Traveling from Italy to Greece by car, camper or caravan

Are you planning a trip from Italy to Greece and want your vehicle with you? No problem! All ferries operating the crossings between Italy and Greece can transfer your car, camper or caravan! Vroom, vroom! Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the ultimate Greek adventure!

Find all the information you need on Ferryhopper, take a look at the available offers and follow our tips for the most beautiful places in Greece:

• Why should I take my vehicle on the ferry from Italy to Greece?
• Where do I board my car, camper or caravan to travel from Italy to Greece?
• Ideas for a road trip from Patras and Igoumenitsa
• Offers and discounts on the Italy - Greece ferries

The busy port of Brindisi in Italy

Why should I take my vehicle on the ferry from Italy to Greece?

There is nothing quite as exciting as being able to pull over anytime you want at a beautiful spot, sit there and enjoy breathtaking views. Traveling with your own vehicle opens up a whole new level of freedom and spontaneity. 

Are you dreaming of sugary sand and turquoise waters or can’t wait to hike on Mount Parnassus, meet and greet the 9 muses? Well, your vehicle is the main component of this happiness equation and here are 6 good reasons why:

1. Get the most of the Mediterranean scenery, combining a road trip from central Europe to Italy with a ferry crossing in the Adriatic sea. 
2. Before boarding the ferry to Greece, you can visit some of the most amazing Italian cities such as Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindisi and explore the beautiful villages of Alberobello and Polignano a Mare along the way to the port.
3. The ferries operating the routes from Italy to Greece offer many amenities for all passengers to ensure a pleasant journey.
4. Spending the night on a ferry bed cabin is an excellent choice as you save money from a hotel room, enjoy a good sleep and wake up the following day fresh and ready to set off!
5. The ferry companies operating the routes from Italy to Greece usually have discounts and exclusive offers for campers or caravans. So, it’s a win-win situation as you enjoy the comfort of your vehicle while also taking advantage of the ferry’s services!
6. By boarding your vehicle, you are free to go whenever you want without having to check time schedules or book bus tickets in advance for your trip. Traveling by car or campervan gives you access to locations that other means of transport cannot always reach.

Where do I board my car, camper or caravan to travel from Italy to Greece?

The 6 reasons you should travel with your vehicle were pretty convincing, so we got you on board! But, wait! At this point, you’re probably wondering where we depart from! 

The Italian ports serving connections with Greece are Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, and Venice. You can choose the port of departure depending on your destination and travel plans in Greece.

You can reach the ports of Patras located in the Peloponnese or Igoumenitsa in the Epirus region by ferry. There are several daily connections to both ports all year round. If you are thinking of having your trip in the summer, keep in mind that ferry crossings also operate from the Italian ports to the islands of Corfu and Kefalonia.

Can’t wait to hop on a ferry with your vehicle to Greece? Read on to find out more information about the available ferry routes from Italy to Greece, get inspired and organize the best vacation plan!

Ferry routes between Italy and Greece

Thanks to the maritime connections between Italy and Greece, you can reach the peninsula’s ports throughout the year and travel to some of the most beautiful Greek islands of the Ionian Sea in the summer. 

The most famous companies operating the routes between Greece and Italy are Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways, Grimaldi Lines, Ventouris Ferries, and Anek Superfast.

Here you can see the most popular ferry routes from Italy to Greece:

• Bari - Patras ferry
• Bari - Corfu ferry
• Brindisi - Igoumenitsa ferry
• Ancona - Patras ferry
• Ancona - Igoumenitsa ferry
• Venice - Patras ferry

Tip: check out our blog and find more information on 2024 ferry connections from Italy to Greece, travel times, various fares, and discounts.

The port of Ancona in the crimson sunset

Ideas for a road trip from Patras and Igoumenitsa

Do you want to visit the third-largest city in Greece and explore the northwestern part of Peloponnese on wheels? Then, Patras port is your next destination!

However, if you’re planning to discover the beauty of northern Greece, the port of Igoumenitsa on the northwestern coast of the country is a great starting point for your road trip! Igoumenitsa is also opposite the island of Corfu and close to the borders of Albania.

