Travel from Italy to Greece by Boat - A Comprehensive Guide

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Boat Sailing on the Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Boat Sailing on the Harbor

Traveling from Italy to Greece by boat can be a memorable experience, but it requires some planning. The most popular route is from Brindisi or Ancona in Italy to Patras or Igoumenitsa in Greece.

The journey typically takes around 16-24 hours, depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. You can choose from various types of ferries, including conventional ferries, high-speed ferries, and cargo ships.

To ensure a smooth trip, it's essential to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can find ferry schedules and book tickets online or through a travel agent.

The cost of the ticket varies depending on the type of ferry and your travel class, but expect to pay between €50-€200 per person.

Travel Companies

If you're planning to travel from Italy to Greece by boat, there are several travel companies that can make the journey smooth and enjoyable.

The most popular travel companies for this route are Grimaldi Lines, Superfast Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries.

Credit: youtube.com, FROM ITALY TO GREECE

Grimaldi Lines offers the longest routes, taking around 30 hours to reach Greece from Italy.

Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries provide shorter routes, taking around 20-24 hours to reach Greece from Italy.

Traveling with these companies can save you time and energy, as they offer comfortable accommodations and onboard amenities.

Travel Routes and Prices

Traveling from Italy to Greece by boat can be a wonderful experience, and knowing the right routes and prices can make all the difference.

The most popular ferry routes between Italy and Greece include Ancona to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras, Brindisi to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras, Venice to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras, and Bari to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patros, or Kefalonia.

If you're planning to take a ferry from Italy to Greece, be sure to reserve a cabin for longer routes, especially if you're departing from Venice or Ancona. This will give you the privacy and possibility for sleep that you need during the 27-hour journey from Venice to Igoumenitsa or the 33-hour journey from Venice to Patras.

Routes

Boat Sailing
Credit: pexels.com, Boat Sailing

There are several ferry routes from Italy to Greece, but some are more popular than others.

The most frequent route is from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, which runs up to 10 times per week and takes about 7 hours.

Brindisi is the closest port in Italy to Greece, making it the shortest journey at about 8 hours per trip.

You can also consider sailing from Ancona to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras, which are all popular destinations in Greece.

The longest journey is from Venice to Patras, which takes about 35 hours.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes from Italy to Greece:

  • Ancona to Corfu: 15 hours (Summer only)
  • Ancona to Igoumenitsa: 17 hours
  • Ancona to Patras: 22.5 hours
  • Brindisi to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, or Patras

Some ferry routes offer overnight crossings, which can be a good option if you want to get some sleep during the journey.

Amenities on Board

As you cruise from Italy to Greece by ferry, you can start with your suntan! Most ferries have a small pool at the top decks, which is typically small but good enough for cooling down.

A lone fishing boat sails on the calm Mediterranean Sea under a clear blue sky in Fregenae, Italy.
Credit: pexels.com, A lone fishing boat sails on the calm Mediterranean Sea under a clear blue sky in Fregenae, Italy.

Around the pool, there are open decks where passengers can experience the sun and a drink at the pool bar. You can also enjoy the view and work on your tan while swimming.

Most vessels have 2 restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One is a self-service restaurant and the other is a la carte, so be sure to study the menu posted at the doorway and note the charges.

The meals on the eating places are excellent, and if money isn't an issue, you'll probably experience quality food.

Internet connection is available on the ferries to Greece. Some ferries have a small shared room where you can use a prepaid internet card, while others provide prepaid WiFi onboard.

Here's a breakdown of the internet options on ferries to Greece:

Keep in mind that internet connection is usually difficult and speed is commonly slow, however, in case you need to check your email inbox, it's more than enough. Onboard, there is no signal for phones, and you will be able to communicate by phone when the ship is close to the coast of Italy, Albania, or Greece.

Travel from Italy to Greece

Credit: youtube.com, GREECE to ITALY by FERRY | How to take the Superfast I Ferry from Igoumenitsa, Greece to Bari, Italy

If you're planning to travel from Italy to Greece by ferry, you have several options to choose from. Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, and Venice are the main Italian ports that offer ferry services to Greece.

Ferries from Brindisi to Greece depart to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Sami, and Zakynthos. The journey from Brindisi to Corfu takes around 7.5 hours, to Igoumenitsa takes 9 hours, to Patras takes 17 hours, and to Sami and Zakynthos takes around 16 and 20 hours respectively. These times are only available during the summer months.

