The Italy–Greece ferry market is compact but competitive. Most operators serve just one or two routes, and several have commercial arrangements with each other – so you may find tickets sold under different brand names for the same sailing. Whatever you choose, all the fares below are bookable in a single search via our price comparison.
Superfast Ferries
Superfast Ferries earns its name: its ships are among the fastest on the Adriatic, cutting crossing times noticeably compared with older tonnage. The fleet is modern, and the on-board experience leans towards the premium end – think proper restaurants, well-maintained cabins and wide open-air deck space. Superfast operates out of both Ancona and Bari, covering the two busiest Italian departure ports for Greece.
On the Ancona–Patras corridor, Superfast often runs in a commercial codeshare with ANEK Lines, meaning you may book on one brand but sail on the other's vessel – or vice versa. This is standard practice on the route and makes no difference to the ticket or the on-board experience. For travellers heading to Bari–Igoumenitsa, Superfast is frequently the premium choice, with the fastest crossing times and the most comfortable on-board facilities of the operators on that route.
Best for: travellers who prioritise comfort and speed, and don't mind paying a little more for a reliable, modern ship.
ANEK Lines
ANEK Lines is one of Greece's most established ferry companies, with roots going back to the 1960s. On the Italy–Greece routes it focuses on Ancona and Venice, sailing to Patras with intermediate calls at Igoumenitsa. The Venice–Patras sailing in particular is a classic long-haul crossing that suits travellers coming from northeast Italy, Austria or Slovenia who want a leisurely, scenic voyage across the Adriatic.
As mentioned above, ANEK frequently operates a joint service with Superfast Ferries on the Ancona–Patras corridor, so tickets for both companies often reflect the same sailing. ANEK's own fleet has a slightly more traditional feel than Superfast – solid and reliable, with a loyal following among travellers who have used the route for years. Cabin standards are good, and the ships have restaurants, bars and ample deck space. Prices often sit at or slightly below Superfast for comparable dates.
Best for: those departing from Venice or northern Italy, and fans of the classic Greek ferry atmosphere who want value alongside comfort.
Minoan Lines
Minoan Lines is part of the Italian Grimaldi Group, but it operates as a distinct brand aimed at the premium end of the Ancona–Patras market. Its flagship ships – the Knossos Palace and Olympia Palace class – are large, modern cruise ferries with an emphasis on comfort: good restaurants, well-appointed cabins, shopping areas and panoramic lounges. The on-board experience is closer to a short cruise than a utility crossing.
Minoan's Ancona–Patras service is particularly popular with Italian travellers and those who want a genuine overnight voyage with proper amenities. Booking early is advisable in summer, as the more popular cabin categories (sea-view cabins, suites) sell out weeks ahead. Campervan travellers also use Minoan regularly – the ships have good vehicle deck capacity and camping-on-board tariffs are available.
Best for: travellers who want a cruise-ferry experience, comfortable cabins and premium on-board service on the Ancona–Patras route.
Grimaldi Lines
Grimaldi Lines is the volume-focused arm of Italy's Grimaldi Group on the Adriatic, covering both Ancona–Patras and the southern route Brindisi–Igoumenitsa. Where Minoan (also Grimaldi Group) pitches itself at the comfort market, Grimaldi Lines is firmly positioned as the best-value option for drivers and campervan travellers. Fares are consistently competitive, and the operator actively courts the motorhome and car-with-family segment.
The Brindisi–Igoumenitsa route is Grimaldi's shortest crossing – around 8 hours – and is a particularly good option if you are already in Puglia or arriving in Italy from the south. It is a no-fuss daytime sailing that drops you in northwestern Greece ready to head inland. On the Ancona route, Grimaldi Lines offers a practical alternative to the premium operators at a lower price point. Vehicle space is generous and the company is well organised for large vehicle check-in. The camper community regards Grimaldi as one of the most straightforward operators to deal with.
Best for: budget-conscious drivers, campervan travellers, and anyone departing from Brindisi or southern Italy.
