Mediterranean Ferry Routes — Greece, Italy, Croatia

# Mediterranean Ferry Routes — Greece, Italy, Croatia

The Mediterranean Sea connects three fascinating countries — Greece, Italy, and Croatia — making it easy to plan a trip that includes island hopping, charming towns, and breathtaking beaches. If you're looking for an original, comfortable, and memorable way to travel from a Greek island to an Italian city or to explore the Dalmatian coast, ferries are the ideal solution. This guide provides efficient route planning, practical tips for crossing between destinations, on-the-ground insights, budget considerations, and direct links for booking major ferry routes.

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## Recommended Itinerary Structure

**Classic 12–16 Day Trip Suggestion:**  
- Athens (Greece)  
- Major Islands: Mykonos, Santorini  
- Western Greece: Corfu  
- Ferry to Italy: Brindisi/Bari  
- Amalfi Coast: Naples, Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi  
- Cross the Adriatic to Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Dalmatian Islands (Hvar, Korčula, Bol)  
- Finish in Zagreb or Venice

**Why this route?**  
It lets you experience the highlights of each country, skip long overland journeys, and soak up authentic maritime atmosphere.

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## Greece: Cycladic Islands & The West

### Athens to the Islands: Mykonos and Santorini

- **Frequent, convenient ferries from Piraeus (Athens' port):**
  - [Piraeus – Mykonos](/routes/piraeus-mykonos)
  - [Piraeus – Santorini](/routes/piraeus-santorini)

**What to know:**  
Ferries between Piraeus (Athens) and the islands run with various companies (Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries, Bookaway), offering both fast (2–5 hours) and regular sailings. Fast ferries save time but cost more. In peak season (June–September), sailings fill up quickly — book early.

**Insider tip:**  
Modern ships offer great comfort, but traditional lines often have more open deck space for enjoying the views. Check the ferry model before booking.

- [Mykonos – Santorini](/routes/mykonos-santorini)  
- [Santorini – Heraklion (Crete)](/routes/heraklion-santorini)

### From the Islands to Western Greece: Corfu

If you want to branch out from the famous islands to the less-touristed west:

- Athens (Piraeus) – Corfu

**Insight:**  
Not all sailings are direct — sometimes you'll need a short overland transfer. Corfu itself has a distinct Italian vibe, lush beaches, and is a convenient jumping-off point for Italy.

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## Greece to Italy: Crossing the Ionian Sea

The sea routes between Greece and Italy are among the oldest and most convenient for travelers, especially during summer.

- Corfu – Bari (Italy)
- Corfu – Brindisi
- Igoumenitsa (Greece) – Brindisi
- Patras – Bari

**Which to choose?**  
Longer ferry crossings (usually overnight) offer cabins, restaurants, and open decks. Corfu departures are shorter but have fewer cabins — book early for a comfortable night's sleep.

**Seasonal insight:**  
Demand peaks in July–August. In winter, sailings are reduced and some routes may not operate at all — always check availability and book ahead.

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## Italy: Southern Coast & Islands

### From Naples and the Islands: Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi

- [Naples – Capri](/routes/naples-capri)
- [Capri – Sorrento](/routes/naples-sorrento)
- Sorrento – Amalfi
- [Naples – Sorrento](/routes/naples-sorrento)

**Recommendation:**  
Ferries between Naples, Capri, Sorrento, and Amalfi are especially frequent in summer, offering some of Italy’s most stunning coastal views. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for morning sailings — the sea is usually calmer.

**Insider tip:**  
The short ferry from Capri to Sorrento saves hours on winding roads, and the view of the Amalfi Coast from the water is a must-see.

### Continuing to Sicily or Northwards

- Naples – Palermo (Sicily)  
- Catania – Venice (to connect south to north)

**Tip:**  
Overnight sailings (like Naples to Palermo) are a great way to save on hotel costs and arrive refreshed at your next destination.

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## Italy to Croatia: Crossing the Adriatic

The most convenient way to travel from Italy to Croatia is by ferry from Venice or Ancona to Dalmatian cities.

- Venice – Pula
- [Venice – Rijeka](/routes/venice-rome)
- Venice – Split

**Insight:**  
These ferries are especially popular July–September, particularly for travelers with rental cars. Sailings usually take 3–6 hours, depending on your destination. Note that not all lines run outside the high season — options are limited in winter.

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## Croatia: The Dalmatian Coast & Islands

### Dubrovnik, Split, and the Islands

- [Dubrovnik – Split](/routes/dubrovnik-split)
- [Split – Hvar](/routes/split-hvar)
- [Split – Korčula](/routes/split-korcula)
- [Split – Bol (Brač Island)](/routes/zagreb-bol-brac-island)

**Recommendation:**  
Ferries in Croatia operate like sea buses — frequent, affordable, and many allow you to bring bicycles or cars (on specific routes). Book ahead in hot months (July–August), especially for popular islands.

**Insider tip:**  
Morning sailings offer calm waters and incredible views of the Dalmatian islands. You can also pair a ferry to Split with a visit to Plitvice Lakes — a must for nature lovers.

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## Budget Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

- **Price range:** Short ferries (1–2 hours) usually cost €15–40, mid-length rides (3–6 hours) €35–70, and overnight ferries with cabins €60–150 per person (depending on cabin type).
- **Ticket types:** Some companies offer flexible tickets, upgrades to comfortable seats or cabins, and the option to bring a vehicle (for a significant extra fee).
- **Book in advance:** During peak season, tickets sell out quickly — especially for cabins on overnight routes and to popular islands.
- **Children & youth:** Most routes offer substantial discounts — check during booking.
- **Onboard services:** Most ferries have a café, USB charging, and sometimes WIFI, but don’t count on high-quality connections — download shows or music in advance.

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## Seasonal & Comfort Insights

- **Spring–summer:** The best time for Mediterranean ferry travel. All routes operate, the sea is generally calm, and scenery is at its best.
- **Greek and Italian holidays:** Expect extra crowds; book early.
- **Traveling with kids:** Choose newer, faster ferries that have play areas and spacious seating.
- **Traveling with a vehicle:** Check in advance which routes allow cars, and reserve a spot — car spaces are limited.

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## Practical Summary: How to Plan Effectively

1. **Plan your route around major ferry lines** — this ensures smooth transitions and saves unnecessary travel.
2. **Mix popular destinations with lesser-known gems** (like Corfu in Greece or Bol on Brač in Croatia).
3. **Opt for morning or evening sailings** — for calmer seas and efficient use of your time.
4. **Book early for summer** — especially on popular routes like [Piraeus – Santorini](/routes/piraeus-santorini), [Venice – Rijeka](/routes/venice-rome), [Dubrovnik – Split](/routes/dubrovnik-split).
5. **Use trusted platforms** such as Direct Ferries, Ferryhopper, Bookaway, or Omio — they make it easy to compare schedules, ticket types, and book securely.

A ferry journey across the Mediterranean opens up a world of possibilities — smart planning will ensure your trip is smooth, efficient, and truly memorable.