The questions we hear most often from travellers planning a trip to the Tremiti Islands, with concrete answers and real numbers.
1. How do you get to the Tremiti Islands?
By ferry or hydrofoil from Termoli (the main port, open year-round), Vieste, Peschici, Rodi Garganico and Manfredonia. In summer a helicopter service also operates from Foggia “Gino Lisa” airport (20-minute flight, booking required). Full details on getting there.
2. How long is the crossing from Termoli?
Around 50 minutes by hydrofoil and 1h45 by car ferry. The hydrofoil is faster but is cancelled in sea-state 5 and above; the Tirrenia ferry sails in rougher conditions.
3. How much does a ferry ticket cost?
From Termoli, low-season fares are €19-22 one-way; in high season (July–August) they climb to €40-50 one-way. From Vieste and the other Gargano ports, €25-32 one-way. Return tickets carry a 10-15% discount.
4. Can I bring a car or motorbike?
No. Private vehicles do not circulate on the islands and are not loaded onto the ferries. Only foot passengers, bicycles (with an €8-10 supplement) and pets on a lead or in a carrier are accepted.
5. When is the best time to visit?
June and September. Air temperatures of 23-25 °C, sea at 22-24 °C, and thinner crowds than the August peak.
6. Day trip or overnight stay?
On a day trip you can see San Domino and San Nicola with a 3-4 hour boat tour: it is already a satisfying experience. For sea caves at sunset, guided snorkelling, scuba dives and dinners out, you need at least one night. Divers and anyone who wants to walk the San Domino coastal loop at sunset always stay over.
7. Is there an entry fee for the Marine Reserve?
Yes. Since 2025 there has been an environmental contribution of around €2.50 per adult passenger, included in the ferry ticket. Scuba dives carry an additional €2.50 fee per dive, included in the dive centre package.
8. Can you swim everywhere?
No. The Reserve is divided into zones A, B and C. In zone A (around Capraia, La Vecchia and Pianosa) swimming, anchoring, diving and fishing are all forbidden. In zones B and C (San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio) swimming is allowed.
9. What should I pack?
The essentials: reef shoes (rocky seabed, plenty of sea urchins), mask and fins for snorkelling, cash (a single ATM at San Domino harbour, sometimes out of order), high-factor sunscreen, a lightweight windbreaker for cool evenings even in summer, a change of light clothing, and a beach towel. Keep luggage to a backpack or small wheelie case: there are no taxis on the island and you handle transfers from the port on foot.
10. Can you sleep on San Nicola?
Hardly. The only official accommodation is Il Torrione Da Nonna Sisina (Piazza del Castello 73, tel. 0882 463128), carved into a 16th-century tower. All other beds are on San Domino, linked to San Nicola by a continuous maritime shuttle (5-minute crossing, every 20-30 minutes in high season).
For more, see where to stay and things to do.