When visiting the amazing country of Greece, it can be daunting to figure out where to visit and how to get there. While flying may be the easiest option, taking the Superfast Ferry to Greece from Italy is a great alternative to flying.
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Why Take the Superfast Ferry to Greece from Italy?
The Superfast Ferry is a great alternative to flying and a fun way to get to and from Greece as part of your Greece trip. While taking the Superfast Ferry to Greece may not be as fast as flying, it can be a more cost-effective option. Think of it as a 2-for-1: You get transportation and a hotel for one price. Routes leave from Venice, Ancona, and Bari in Italy and Patras and Igoumenitsa in Greece. All of these routes are overnight routes, so you do not have to waste your vacation time traveling! You travel as you sleep in a fabulous bed and get some time to relax.
What Tickets Can I Book?
Depending on your budget, different accommodations are offered when taking the Superfast Ferry to Greece. The cheapest is a spot to camp on the deck. This means you just find a spot on the deck and curl up. This is great for people who may be backpacking around Europe and already have things like blankets packed with them. With these tickets, there is not access to a shower, but there are regular bathrooms on board in public areas. These tickets start around €51 one way.
The next cheapest option is booking an airplane-style seat. Think of this like traveling overnight on an airplane. The seat may recline a bit, but it does not lie all the way flat. This might be worth the upgrade if you still want to save some cash but not sleep on the floor. These fares start at €60 one way.
The most popular option to book is the various types of rooms. You can choose to book a 2, 3, or 4 bed cabin. Some are interior, or you have the option to pay more for an outside cabin with a window. These rooms are pretty small and compact, but you get a private bathroom with a shower, and a decent bed to sleep in. These beds start at €95 one way and can run as much as €410 during peak season. There is a surcharge if you want a single cabin.
If you have a car, you also have the option to book a spot for that on the ferry. You can check out more specific pricing for seats and rooms here.
What is There to Do on the Ship?
On board the ship, there are a couple of restaurants and bars, a casino, a lounge, and a swimming pool. There is also plenty of deck space to get some air, take a walk, and watch the sunset. There is not a ton of entertainment, so make sure to bring things to entertain yourself if you get bored easily. There may be wifi access, but it can sometimes be not a great connection or you may have to pay for access.
Tips for Taking the Superfast Ferry To Greece from Italy
1. Bring your own food and drinks. The food onboard is not the best and there are not a ton of options. It is also a bit more expensive. Stop at the grocery store before boarding and grab anything you may need. You can bring on any food and beverages you would like (including alcohol).
2. Don’t expect the ship to have the amenities of a cruise ship. There is no entertainment (such as shows or bands) on board. There is a small place to shop, a pool, a casino, a small dance club, and bars. Besides that, bring your own entertainment.
3. Expect it to be crowded during the high season. The ship can get quite popular, especially during peak season. There may be long waits for food and lots of people crowded around the decks. Keep that in mind when traveling!
4. Pack lightly. The cabins are not huge, so there is not a ton of space for luggage, especially in the four person rooms. In some cases you do have the ability to check your bags, but bring just what you need with you for the night.
5. If you get motion sickness, make sure to pack medicine or seabands as sometimes the crossing can be pretty choppy.
My Experience on the Superfast Ferry
I have taken both the Ancona and Bari to Patras routes and the Patras to Ancona route twice. The first time, I was part of a tour group and traveling with my mom. The second time was part of my study abroad program so I was traveling with my friends and study abroad group.
The first time I took the Superfast Ferry to Greece, I had a two-person room. The second time, I had a four-person room. The four-person room with four people in it can be a bit cramped, but it is feasible for one night, especially if you are traveling on a budget.
Final Thoughts on Taking the Superfast Ferry to Greece
Overall, taking the Superfast Ferry to Greece may not be as quick as flying, but you get to see a plethora of gorgeous scenery, and it can be a more cost-effective option if you have the time. It is a fun addition to a Greece and Italy trip. If you have more time, spend time exploring all the Greek Islands, and you can take a ferry between them as well. Alternatively, head to Turkey and spend some time in the infamous Istanbul or head to Egypt to check out the Greek and Roman influences there.