You can take the ferry from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa with Grimaldi Lines, which takes around 8 hours and is the cheapest option. There is one daily crossing to Igoumenitsa and up to three weekly to Patras, depending on the time of year.

If you're heading to Corfu, you can take a direct ferry from Brindisi, Bari, or Ancona, or take a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu, which takes approximately 90 minutes and costs around €5.

Here's a summary of the ferry options from Brindisi to Greece:

Travel Information

Credit: youtube.com, Italy to Greece by Train and Ferry! How it works and sightseeing in Ancona! 💺 Holystic Trip 🚢

Ferries are a great way to travel from Italy to Greece, offering a pleasant and cost-effective experience with numerous activities on board.

You can enjoy the view and work on your tan at the same time by the swimming pool on the ferry.

Shopping therapy in the ship's stores is one of the best ways to spend your time constructively, with a wide variety of perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.

There's wireless access (WI-FI) throughout the trip, allowing you to stay connected with the world, just get the Wi-Fi cards from the ferry's reception.

The mainland ports, such as Igoumenitsa and Patras, are conveniently located near Athens, Europe's oldest capital, which is about 485 km away from Igoumenitsa and 211km away from Patras port.

Accommodation Options

When traveling to Greece from Italy by ferry, you have several accommodation options to consider.

You could opt for air-type seat tickets, which are reclining and very comfortable, much like the ones found in an aircraft, with lots of legroom.

Credit: youtube.com, European Travel Skills: Sorting Through Hotel Options - Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide

The most convenient option is to buy cabin tickets, which offer a snug and clean space with private toilets, showers, and clean towels.

All cabins have one electrical outlet (usually 220V) within the cabin and one (typically 110V) outlet within the lavatory, so you can stay charged and comfortable during your journey.

Discounts Offered?

You can find discounts for ferry tickets from Italy to Greece, so it's worth checking the ferry sites for deals. Student discounts are available, which can be a great perk for students traveling with friends.

Family discounts are also offered, making it more affordable for groups of people to travel together. Child discounts are available, too, which is a big help for families with kids.

Return ticket discounts can be a great way to save money if you're planning to travel back to Italy after visiting Greece. ADAC discounts are also available, which can be a benefit for those with membership.

Travel Details

Credit: youtube.com, Ferry to Greece: Ancona, Italy to Igoumenitsa, Greece (Minoan / Gimaldi)

Ferries are the most pleasant and cost-effective way to travel from Italy to Greece.

The journey offers numerous activities on board, including a swimming pool and clubs, bars, shops, and a casino.

You'll have a few hours to spend on the ferry, so shopping therapy in the ship's stores is a great way to pass the time.

On board, you'll find a wide variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, and local wines.

You can stay connected with the world through wireless access (WI-FI) throughout the trip.

Just get a Wi-Fi card from the ferry's reception, and you're good to go.

The distance from Igoumenitsa to Athens is about 485 km, and from Patras port to Athens is approximately 211 km.

Keep in mind that you can always visit Athens, Europe's oldest capital, with its unique architecture and numerous theatre stages.

Travel from Specific Ports

If you're planning to travel from Italy to Greece by boat, you have several port options to choose from. Ancona is a large port on the Adriatic Sea, and it's a great starting point for your journey.

Credit: youtube.com, Greece Ferries - Tickets, Routes, Ports, Boarding, Seating, & Luggage

Anek Superfast and Minoan Lines operate daily crossings from Ancona to Igoumenitsa, with a ferry duration of around 16-21 hours. You can also take a return ferry from Igoumenitsa to Ancona daily.

From Ancona, you can travel to Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Patras, with ferry crossings available 2-4 times a week depending on the destination.

If you're looking for a more direct route, Brindisi is the closest port to Greece, with journey times of around 8 hours to Igoumenitsa and 17 hours to Patras.

Here's a breakdown of ferry crossings from Brindisi to Greece:

  • Brindisi to Corfu: 7.5 hours (Summer only)
  • Brindisi to Kefalonia: 16 hours (Summer only)
  • Brindisi to Igoumenitsa: 9 hours
  • Brindisi to Patras: 17 hours

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Venice to Greece, with Anek Superfast ferries operating three weekly crossings to Patras and Igoumenitsa. The journey takes around 26 hours to Igoumenitsa and 33 hours to Patras on the overnight ferry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest ferry crossing from Italy to Greece?

The shortest ferry crossing from Italy to Greece is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes on the Brindisi - Corfu route. This direct route offers a convenient and relatively quick journey between the two countries.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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