So, does your compass point north or south? You know what? Not important! Patras and Igoumenitsa ports are great starting points of departure to kick off an awesome road trip to Greece with your vehicle! 

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with all this info? We don’t mean to brag but the Ferryhopper Team prepared the most fun road trip routes in Greece for you! So, grab a notebook and a pen or simply pinpoint all our stops on the map! Should we start the engine?

What to see in Greece when arriving in Patras

The port of Patras is a great option if you want to visit the capital of Greece, Athens! From one Ferryhopper to another, we are telling you that a road trip to the Peloponnese is an earthshaking experience with diverse landscapes, stunning views and wild beauty along the way. 

Starting from Patras, you can head southwest towards Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games. Trundle along the beautiful valley and pull over at the scenic confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers. The archaeological site of Ancient Olympia includes the massive Temple of Zeus, cult buildings and treasuries.

Leaving behind the glorious past of Ancient Greece, your journey then takes you to the enchanting era of the Middle Ages. It’s time to explore the charming castles of Koroni and Methoni in Messenia. The castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification with a long coast that is also a nesting site for Caretta caretta turtles.

Next in line is the stone village of Areopoli in Mani and the medieval town of Monemvasia, carved on the slopes of a rock. Hitting the road again, continue north and reach the city of Nafplio and the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

Last stop in Athens! The capital of Greece is a vibrant city all year round. Its attractions, events, bars, tavernes, and lively nightlife is ready to enchant you! Stroll around the city center among its historic districts such as Plaka, Monastiraki and Thiseio, and visit the world-renowned Parthenon and Acropolis.

Tip: ferries and hydrofoils depart daily from Athens’ 3 ports (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio). Just hop on a ferry and discover the best places for a day trip from Athens!

A campervan parked in front of the Monemvasia peninsula

What to see in Greece when arriving in Igoumenitsa

The port of Igoumenitsa is a great starting point for exploring different places in central and northern Greece. Among the most beautiful destinations to spend a few days in total relaxation are Meteora and the Halkidiki peninsula:

• Meteora is about 2-3 hours from Igoumenitsa. To get there, you should cross the A2/E90 motorway and pass between the imposing mountains of Pindos. We avoid using the word unique but Meteora is definitely one of a kind! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its massive rock formations, perched Byzantine monasteries and mystical atmosphere.
• Halkidiki is a peninsula south of the city of Thessaloniki and one of the most popular destinations for summer vacation by the beach. It’s a 4-hour drive from Igoumenitsa by taking the A2/E90 highway and worth every minute of it! Halkidiki is made up of 3 peninsulas resembling the fingers of a hand and is ideal for lovers of turquoise beaches, nature and camping. There are several campsites to bunk down for a few days with your camper or caravan, just next to the sea.

Tip: taking the E55 road from Igoumenitsa takes you to the Ionian island of Lefkada! Being connected to the mainland by a bridge, it’s only a 60-minute drive from Igoumenitsa.

The breathtaking landscape of Sithonia beach in Halkidiki

Offers and discounts on the Italy - Greece ferries

You’re already planning to take the ferry to Greece and travel with your vehicle! Now, let’s check all the available offers and net yourself a superb escape that won’t break the bank! 

So, the ferry companies operating the connections from Italy to Greece often provide enticing early-booking discounts for booking your ferry tickets well in advance. The best part is that the discounts usually apply to both passengers and vehicles so you can enjoy substantial savings right from the start!

Normally, there are also camping-on-board or camping-all-inclusive offers, as well as discounts for camper / automobile associations that often include:

• Onboarding seating and parking seat on the deck for your vehicle
• Access to showers, toilets, use of power sockets, and access to all public areas onboard, such as bars and restaurants.
• Accommodation in a camper or cabin, depending on the ferry operator.
• Discounts on drinks and meals served at the ferry’s restaurant 

Keep in mind that you can find all available offers for vehicles and passengers on Ferryhopper.

A Minoan Lines ferry sailing near the Greek coast

Book ferry tickets from Italy to Greece

Are you counting the days to catch the ferry to Greece with your car, camper or caravan and have the most fun road trip around the country? Compare ferry companies and fares, discover tips for your holidays from Italy to Greece and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.