Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa is the largest port in western Greece, serving about 2.5 million passengers annually. 

Read Ferryhopper's travel guide and discover useful info about the ferry port of Igoumenitsa, as well as travel tips about holidays in the town. Compare prices and book cheap ferry tickets online from Igoumenitsa to the islands of the northern Ionian Sea, as well as to the ports of Italy with no hidden fees!

Find useful info about:

• Igoumenitsa ferry port
• Vacation in Igoumenitsa

The city of Igoumenitsa and the northern pier of the port

Igoumenitsa ferry port

The port of Igoumenitsa is one of the most important ports in western Greece and serves routes to/from Italy and the Ionian Islands (Corfu and Paxi). The port is divided into 2 main areas, the central pier and the northern pier.

The central pier at the port of Igoumenitsa serves international ferry connections and it is located on the south coast of the city. The entrance to the pier is connected to the highway of Egnatia Odos and the gates, as well as the passenger terminal, are located near the entrance so they are easily accessible by car or on foot. Within walking distance from the pier, you can also find more restaurants and cafeterias for a quick snack before boarding.

The northern pier of the port is located closer to the city center and to the central bus station of Igoumenitsa, and it serves domestic ferry lines. The entrance to the pier is connected to Ag. Apostolon road and it is near shops, banks and restaurants. You can easily access the passengers' pier on foot as well as by car.

Ferries from Igoumenitsa port: schedules and tickets

There are regular ferry routes from Igoumenitsa to the Italian ports of Ancona, Venice, Bari, and Brindisi, as well as to the Ionian Islands of Corfu and Paxi. The ferry companies serving these routes are Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, Kerkyra Seaways, and Kerkyra Lines. 

Check all available ferry connections from the port of Igoumenitsa on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries!

Find the latest info on ferry schedules between Igoumenitsa - Ancona, Venice, Bari, Brindisi, Corfu, and Paxi below:

Ferries from Igoumenitsa to Italy

There are regular ferries from Igoumenitsa traveling to ports on the north as well as on the south of Italy. Below, you can find detailed information about Igoumenitsa crossings:

• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Ancona: the ferry crossing from Igoumenitsa to Ancona is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Greece to Italy. The Igoumenitsa-Ancona ferry trip ranges from about 15 to 22 hours and there are 1-2 ferry crossings per day. 
• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Venice: there are usually 2 weekly ferries from Igoumenitsa to Venice. Τhe duration of the ferry ride is around 24 hours. 
• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Bari: the Igoumenitsa-Bari ferry crossing is available with 1-2 daily sailings, with the trip duration being around 10 hours.
• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Brindisi: the Igoumenitsa-Brindisi ferry crossing is one of the most popular. It is usually available with 1-2 daily sailings, with the trip duration being around 8 to 9 hours.

Ferries from Igoumenitsa to the Ionian Islands

The port of Igoumenitsa is also the primary departure port to travel by ferry to Corfu and Paxi all year round. Find more info below: 

• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu: the Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry is available 23-25 times per day during peak season. The ferry duration ranges from approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxi: the Igoumenitsa - Paxi ferry crossing lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and it is available 1-2 times per day.

 Arriving at the port of Igoumenitsa by ferry

Where is the ferry port in Igoumenitsa?

The port of Igoumenitsa is located on the southwest coast of the region of Thesprotia, within walking distance from the center of Igoumenitsa town.

How to get to Igoumenitsa port?

You can reach Igoumenitsa either by road via the highway of Egnatia Odos or by bus from Thessaloniki, Ioannina, or Athens. More specifically:

• By car/motorbike to Igoumenitsa: if you take the highway of Egnatia Odos (A2) all the way to the west it will lead you directly to the entrance of the central pier of the port. For the northern pier, you turn at the exit ‘Igoumenitsa / Preveza’ and reach Ag. Apostolon (E92) road and following the signs you will find the port entrance a few minutes ahead. 
• By bus to Igoumenitsa: the Intercity bus services of KTEL Thesprotias have frequent routes to Igoumenitsa from Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Patras, and Athens. There are also regional buses that connect Igoumenitsa with smaller destinations in the prefecture such as Preveza or Parga. 

The nearest airport to the port of Igoumenitsa is the airport of Ioannina, ‘King Pyrros’, which is about a 1-hour drive from the port.

Parking at the port of Igoumenitsa

There is a free outdoor parking lot in the northern port of Igoumenitsa, very close to the departures of the domestic lines. In the city of Igoumenitsa, you will find private parking spaces, while free parking is also allowed in some of the streets near the port. Just make sure that you check the street signs before you park.

Vacation in Igoumenitsa

The city of Igoumenitsa is built in a large bay and the surrounding landscape combines the colors of the Ionian sea with beautiful mountain slopes. It is worth taking a walk on the promenade of Igoumenitsa and sitting at a coffee shop or dining at one of the traditional kafeneia or tavernas, while admiring the fantastic view of the coast. 

If you’re a historic buff, walking to the top of the Raion Hill is a must! Here you’ll find an ancient Byzantine monastery, one of the few historical buildings of Igoumenitsa.

