Reaching Croatia by ferry is relatively easy as long as you're travelling from Italy. No ferry service exist from or to any other country (for example Greece, Montenegro or Turkey).
The only international ferry route to Dubrovnik is the one from the port of Bari (Puglia region in Italy). This service is seasonal (from June until end of November) with frequent sailings during the peak season months (July and August).
There are currently a wide range of ferry services that run between Italy and Croatia including those from:
This webpage contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Once you arrive to Bari, you can continue your travel within Italy by road (if travelling by car) or by train.
The high-speed train will take you to Rome in only 4 hours from where you can travel further to north, to visit great cities such as Florence, Bologna, Venice and Milan).
There is many places south of Bari, that are worth visiting. Choose from the picturesque cities of Alberobello and Matera or even Martina Franca, Altamura, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and Taranto.
Trainline will help you to find the best times and the cheapest train tickets for your journey. But be sure to book in-advance to ensure good deals!
Explore south of Italy on this tour to Alberobello and Matera (private or shared options are available!).
From Bari you can catch a ferry to Durrës (Albania) or to Greek ports of Corfu, Sami, Igoumenitsa and Patras.
This bike tour is a great combo of sightseeing of historic centre of Bari (Basilica of St. Nicholas, Cathedral of St. Sabinus and Swabian Castle) on bike and tasting delicious local food. On this tour you'll sample: focaccia Barese, panzerotti, craft beer, salami and cheese, burrata, local wine and gelato in the end. Finally, you'll have chance to pedal to modern part of Bari where shops, hotels and port is located. The time will pass quickly on this bike tour!
On this route, Jadrolinija operates car/passenger "Marco Polo" ferry, which has a capacity for up to 1100 people and around 270 cars. The ferry features 158 cabins which comes in range of 2, 3, 4 berth (inside and outside).
Onboard the ship you will find self-service restaurant with 222 seats, coffee bar, chapel, children's play area, a la carte restaurants and duty free shop.