What it’s like, how to book, what to expect — and why it beat sitting at the airport.
When airline strikes in Italy threw a wrench in our travel plans, we found ourselves with an unexpected bonus day in southern Corsica. Instead of spending it stressing at the airport, we made a spontaneous decision: hop a ferry to Sardinia and make the most of it.
And honestly? It ended up being one of the best surprises of the trip.
Whether you’re planning a multi-island adventure or looking for a flexible backup plan, here’s exactly how we did it — plus a few tips we wish we’d known ahead of time.
🛳 Booking the Ferry
There are several ferry companies that run between Bonifacio (Corsica) and Santa Teresa Gallura (Sardinia), including Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines. Ferries run multiple times daily, and the crossing takes around 1 hour.
We booked our tickets online through Ferryhopper — they also have a user-friendly app, which is great for last-minute changes. With all the flight chaos, we had to shift our itinerary on the fly, and we were able to move our ferry time at no extra cost.
We took the ferry on a Thursday in July and were pleasantly surprised — it wasn’t overly crowded, and the boarding process was quick and easy.
✅ Tip: If you’re traveling in high season, it’s still smart to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re bringing a car.
🚶♀️ Walk-On Passenger Experience
We had already returned our rental car in Corsica, so we opted to walk on with our luggage. The process was simple, but there are a few things to know:
- There’s a designated walk-on passenger line, and it’s worth queuing up a little early.
- Once we boarded, a crew member suggested we leave our bags near the cars on the lower deck. But there was no designated luggage area, and since we’d be upstairs during the ride, that didn’t feel secure.
- So we lugged our bags up the stairs. Not the most graceful moment, but worth it for peace of mind.
There aren’t elevators or porters for passengers, so if you have larger luggage, be prepared to carry it.
🌊 The Views Are Worth It
As the ferry pulls away from Bonifacio, you get a perfect view of the white limestone cliffs and the medieval citadel perched above. It’s one of those rare travel transitions that’s just as beautiful as the destination. And as you approach Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia’s rugged coastline starts to come into view — clear turquoise water, rocky inlets, and sailboats bobbing in the distance.
If you’re able to grab a seat on the upper deck, do it — the views are part of the experience.
🏖 What to Do with a Bonus Day in Sardinia
We had about 8 hours between the ferry and our rebooked flight, and it turned out to be a perfect little mini-adventure.
There aren’t any beach clubs within walking distance of the port, and Ubers in the area are scarce (and pricey). Renting a car turned out to be cheaper and way more convenient, so we grabbed one for the day and hit the road.
Having the car gave us total freedom — we were able to store our luggage, find a quiet beach, grab lunch, and explore a bit before heading to the airport. It turned what could’ve been a throwaway travel day into a relaxed beach stop that totally beat sitting in a terminal.
🧳 Final Tips for the Ferry from Corsica to Sardinia
- Book online via Ferryhopper — easy to change if needed
- Arrive early to queue as a walk-on passenger
- Don’t count on secure luggage storage on board — be ready to carry it upstairs
- The views are stunning, so sit up top if you can
- Rent a car once you arrive in Sardinia, even just for the day
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. Taking the ferry between Corsica and Sardinia is not just a convenient way to connect two incredible islands — it’s actually a travel experience in itself. Whether you’re extending your vacation, filling a gap day, or just need a flexible Plan B, it’s a scenic and surprisingly stress-free option.
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