Yes, there are direct ferry routes from multiple Greek ports to Italy, including Igoumenitsa, Patras, and Corfu to Ancona, Venice, Bari, and Brindisi.
How long of a boat ride is it from Italy to Greece?
The ferry trip from Italy to Greece typically lasts between 5 and 24 hours, depending on the departure port in Italy and the arrival destination in Greece.
Take Bari to Igoumenitsa, for example—just 8–9 hours on the water. But Ancona to Patras? That’s more like 15–18 hours of open sea. The quickest hop is Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, clocking in at 6–7 hours. Always double-check schedules and weather before booking, because winter crossings often run less frequently and take longer.
Can you take a boat from Athens to Italy?
No, there are no direct ferries from Athens to Italy since Athens doesn’t sit on the coast—you’ll need to reach a ferry port like Patras or Igoumenitsa first.
From Athens, hop on a bus or train to Patras (about a 3-hour ride), then catch a ferry to Italy. The fastest combo? Patras to Bari, roughly 15 hours. If you’re heading to Corfu first, flights or ferries from Piraeus to Corfu (1–2 hours) can get you to Italy with a quick connection.
Is there a ferry from Corfu to Italy?
Yes, there are five regular ferry routes from Corfu to Italy, run by operators like ANEK Superfast, Ventouris Ferries, and European Seaways.
You can sail from Corfu to Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste, or Venice, with up to four daily departures in peak season. The shortest trip (Corfu–Bari) takes 8 hours, while the longest (Corfu–Venice) stretches past 24 hours. Summer bookings fill up fast, so reserve your cabin early to avoid disappointment.
Can you take a ferry from Greece to Italy?
Yes, ferries regularly run from Greece to Italy from ports like Igoumenitsa, Patras, and Corfu to Italian ports such as Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, and Venice.
Big names like Anek Superfast, Grimaldi Lines, Ventouris Ferries, and European Seaways dominate these routes. Summer sees the most departures, so plan ahead. Check operator sites like Anek Superfast or Ventouris Ferries for schedules and tickets.
What is the best way to travel from Greece to Italy?
Flying is the best way to travel from Greece to Italy, with over 50 direct flights daily between Athens and major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples.
Flights take just 1.5–2 hours and cost €40–€160 one-way. Ferries are cheaper but painfully slow (8–24 hours), and buses? Forget it—they can drag on for over a day. For maximum flexibility, fly into one city and out of another using budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air.
What is the best way to get from Greece to Italy?
The fastest way to travel by ferry is from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa, with up to two daily crossings by Grimaldi Lines and European Seaways.
This route shaves just 6–7 hours off your trip and works great if you’re bringing a car. Without one? Flying from Athens to Rome or Milan is way faster and easier. Compare schedules and prices across operators using Direct Ferries.
How do you get from Santorini to Italy?
To travel from Santorini to Italy without a car, take a ferry to Athens, then a flight or ferry to Italy—a total journey of 16–48 hours depending on connections.
Ferries from Santorini to Athens (Piraeus) take 2–5 hours. From there, fly to Rome, Milan, or Venice (2-hour flight) or catch a ferry to Italy from Patras or Igoumenitsa. Car ferries with bus segments (e.g., Santorini–Piraeus–Patras–Italy) can drag on for 46+ hours and cost €330–€550.
Can I travel to Italy from Greece?
Yes, travel to Italy from Greece is permitted as of 2026, with standard entry requirements for Schengen Zone travel.
As of 2026, no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements exist for travel between Greece and Italy, but bring a passport or EU ID just in case. Always verify the latest rules on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you go.
How do I get from Athens to Italy?
The fastest way from Athens to Italy is by air, with direct flights to Rome, Milan, and Naples taking 1h 45m to 2h 15m.
If you’re set on going overland, take a bus or train to Patras (~3 hours), then hop on a ferry to Bari or Ancona (~15–20 hours). The whole trip costs €95–€320 and takes 21–24 hours. Flying wins for convenience, but ferry + train combos offer a scenic alternative.
How far is Greece from Italy flying?
The shortest flying distance between Greece and Italy is 844 km (524 miles) between Athens and Rome.
Most flights cover this distance in about 1.5 hours. Popular routes include Athens–Milan, Thessaloniki–Venice, and Heraklion–Naples. Airlines like Aegean, ITA Airways, and Ryanair offer plenty of budget-friendly options.
Are Italy and Greece connected?
Yes, Italy and Greece are connected by sea, air, and diplomatic ties and have been for centuries.
Both countries are EU and Schengen Zone members, share maritime borders in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and work closely in Mediterranean initiatives. Over 2 million travelers cross between them every year by ferry and air.
How long does it take to take a boat to Italy?
Ferry trips from Greece to Italy take between 6 and 57 hours, depending on the route, operator, and conditions.
Short hops like Corfu–Bari take 8 hours, but long-haul routes like Patras–Venice can stretch past 36 hours. Most ferries offer overnight cabins—book early in summer to secure one. Factor in possible delays from weather or strikes when planning.
Can you fly from Corfu to Italy?
Yes, you can fly from Corfu to Italy, with direct flights to Rome, Milan, and other Italian cities.
With layovers, flights take about 4–5 hours and cost €19–€130 one-way. Seasonal routes are served by Aegean, Ryanair, and easyJet. For a faster connection, fly from Corfu to Athens (1.5 hours), then connect to Italy.
Can you take a train from Italy to Greece?
No direct train goes from Italy to Greece; you’ll need to take a train to Bari, then a ferry to Patras or Igoumenitsa.
Trains from major Italian cities reach Bari in 6–10 hours. From Bari, Superfast and other ferries take 15–18 hours to Patras. The whole journey can top 30 hours with transfers. Book train tickets via Trenitalia or Italo, and ferries on operator sites.
How do you get to Corfu from Italy?
To reach Corfu from Italy, take a ferry from Bari to Corfu, operated by Ventouris Ferries and Anek Superfast.
The 8–10 hour crossing runs 2–3 times weekly in each direction. From Corfu, you can island-hop in Greece or continue to Italy. Check seasonal schedules on Ferryhopper or operator sites—routes change frequently.
