets can be challenging to navigate by car.

Nestled along Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, Cetara remains one of the region's most authentic fishing villages. This charming maritime community, with its colorful buildings cascading down to a picturesque harbor, offers a refreshing escape from the more tourist-heavy destinations nearby. As an important ferry stop along the coast, Cetara provides travelers with a genuine taste of southern Italian coastal life, complete with world-class seafood, remarkable views, and a pace of life that honors centuries-old traditions.

The ideal time to visit Cetara falls between April and June or September to October, when temperatures remain pleasant (20-25°C) and the summer crowds have thinned considerably. July and August bring warmer weather but also peak tourism and higher prices throughout the Amalfi Coast. Spring visitors can enjoy the annual anchovy festival in May, celebrating Cetara's famous colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Ferry services operate most frequently from April through October, with reduced schedules during winter months when some restaurants and accommodations may close. The shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of good weather, operational services, and the authentic atmosphere that makes Cetara special.

Cetara serves as an excellent launching point for exploring the treasures of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Regular ferry services connect to the glamorous island of Capri (approximately 50 minutes), where dramatic cliffs and the famous Blue Grotto await exploration. The nearby town of Positano, with its iconic pastel-colored buildings stacked along the hillside, is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. Amalfi, with its impressive Duomo and maritime history, can be reached in under 15 minutes by boat. For a longer day trip, the archaeological wonders of Pompeii can be accessed by taking a ferry to Salerno and then a short train ride, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.

Cetara offers authentic experiences centered around its fishing heritage and stunning coastal setting. Start with a morning visit to the 16th-century Torre Vicereale, a historic watchtower offering panoramic views of the coastline. Spend time at the small but charming beach where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch using traditional methods. Culinary enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling Cetara's world-famous colatura di alici, an amber-colored fish sauce that dates back to Roman times, best enjoyed at family-run trattorias like Al Convento or Acquapazza. The Church of San Pietro, with its distinctive majolica-tiled dome, provides a peaceful respite from the sun. Wander through the narrow lanes of the historic center, where artisan shops sell local ceramics and maritime-inspired crafts that make perfect souvenirs.

Cetara holds the distinction of being one of the few places in the world still producing colatura di alici using ancient Roman methods, a prized amber liquid sometimes called 'the Worcestershire sauce of Italy' that chefs worldwide pay premium prices to obtain. The village's name derives from the Latin 'cetaria,' meaning 'tuna fishing nets,' highlighting its millennia-old fishing tradition. Unlike many Amalfi Coast towns that now cater primarily to tourism, Cetara maintains an active fishing fleet of over 20 boats, with tuna and anchovy fishing remaining central to the local economy. The village was once a stronghold of the powerful Maritime Republic of Amalfi during the Middle Ages, serving as a crucial defensive position along the coast.