Ventouris Ferries
Ventouris Ferries is a smaller, family-run Greek operator that has served the Bari–Igoumenitsa corridor for decades. It also calls at Corfu, making it a convenient option if you want to arrive directly on the island without a separate domestic ferry connection. Ventouris is the budget choice on the Bari route: fares are typically the lowest available, the ships are older but serviceable, and the crossing is short enough (around 9–10 hours overnight) that cabin comforts matter less.
If you are travelling on a tight budget and do not need the speed or modernity of Superfast, Ventouris is worth considering. It is a solid, no-surprises operator for a straightforward overnight crossing. Booking is available through price comparison portals, and availability is generally good outside peak summer.
Best for: budget travellers on the Bari–Igoumenitsa run, and those wanting a direct connection to Corfu from Bari.
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries – like Superfast, part of the Attica Group – does not operate direct sailings between Italy and Greece. Its relevance for Italy–Greece travellers comes after arrival: Blue Star is the dominant domestic ferry operator for the Greek Aegean islands, running regular services from Patras and Piraeus (Athens' main port) to the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros), the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos) and other island chains.
If your trip involves reaching the Greek islands, your likely itinerary is: Adriatic ferry from Italy → Patras → road or rail to Piraeus → Blue Star (or competing Greek domestic operator) → your island. Blue Star accepts campervans on many domestic routes too, making it a logical second leg for motorhome travellers wanting to explore beyond the mainland. Tickets for Blue Star domestic routes are best booked separately once you have confirmed your international crossing.
Best for: the onward journey from mainland Greece to the Aegean islands – not the Italy–Greece leg itself.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Not sure which operator suits you? The table below summarises the key differences at a glance.
| Operator | Routes | Style & ships | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superfast Ferries | Ancona–Patras · Bari–Igoumenitsa | Modern, fast, premium comfort | Speed + comfort seekers |
| ANEK Lines | Ancona–Patras · Venice–Patras | Traditional Greek line, good value, codeshare with Superfast on Ancona | Venice/Ancona, price-conscious comfort |
| Minoan Lines | Ancona–Patras | Cruise ferries, premium on-board experience | Travellers wanting cruise-ferry comfort |
| Grimaldi Lines | Ancona–Patras · Brindisi–Igoumenitsa | Italian operator, excellent value, camper-friendly | Budget drivers, camper travellers, Brindisi departures |
| Ventouris Ferries | Bari–Igoumenitsa · Bari–Corfu | Small Greek operator, older ships, lowest fares on Bari route | Budget travellers, direct Corfu connection |
| Blue Star Ferries | Patras/Piraeus → Greek islands | Modern domestic ferry fleet, Aegean island network | Onward travel to the Greek islands |
Booking tip: compare first, then choose
Many travellers are surprised to find that the same sailing date can have quite different prices across operators on the same route. A quick search across all operators at once – using the live comparison on our homepage – takes 30 seconds and often surfaces significant savings, especially if you are flexible by a day or two.
Which Operator Should You Book?
If comfort and speed are your priorities on the main Ancona or Bari routes, Superfast Ferries is the default choice. If you want a similarly comfortable experience with a traditional Greek feel – and you are departing from Venice – ANEK Lines is the natural fit. For a premium cruise-ferry atmosphere specifically on Ancona–Patras, look at Minoan Lines.
If you are travelling with a motorhome or campervan and value for money matters, Grimaldi Lines consistently offers competitive fares and is well set up for large vehicles. It is also the only operator serving Brindisi–Igoumenitsa. For the shortest, most affordable overnight crossing from Bari, Ventouris Ferries is a solid no-frills option – and it adds a direct Corfu call that the other Bari operators do not cover.
Whatever the choice, live prices fluctuate with season and demand. The comparison below shows you current fares from all operators for your dates side by side – no need to check six websites separately.
See live prices from all operators
Enter your route, travel date and vehicle type – we show you real-time fares from Superfast, ANEK, Minoan, Grimaldi and Ventouris in one place.
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