Igoumenitsa and the region of Thesprotia are incredible places if you need peace and relaxation. It is also an ideal starting point for many road trips that pass through picturesque seaside towns as well as mountain villages. You can easily organize day trips from Igoumenitsa to the charming villages of Elaea, Parga and Syvota. 

Tip: if you’re interested in organizing a road trip to Greece departing from the port of Igoumenitsa, check our relevant blog post on road trips in Greece and the Greek islands.

 Impressive sunset at the bay of Parga

Beaches in Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa is part of the large coastline of Thesprotia (about 60 km) which extends from Sagiada in the north to Parga in the south. If you drive along the coast, either north or south of the port, you will find some of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in western Greece.

Here are the 7 most beautiful beaches in Igoumenitsa to check out:

• Drepano: sandy beach located just 5 km from the town of Igoumenitsa. It has umbrellas, sunbeds, canteens, and water sports facilities. 
• Makrigialos or Makrigiali: beach right next to Drepano, in the peninsula north of Igoumenitsa, with shallow waters perfect for families. One side of the beach has umbrellas and sunbeds, while the rest is quieter. 
• Keramidi: quiet, small pebble beach located north of Igoumenitsa, very close to the seaside settlement of Sagiada. It has clear blue waters and impressive vegetation. It also has umbrellas. 
• Mega Ammos: beach with white pebbles and turquoise waters at a distance of about 1.5 km from Sivota. It is organized offering sun beds, umbrellas, as well as snack bars and fish tavernes.
• Bella Vraka: one of the most famous beaches in the archipelago of Sivota which is approached by literally walking through the sea. It is small and sandy with crystal clear waters connecting Sivota to the islet of Mourtemeno. It has no facilities so make sure to go prepared.
• Karavostasi: one of the most famous beaches in the region of Thesprotia, located about 7 km from the settlement of Perdika. It is large and organized with white sand, clear and deep waters, and green hills surrounding it. Within walking distance, you can find tavernas, hotels and rooms to let. 
• Lychnos: one of the most popular beaches in Parga, it is located in a bay about 4 km from the main town. It has golden sand, clear blue waters and many facilities such as beach bars, umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, a mini market, tavernas, and hotels. Make sure to swim to the cave of Aphrodite and enjoy the impressive view of the bay.

A touch of exotic beauty at Drepano beach, close to the port of Igoumenitsa

Sightseeing in Igoumenitsa

Here are some attractions in and around Igoumenitsa not to be missed:

• Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa
• Art Gallery Gratsouna
• The Acheron springs, 2 km away from the village of Gliki in the mountains of Souli
• The Necromanteion of Acheron, an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone
• Archaeological Site and Museum of Nikopolis
• Archaeological Site of Cassope

The must-visit archaeological site of Cassope, close to Igoumenitsa

Nightlife in Igoumenitsa

The nightlife in Igoumenitsa is more intense during the summer due to the large influx of tourists, but at other times of the year, one can have fun in the city's various clubs.

There are also many cafes near the sea where you can enjoy a coffee or drink while admiring the view.

Food in Igoumenitsa

Here are some delicious dishes that we recommend you try during your stay in Igoumenitsa: 

• taramasalata (a fish roe based dip made of salted and cured roe of cod or carp)
• barbatus (fried fish that is traditionally served with several types of sauce)
• scrambled eggs with octopus
• stuffed eggplants
• traditional pies like kotopita (chicken pie) and rizopita (rice pudding phyllo pie)

Tip: to find the more local tavernas, try to avoid the restaurants in front of the port. Walk down to Eth. Antistasis instead.

Useful information about Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa has plenty of traveler amenities. In the port city you will find supermarkets, banks, ATMs, gas stations, post offices, and tourist services.

In terms of accommodation in Igoumenitsa, there are several hotels and rooms to let as well as a few campgrounds. During the summer months, many travelers to Igoumenitsa choose Sivota and Parga for their stay.

Although Igoumenitsa is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit is during spring and autumn.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Igoumenitsa

Here are some contacts that could prove useful during your stay in Igoumenitsa: 

• Igoumenitsa Port Authority: +302665099300
• General Hospital of Filiates: +302664360222
• Urgent Care Igoumenitsa: +302665361000
• Intercity bus services (KTEL Thesprotias):+302665022309
• Igoumenitsa Police:+302665029600

Transportation in Igoumenitsa

The small size of the town makes it easy to navigate.

Your vacation in Igoumenitsa will be as stress-free as possible thanks to the excellent network of public and private transportation options in the city. In case you decide to stay in Igoumenitsa just for a day, there are lockers available at the nearby KTEL bus station, which is conveniently located near the port. 

Although there are plenty of taxis and several bicycle rental shops in Igoumenitsa, the best way to explore the town is on foot. Of course, if you decide to rent a car or motorcycle it will provide you with greater freedom to travel at your own pace.

A ferry docked at the port of Igoumenitsa with the imposing hills in the background

Book ferry tickets online for Igoumenitsa

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book your ferry tickets from and to the port of Igoumenitsa in just a few clicks! Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Igoumenitsa, compare companies and prices, and book ferry tickets online with no extra fees!