Ancona Ferries

The port of Ancona plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 4 ferry companies, Ancona serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Ancona, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Split - Ancona connecting Ancona with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Grimaldi Lines, Superfast Ferries, SNAV run regular services from Ancona, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Ancona offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Ancona is well-connected to Italy's transportation network, making it easily accessible for ferry travelers. The city is served by the A14 motorway, linking it to Bologna (about 2 hours north) and Bari (4 hours south). Train connections are excellent, with regular services from Rome (3-4 hours) and Milan (4-5 hours) arriving at Ancona's central station, just a short bus ride from the ferry terminal. For international travelers, Ancona Falconara Airport offers flights from several European cities, with shuttle buses connecting to the city center. The ferry terminal itself features ample parking facilities for those arriving by car, with both short-term and long-term options available.

Perched on Italy's eastern coastline, Ancona stands as a proud maritime city where history and seafaring traditions blend seamlessly. This bustling port city serves as a vital connection point between Italy and the eastern Mediterranean, with ferries departing regularly to Croatia, Greece, and Albania. Visitors to Ancona are greeted by an authentic Italian atmosphere, complete with historic architecture, stunning coastal views, and the rich flavors of Adriatic cuisine.

Ancona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The peak season runs from June to September, when temperatures hover between 25-30°C (77-86°F) – perfect for combining ferry travel with beach time at nearby coastal spots. May and October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and more competitive ferry rates, making them ideal for travelers seeking a balanced experience. Winter visitors will find a more authentic local atmosphere, though some ferry routes operate on reduced schedules. The annual Adriatic Mediterranean Festival in September brings music and cultural events to the city, while the Feast of San Ciriaco (the city's patron saint) on May 4th offers a glimpse into local traditions.

Ancona serves as a premier jumping-off point for exploring the Adriatic and beyond. Ferries connect the city to Split, Croatia (approximately 11 hours), offering access to Dalmatia's stunning coastline and historic sites. The Greek destinations of Igoumenitsa (15 hours) and Patras (21 hours) open doors to exploring Greece's mainland and the Ionian islands. Travelers can also reach Durrës, Albania in about 9 hours, gateway to this emerging Mediterranean destination with its blend of Ottoman, Italian and communist-era heritage. The ferry journeys themselves are part of the adventure, with many routes offering stunning views of the Adriatic coastline, especially the scenic approach to Split with its island-dotted horizon.

Ancona rewards visitors with a blend of historical treasures and authentic Italian experiences within easy reach of the ferry terminal. The imposing Cathedral of San Ciriaco crowns the city from Guasco Hill, offering panoramic views across the harbor and Adriatic Sea. The well-preserved Arch of Trajan near the port marks the entrance to what was once the Roman harbor. Food enthusiasts should sample local specialties like brodetto all'anconetana (fish stew) and vincisgrassi (a rich, local variation of lasagna) at the trattorias in the historic Rione di Capodimonte neighborhood. The Passetto area combines a charming beach with a striking war memorial and caves carved into the cliffs, perfect for a pre-departure stroll just a short bus ride from the ferry terminal.

Ancona's name derives from the Greek word 'ankon,' meaning 'elbow,' referring to the distinctive promontory that curves into the Adriatic and creates the city's natural harbor. The port has been continuously operational since Roman times, with Emperor Trajan commissioning its expansion in 115 AD. Ancona is home to one of Italy's oldest lighthouses, the Lanterna, which has guided ships safely to harbor since 1860. The city was heavily bombed during World War II due to its strategic importance, with local residents finding shelter in a network of tunnels beneath the city that can still be toured today.