The Sardinia day trip from Bonifacio is a brief international sea crossing to the Sardinian town of Santa Teresa di Gallura, covering 12 km of the Bouches de Bonifacio strait in approximately 50 minutes by passenger ferry. It is the most accessible way to spend a day in Italy from southern Corsica, requiring nothing beyond a valid EU identity card or passport and a ferry ticket. Moby Lines and Corsica Ferries both operate the Bonifacio–Santa Teresa crossing, with multiple departures daily during the April–October season. Return fares for foot passengers run approximately €15–€25 per person; vehicle transport is available for €40–€70 one-way. Schedules vary by season; checking current timetables at moby.it or corsica-ferries.fr before travel is essential. The first morning crossing is typically around 07:30–09:00, allowing a full six to eight hours on the Sardinian side before the last return sailing of the day. The Bonifacio ferry terminal is at Quai de l'Olighi, a short walk from the town marina. Santa Teresa di Gallura is a compact Sardinian beach town on a promontory overlooking the strait. Its centro storico clusters around the Torre di Longonsardo — an Aragonese coastal tower — with the sandy Rena Bianca beach directly below it. The town's market, trattorias, and gelaterias are all within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal. For a more active day, hiring a scooter or bicycle in Santa Teresa opens up the nearby beaches and the extraordinary granite formations at Capo Testa (5 km west), a protected promontory where ancient quarrying and millennia of wind erosion have produced sculpted rock landscapes reminiscent of a surrealist painting. Italian trattorias in Santa Teresa serve bottarga, culurgiones pasta, and grilled sea bass typical of the Gallura region. Note that this is an international border crossing between France and Italy; non-EU travellers should verify Italian entry requirements before booking. Departure tax and port fees may be added to the base fare at the terminal.
How to get there
- Moby Lines foot passenger ferry
- Corsica Ferries foot passenger ferry
- Private speedboat hire from Bonifacio marina (approximately €150–€200 for the boat / ~$164–$218)
Location
Depart: Bonifacio ferry terminal, Quai de l'Olighi, 20169 Bonifacio. Arrive: Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia, Italy
41.2390, 9.1870 View on map
Highlights
- 50-minute ferry crossing from Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia — a border hop by sea
- Torre di Longonsardo (Aragonese tower) above Rena Bianca beach in Santa Teresa
- Capo Testa granite formations — sculpted rock promontory 5 km west of town, remarkable for swimming and geology
- Italian trattorias serving Gallura specialities: bottarga, culurgiones, grilled sea bass
- Views across the Bouches de Bonifacio — one of the most navigated channels in the Mediterranean
Tips for visiting
- Carry a valid passport or EU national identity card — the Bonifacio–Santa Teresa route is a France–Italy international border crossing
- Book the ferry in advance in July–August; foot passenger tickets can be bought at the terminal on the day outside peak season
- The earliest crossing (typically 07:30–09:00) allows the longest day in Sardinia — check the current season timetable at moby.it before travel
- Hire a scooter or bicycle in Santa Teresa to reach Capo Testa (5 km) — there is no regular bus to the promontory
- The last return ferry of the day is typically 18:30–20:00; confirm the current timetable to avoid missing the final sailing
When to visit
April to early October when the ferry operates regular daily crossings; May to June and September are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds on both sides of the strait. Winter service is very limited — check timetables well in advance outside the main season.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a passport for the Sardinia ferry?
Yes. The Bonifacio–Santa Teresa route is an international crossing between France and Italy. EU citizens may use their national identity card; non-EU travellers need a valid passport and should check Italian entry requirements for their nationality before travelling.
How long is the ferry crossing?
The crossing takes approximately 50 minutes under normal conditions. The Bouches de Bonifacio strait can have moderate swell, particularly in the afternoon; those prone to seasickness may find a preventive remedy helpful.
What is there to do in Santa Teresa di Gallura for a full day?
The town offers the Torre di Longonsardo, Rena Bianca beach, Sardinian restaurants and gelaterias, and a compact centro storico. Capo Testa (5 km by scooter or taxi) is the highlight — extraordinary granite formations and clear water for swimming.
How far in advance should ferry tickets be booked?
Outside July and August, foot passenger tickets can generally be bought at the terminal on departure day. In high season, booking two to three days ahead via moby.it or corsica-ferries.fr is advisable, particularly for the popular morning crossings.
Can visitors take a vehicle on the ferry to Sardinia?
Yes. Both Moby Lines and Corsica Ferries carry vehicles; rates run €40–€70 one-way depending on vehicle size and season. Advance booking is strongly recommended for vehicle transport in July and August.