When summer ends and tourist flows decrease, the ferries connecting the Italian islands also change pace. If in high season departures are frequent and spread throughout the day, in autumn and winter departures are reduced and some direct routes are no longer available. This does not mean that getting to the islands becomes complicated: just be aware of seasonal differences, plan a little in advance, and rely on platforms that offer up-to-date schedules and online reservations.
Traveling in low season also has a special appeal: often cheaper prices, less crowded islands and an authentic atmosphere. In this guide we take a detailed look at how ferry schedules change for popular destinations-from Elba Island to Ischia, from Capri to the Aeolian Islands-not to mention Ponza, the Egadi and other smaller islands.
How ferry departure times change this fall
Shipping companies modulate ferry departures according to demand:
- High season (June-September) → many daily runs, secondary ports connected, large availability of fast hydrofoils.
- Low season (October-April) → reduced frequencies, suspension of some seasonal lines, less use of hydrofoils.
On islands that have permanent residents, “territorial continuity” connections will still be guaranteed. The real change mainly concerns tourist connections and fast routes.
Elba Island ferries: reduced but steady connections
The island of Elba is one of the best-served destinations even in the off-season, thanks to its proximity to the Tuscan coast.
- In summer: departures every 30-40 minutes from Piombino to Portoferraio, Rio Marina e Cavo.
- In autumn and winter: departures are reduced to about 10-15 rides per day, mainly concentrated in the morning and afternoon periods.
Hydrofoils are less frequent, but conventional ferry departures remain constant. In practice, getting to Elba is always easy, but day travelers need to pay attention to return times because there are fewer options in the evening.
Tip: For a fall weekend in Elba, book the morning ferry and return in the afternoon, so you don’t risk finding yourself with few alternatives available.
Ischia: fewer hydrofoils, more traditional ferries
Ischia remains well connected year-round, but with important differences from the summer months.
- In summer: frequent departures from Naples, Pozzuoli, Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano, with a strong presence of fast hydrofoils.
- In autumn and winter: connections remain active from Naples (Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa) and Pozzuoli, while departures from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are suspended.
Hydrofoils become less frequent, especially on weekdays. Conventional ferries remain more reliable and provide good coverage for residents as well.
Tip: Also read our article On ferries departing from Naples’ Beverello pier
Capri: the queen of the high season, changes pace in autumn
Capri is one of the most tourist destinations in Italy, and this is directly reflected in ferry schedules.
- In summer: continuous connections from Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Salerno and Castellammare di Stabia. It is possible to go and return several times a day, even if only for a day trip.
- In autumn and winter: the number of rides is drastically reduced. The main connections from Naples e Sorrento, but with half the frequency. Departures from Salerno and the Amalfi Coast are generally no longer available.
Hydrofoils are minimized and schedules need to be carefully controlled, especially for those who want to return in the day.
Tip: If you want to visit Capri in the fall, choose your round-trip times carefully, because you may have few return options in the afternoon.
Aeolian Islands: in autumn Milazzo as the main port
Aeolian island destinations are the most obvious example of how schedules change between high and low season.
- In summer: direct connections also from Naples, Palermo and Reggio Calabria, as well as from Milazzo, with frequent hydrofoil and ferry runs.
- In the fall and winter: there remain almost exclusively departures from Milazzo, which becomes the reference point for those traveling to Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and the other islands.
Hydrofoils continue to run, but less frequently. In case of rough seas, some runs are suspended, and conventional ferries become the only option.
Tip: Plan your trip with margin, especially if you have to coincide with a flight or train, because delays are more frequent in the fall.
Other destinations to consider
- Summer: frequent connections from Formia and Terracina.
- Fall/winter: departures from Formia remain steady-.
Egadi Islands: Favignana, Levanzo , Marettimo
- Summer: almost continuous connections from Trapani.
- Fall/winter: fewer daily runs, but guaranteed continuity for residents.
Practical tips for traveling by ferry in the off-season
- Always check the updated schedules-they vary not only with the months, but also with the weather.
- Book in advance: there are fewer rides in the fall, so you risk not finding a seat on the most popular days.
- Choose conventional ferries-they are less prone to cancellations than hydrofoils.
- Take advantage of lower prices: out of season it is easier to find affordable rates and deals.
- Consider bridges and holidays: on those days the islands fill up with visitors, even in the fall and winter.
Check departures and book ferries with Ferryfinder
To avoid surprises, the best solution is to book online. On Ferryfinder.com you will find up-to-date schedules and can buy tickets for all major Italian destinations: Ischia, Capri, Elba, Aeolian Islands and many others. With just a few clicks you will be sure to travel smoothly and with the convenience of choosing the schedule that best suits your needs.
Ferry departures to Elba, Ischia, Capri, Aeolian Islands in autumn and winter
Ferry schedules in autumn and winter are different from those in summer, but this should not discourage those who want to visit the Italian islands out of season. All it takes is a little organization and the trip becomes even more enjoyable: fewer tourists, better prices and authentic views. With Ferryfinder you always have a reliable search engine for schedules and prices, so the sea stays within reach all year round.
