crossing the adriatic - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Five Horizons · 02-07-2006, 11:53 AM

Howdy,
This summer (early June to mid/late August) I am going to be backpacking through Europe. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for dealing with the ferries from Bari, Brindisi or Ancona, Italy to Patras, Greece or the crossings between Bari, Italy and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Basically, I'm wondering if ferries are the way to go, in terms of price, time, convience etc. I will have a Euraiol pass so I know my crossing from Italy to Greece and back is covered. Also, I was wondering if it would be worth is to cross the Adriatic again after that to explore Croatia (split, dubrovnik, hvar, korcula). Oh, and one final question: do I need to make reservations for these ferries and, if so, how far in advance?

Thanks
James

**tumblezweedz** · 02-08-2006, 06:57 AM

I don't have a lot of info, though I'm sure you'll be getting some answers pretty soon - I have an old timetable that indicates the crossing from Bari to Dubrovnik is an overnight one, about 8-9 hours. That's definitely faster than any land route would be. As for is it worth it, as far as I can discover, Dubrovnik is one of the most incredible places on earth - which would make it worthwhile for me!

**Esterina** · 02-08-2006, 07:32 AM

My infos are out of the 2001 Lonely Planet. It says there is a Bari-Dubrovnik line 3 times a week that lasts 9 hours and costs some $40 (in 2001). There are several other connecting lines between the two countries, such as Ancona-Split (10 hours, $40), Venice-Zadar (14,5 hours, L90 000).

The most scenic section of a trip along the coast would be between Dubrovnik and Split. The rest of the coast is usually travelled by night, 13 hours, from Split to Rijeka. Deck fare are $25 (192 KN) for the whole coastal trip, and you pay extra fees for seats, and upon reservation (recommended in advance) a 4-berth cabin starts at $42. All tickets must be bought at an agency or Jaladrolina office (the operator).

All coastal cities offer short organized tours on the Adriatic. Tickets are sometimes bought on the boat, sometimes at an agency. Your hotel/hostel will provide you infos. No advance booking needed.

Five Horizons · 02-08-2006, 08:28 PM

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it.

**ajb3000** · 02-09-2006, 10:32 AM

Definitely go to Dubrovnik if you can, check out my pictures from last summer here: Dubrovnik. I only had time to spend 2 days in Croatia, so spent them both in Dubrovnik, but I really want to travelling all along the coast at some point.

sydneycouple · 07-28-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ajb3000@Feb 10 2006, 05:32 AM
Definitely go to Dubrovnik if you can, check out my pictures from last summer here: Dubrovnik.* I only had time to spend 2 days in Croatia, so spent them both in Dubrovnik, but I really want to travelling all along the coast at some point.

[snapback]101971[/snapback]

Nice one mate! My wife and I are going to Zagreb, Rijeka, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik for a week and a half at the end of August and can't f*ken wait.

Anyone else know much about the night-life in the Croatian islands?

Five Horizons · 02-09-2006, 08:22 PM

Wow. Those shots are incredible. I don't think I can pass that up. Dubrovnik makes the "must visit" list. Thanks.

**MolsonGirl** · 02-10-2006, 03:11 PM

I did the ferry across the adriatic from Venis to Corfu... 24 hours... VERY cold at night.. try to have a friend with ya... otherwise it was very cash efficient, and just make sure you have a book and a sleeping bag( or blanket of somekind)... I'd do it again if I had to... it's quite beautiful.

Jillian · 02-23-2006, 05:54 PM

I was looking on bluestarferries.com for a ferry from Bari to Patras and the prices were listed (for high season) between 81-101 Euros. Is this normal or are there cheaper ferries from southern Italy to Greece?

**omisan** · 02-24-2006, 01:05 AM

There is only one ferry between Bari and Patras at 8pm every day, and the rack rate for deck accommodation in June is around $75US. Information and online booking are available through http://aferry.to

For the 8-hour Bari/Dubrovnik crossing, the route is serviced by Jadrolinija. Fares start at 36.50€, as quoted at: http://www.viamare.com/jadrolinija-bari-dubrovnik.html

Both those sites should cover just about all your European ferry needs!