An overview of ferries from Italy to Croatia with SNAV, Blue Line, Venezia Line, Jadrolinija and Emilia Romagna Lines to Hvar, Split, Rovinj, Zadar and Vis.
While many tourists arrive withcheap flights to Croatia from the UK, there is a growing trend of tourists who reach Croatia from Italy by ferry. With its 1185 islands and strong maritime tradition, sea travel is an established part of the Croatian way of life.
Italy is the only country with direct international connections with Croatia, but there is a wealth of choice available, both in departure ports and ferry companies. Here is a quick overview, with information sourced from the company websites.
Ferries from Italy with SNAV
There is a huge exodus from Italy to Croatia in late July as the whole country shuts down and appears to decamp to its Adriatic neighbour. In an attempt to meet at least some of the demand, SNAV operates a fast hydrofoil service directly from Pescara into the port of Starigrad on the popular island of Hvar, before continuing to Split and then returning to Pescara.
The service is the fastest connection from Italy, but is peak season only, from July 25 to August 25, departing Pescara at 1030 and arriving in Starigrad at 1445. With prices from Italy to Croatia currently advertised from 23 euro with car, this is certain to prove a popular crossing.
Ferries to Croatia with Jadrolinija
Jadrolinija is the national ferry company of Croatia and, if you plan to spend any time island hopping, it will become a familiar fixture of your holiday to Croatia. Its comprehensive summer timetable is usually updated in Spring with the Croatian ferry summer schedulenormally coming into effect at the end of May.
Internationally, it runs an overnight year-round service to Ancona from Split three times a week, increasing to five from July 9 to August 21. The ferries depart at 2100 in either direction and the journey time is about 12 hours. It should be noted that while international routes can be booked online, national routes cannot. Click here for more useful information about ferries in Croatia with Jadrolinija. Italy and Croatia are also connected by Jadrolinija ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik.
Venezia Lines
Connections to Venice from Croatia are excellent, courtesy of Venezia Lines, which operates a service to five Croatian destinations: Rovinj, Rabac, Pula, Porec and Mali Losinj. The 2011 timetable of ferries from Venice to Croatia begins on all routes on April 16 and ends on October 8. Given the close proximity of Venice, it is ideal for a day trip.
Ferries to Split, Vis and Hvar with Blue Lines
Blue Lines also operates a 12-month service from Split to Ancona, with departures 3-4 times a week in both directions, departing at 2030. Additional services to both Hvar and Vis will be available for peak season, although the timetable has not yet been published. It should be similar to the Ancona to Split timetable from 2010, which is currently on their website.
Emilia Romagna Lines
The fifth and final ferry company sailing from Italy to Croatia is Emilia Romagna Lines, who in 2010 operated summer services from Ravenna, Rimini, Pesaro and Cesenatico to Mali Losinj, Zadar and Rovinj. Their 2011 timetable of ferries to Croatia should be published on their website shortly.
Ferries can be very crowded in peak season and pre-booking and arriving early are advisable. Check the company website for any last minute changes to avoid disappointment and unnecessary stress.
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