Taking the Ferry From Italy to Greece

The most common way to travel between Italy and Greece is by ferry. There are several Italian ports from which you can choose to take a ferry to Greece, Croatia, and other Mediterranean destinations. Following the introductions to these ports, you'll find a list of ferry booking sites that you can use to check schedules and book your trip.

Not all ferries run every day of the week, so be sure to check the schedules carefully. Most ferries have a restaurant and bar, but you can take your own food and drink on board to save money.

Brindisi

Brindisi is probably the Italian port most commonly associated with taking a ferry to Greece and has the most options. Frequent ferries leave Brindisi for Corfu, Kefalonia, Igoumenitsa, and Patras. It's possible to get between Brindisi and Corfu (the closest Greek port) in as little as six and a half hours. Departure times range from 11:00 a.m. to 23:00 (11 p.m.).

Brindisi, in the heel of the boot, is the most southern Italian ferry port. See Puglia map for location.

Bari

From Bari (southern Italy), you can take a ferry to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Patras in Greece and Dubrovnik, Split, and other ports in Croatia as well as to Albania. Most ferries leave in the evening and have cabins for sleeping, a bar, and sometimes a restaurant.

The fastest ferries travel between Bari and Corfu in about eight hours. Bari's ferry port is near the interesting historic center, Centro Storico, an excellent place to do some exploring before your departure. Near the port, try Osteria al Gambero if you have time for a meal.

Ancona

If you're in central Italy (Marche region), Ancona may be the most convenient Italian port. From Ancona, ferries go to Igoumenitsa (taking 15 to 20 hours) and Patras (taking 20 to 23 hours) in Greece. Ferries also go to several ports in Croatia.

Venice

From Venice, you can take a ferry directly to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras. Taking a ferry from Venice is a nice alternative if you want to visit Venice. Ferries usually leave Venice in the evening and take close to 24 hours (or longer to Patras).

If you arrive in Venice by bus to take the ferry, there is usually a shuttle service between Venice's bus terminal and the ferry terminal. If you're already in Venice, you'll need to take a Vaporetto (water bus).

Websites for Ferries

It's a good idea to book your ferry ahead, especially during high season and if you want a cabin or plan to take your car. Sometimes it's possible to buy your ticket at the port on the day of departure. Some overnight ferries allow passengers to sleep on deck, but some require you to book a seat or bed. Ferries usually start boarding two hours before departure but check the ferry company information to be sure.

Here are websites where you can check schedules and buy tickets:

• Viamare, all ports
• Superfast Ferries, from Ancona and Bari
• Direct Ferries, a UK booking site
• Greece Ferries

Flying to Athens, Greece

If your goal is to get to Athens or any of the Greek islands, it's usually easier and quicker to fly directly to Athens. Some of the budget airlines offer relatively inexpensive fares from many Italian cities.